10 great wrestlers who have passed on and their legacies

#1 Andre the Giant

Andre The Giant

André René Roussimoff, better known the world over as Andre the Giant, was perhaps the most beloved professional wrestler of his or any era.

Andre actually didn't choose wrestling as his first career. He attempted to join the French army, but was rejected due to the fact that there were no uniforms available in his size. Also, he would not have fit into traditionally sized foxholes, or be able to pilot most military vehicles.

Never one to let a setback drag him down, Andre entered the world of wrestling and was an overnight sensation. Often, the massive Andre was pitted against two wrestlers at the same time to make it a 'fair' fight.

During a tour of Japan, Andre was examined by a doctor who finally diagnosed his rare genetic condition, Acromegaly. Told he would likely not live past his 40th birthday, Andre was initially devastated by the news but quickly resolved to live life to its fullest in the time he had left.

Thus began the legend of Andre the Giant outside of the ring. 108 beers in one sitting, and then wine with dinner. Turning over a car full of hecklers and leaving the drunks to explain to law enforcement that an 'angry giant' had caused their accident. Literally shutting down a five-star restaurant so he and friend Hulk Hogan could dine on breakfast, lunch, and dinner--all in one visit.

And the women... Andre became a notorious ladies man, often bundling up with several of them at once. Andre also had success outside of the ring, famously playing Bigfoot on 70s cheesefest The Six Million Dollar Man.

But it was his performance in The Princess Bride which truly endeared Andre to our hearts. His earnest, funny, and gentle portrayal of Fezzik is still a staple of movie festivals and Valentine's Day special events.

Legacy

Andre is still the most recognisable wrestler in the world, decades after his death. Famous on every continent except Antartica, Andre was also used for an early ad campaign by street artist Shepard Fairey. His cross-promotional appeal and huge heart will resonate with both wrestling and non-wrestling fans alike forever.

We remember Andre the Giant with his biggest match, when he faced Hulk Hogan at the Pontiac Silverdome in Wrestlemania III's main event.