leading up to the match. Hogan and Andre went from being friends and tag team partners, then Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan were recognised for their undefeated streak and championship reign respectively. This caused some jealousy in Andre who challenged Hulk Hogan to this match on Piper's Pit. Before the match, Andre the Giant and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is with Mean" Gene Okerlund and says he's going out there now and he'll be back before too long as the champion. Heenan can feel it so much he doesn't let Okerlund get a word in. We see the recap of events before Hogan gets his interview with Mean Gene. he takes a long-winded way of saying he'll slam Andre and make the world shake at his feet. The Fink introduces Bob Uecker as the guest ring announcer for this match. He in turn introduces the guest time-keeper. She is the host of Entertainment Tonight and does a lap of honour before Andre the Giant and Bobby Heenan enter in a mechanical mini-ring. Hulk Hogan walks down to the ring. Jesse Ventura, who is on commentary with Monsoon, gives a tale of the tape for both guys as they make their way to the ring. Jesse Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon are on commentary for this match.
HULK HOGAN VS. ANDRE THE GIANT (WWF Championship)
WWF Wrestlemania 3 (29th March 1987)
The bell rings and thousands of flashbulbs go off as Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant face off. Andre shoves Hogan, Hogan shoves back but it has no effect, Hulk Hogan blocks a right hand and hits three of his own, he tries to lift Andre up for a slam but Andre lands on him for a nearfall. Andre the Giant kicks at Hogan's back, which looks to be hurt. He picks Hogan up into a front facelock and clubs his back. More strikes to the back before Andre drops Hogan with a knee lift. Andre slams Hogan. Monsoon says the crowd is almost at a hush, but I can hear them pretty well. Andre slams Hogan again then steps over his back. Andre the Giant picks Hogan up by his trunks and starts sending him from corner to corner. A choke in the corner from Andre before he uses shoulder blocks as Heenan shouts instruction. Andre with a hip attack and a headbutt in the corner. Hulk Hogan crawls out of the corner, avoiding another headbutt, and connects with right hands. Hulk Hogan hits the ropes for another right hand. Running elbow stumbles Andre back into the corner but he hasn't left his feet. Hulk Hogan chops at Andre in the corner and starts ramming Andre's head into the turnbuckle as the fans count along. Hulk Hogan hits the ropes but runs into Andre the Giant's boot.
Andre the Giant chops Hogan and puts him in a bearhug. Hogan tries to fight it but Andre adds more pressure, the referee checks with Hogan's arm and Hogan keeps it raised on the third drop, keeping himself in the match. Ventura points out that he still has to break out of the hold. Hulk Hogan punches at Andre's head until he is out of the bearhug and hits the ropes. He runs at Andre but only knocks him back slightly, another shoulder tackle sends Andre back into the ropes. Hulk Hogan goes for a third attempt but runs into a chop from Andre. Andre the Giant sends Hogan into the ropes and kicks him in the gut, sending him through the ropes. Andre follows and chops Hogan. Andre the Giant chokes Hogan against the ring post, he tries to headbutt Hogan but hits the post, giving Hogan some time to catch his breath, he exposes the concrete floor under the crash mat, setting Andre the Giant up for a piledriver. Andre flips Hogan over with a backdrop with Hogan taking the softest bump of the night. Andre throws Hogan back in the ring and sends him off the ropes. Hulk Hogan ducks the boot and clotheslines Andre the Giant, knocking him down. He Hulks up and slams Andre the Giant before hitting the running Legdrop of Doom. Hulk Hogan covers Andre the Giant 1, 2, 3.
WINNER: HULK HOGAN (STILL WWF Champion)
This is one of the most iconic Wrestlemania matches in history, but it is pure spectacle. The match barely reaches passable and could have had some time shaved off it but the final thirty seconds are what make it an all-time classic..– As a match, it's ** but personally, I'd rate it 3/10
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