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29 years ago Hulk Hogan delivered unforgettable body slam to Andre the Giant

Posted: Apr 1st 2016 By: Lindsey Foltin

It was the moment that would forever change professional wrestling.

Twenty-nine years ago, on March 29, 1987, then WWF Champion Hulk Hogan faced his good friend-turned heel Andre the Giant in one of the most famous WrestleMania matches in history.

The match was set up months prior, when Andre the Giant turned on his buddy Hogan, challenging him to a title match at WrestleMania. Andre, who had been undefeated in the WWF for 15 years, wanted a shot at Hogan, who had been the WWF Champ for three years running.

After months of build-up, the two met in what was billed as "biggest main event in sports entertainment." The foes put on an incredible match in front of a record-breaking crowd of 93,173 at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan.

In the opening minutes of the match, Hogan attempted to slam The Giant, but Andre fell on him and nearly pinned the champ. Andre went on to dominate most of the contest, until Hogan gained momentum in the final two minutes. Suddenly empowered with strength, Hogan clotheslined Andre, then "Hulked up" and shocked the world when he lifted The Giant and delivered an unforgettable body slam.

Hogan went on to win the match and hand Andre the Giant the first loss in his WWF tenure. The "slam heard 'round the world" became one of the most monumental points in the sport, and was easily the pinnacle of the "Hulkamania" movement.

On Feb. 5, 1988, the two squared off in a rematch, which Hogan lost by pinfall.