Andre the Giant Collectibles – Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, was a colossal figure in the world of professional wrestling. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing over 500 pounds, he was a force to be reckoned with both in and out of the ring. Andre’s larger-than-life persona, incredible athleticism, and unparalleled charisma made him a household name and a true wrestling icon. In this feature we look at life and career of this iconic reference with particular reference to collectibles and memorabilia associated with Andre.

Early Life

André René Roussimoff was born on May 19, 1946, in Grenoble, France. He was the third of five children and came from a family of Bulgarian and Polish descent. From a young age, it was apparent that Andre would be no ordinary child. At the age of 12, he was already 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 240 pounds. His incredible size was due to a condition called acromegaly, which led to an excess of growth hormones.

Despite his size, Andre led a relatively normal childhood, attending school and working on his family’s farm. However, his size soon made it difficult for him to continue with school, as he could no longer fit in the classroom or on the school bus. At the age of 14, he dropped out of school and began working various jobs to help support his family.

Entering the World of Wrestling

Andre’s foray into professional wrestling began in the early 1960s when he was discovered by wrestling promoter Frank Valois. Valois helped Andre develop his skills and introduced him to the wrestling circuit in France. From there, Andre went on to wrestle throughout Europe, earning a reputation as an unstoppable force in the ring. In 1970 he went to Japan and wrestled under the name Monster  Roussimoff, and in 1971 in North America.

Andre the Giant’s wrestling career in Japan played a significant role in shaping his global reputation as a fearsome and legendary competitor. During the early 1970s, Andre ventured to Japan to compete in the country’s burgeoning wrestling scene, which was gaining widespread attention due to its unique blend of athleticism and theatricality. He primarily wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), two of the most prominent promotions of the era. Japanese fans were captivated by Andre’s imposing size and strength, which stood out even more in contrast to the typically smaller Japanese wrestlers. His matches against the likes of Antonio Inoki, Giant Baba, and Jumbo Tsuruta became instant classics and showcased the versatility and adaptability of his in-ring style.

As mentioned 1971, Andre arrived in North America, where he would ultimately make his mark on the wrestling world. He began wrestling for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, later WWF, and now WWE), and quickly became a fan favorite. His incredible size, coupled with his surprising agility and athleticism, made him a dominant force in the ring.

Andre the Giant The Eighth Wonder of the World

Andre’s wrestling career was filled with memorable moments and unforgettable matches. He was involved in epic rivalries with legendary wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Big John Studd, and King Kong Bundy. One of his most famous matches took place at WrestleMania III in 1987, where he faced off against Hulk Hogan. The match is remembered for the iconic moment when Hogan body-slammed the colossal Andre, a feat thought to be impossible.

Throughout his career, Andre became known as “The Eighth Wonder of the World” due to his awe-inspiring size and presence. He was not only an incredible wrestler but also a beloved character outside the ring. Andre’s friendly nature and sense of humor endeared him to fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Andre the Giant’s wrestling career came to an end in the early 1990s due to his declining health. He passed away on January 27, 1993, at the age of 46. Despite his untimely death, Andre’s impact on the wrestling world is still felt today. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993, solidifying his place as a true wrestling legend.

Andre the Giant’s legacy extends beyond the wrestling ring as well. He appeared in several films and television shows, most notably as Fezzik in the beloved film “The Princess Bride.” His larger-than-life persona continues to captivate fans, and his name remains synonymous with the golden age of professional wrestling

Andre the Giant Collectibles and Memorabilia

For fans of Andre the Giant and professional wrestling, collecting memorabilia associated with the Eighth Wonder of the World is a rewarding hobby. From wrestling figures and collectibles to autographs and apparel, Andre the Giant’s legacy lives on through the vast array of memorabilia available to collectors.

Andre the Giant Wrestling Figures

Wrestling figures have always been popular among fans, and Andre the Giant figures are no exception. Over the years, various toy manufacturers have produced a range of Andre the Giant figures, capturing his likeness and iconic wrestling attire. Some of the most sought-after figures include:

LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars (1980s): One of the first Andre the Giant figures was produced by LJN as part of their WWF Wrestling Superstars line. These figures were made from solid rubber and were known for their durability and detail. The Andre figure from this line is considered a classic and is highly sought after by collectors.

Hasbro WWF (1990s): In the early 1990s, Hasbro released a series of WWF action figures, including an Andre the Giant figure. The Hasbro figure featured a “Giant Jolt” action move, which allowed Andre’s arms to be raised and then slammed down on his opponents.

Mattel WWE Legends (2010s): Mattel has produced several Andre the Giant figures as part of their WWE Legends line. These figures are highly detailed and feature multiple points of articulation, making them popular among collectors.

Funko Pop! Vinyl (2010s): Funko, known for their Pop! Vinyl figures, has released an Andre the Giant figure as part of their WWE line. This figure captures Andre’s likeness in the distinctive Funko style and is a favorite among both wrestling fans and Pop! collectors.

In addition to action figures, there are many other collectibles associated with Andre the Giant. Some popular items include:

Andre the Giant Autographs: Autographed items from Andre the Giant are rare and highly prized among collectors. These can range from signed photos and event programs to more unique items like ring-worn gear or pieces of the ring ropes from his famous matches. Original autographs sell for many hundred and thousands of dollars.

Vintage Andre the Giant T-shirts, jackets, and other clothing items are popular among collectors. These items often feature iconic images of Andre or his signature catchphrases.

Trading Cards: Throughout his career, Andre the Giant was featured on numerous wrestling trading cards including on cards from his successful career in Japan as well as in the US.

Magazines, Posters and Artwork: Andre the Giant’s imposing figure and unique appearance made him the subject of many promotional posters and artwork throughout his career.

Andre the Giant graced the covers of many classic wrestling magazines. Some of the most notable ones include: Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI), Inside Wrestling, The Wrestler, Sports Review Wrestling and Wrestling Revue as well as WWF and WWE Magazines and  Wrestling’s Main Event. The magazine are a great way to view Andre throughout his career.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Andre the Giant or a new admirer of his incredible career, collecting memorabilia is a fantastic way to celebrate the life and legacy of the Eighth Wonder of the World. With so many unique and interesting items available, there’s no shortage of ways to remember this true wrestling legend.

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