Vince McMahon talked WWE legend into turning heel ahead of huge WrestleMania main event

Vince McMahon has contributed extensively to molding the professional wrestling industry into the global juggernaut it is today. One of the most remarkable creations by Mr. McMahon was the WrestleMania shows.

The first WrestleMania was conducted in 1985 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with an attendance of 19,121 people. The main event was between Hulk Hogan and Mr. T against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Paul "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff.

Mania II was magnificent, too, but not as packed and significant as the first installment. For the third chapter of the extravaganza, in the second episode of his Netflix documentary, Mr. McMahon, Vince McMahon and other superstars talked about how he crafted the success of Mania. While talking about WrestleMania III, the 79-year-old said he wanted to do something huge that year.

Vince McMahon wanted to host WrestleMania III at Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. With a capacity of 93,000, he had an idea of how he would sell the venue. This was to book a super match between Hogan and Andre the Giant.

To do that, however, Mr. McMahon had to convince Andre the Giant to take part. Andre was shooting a film in the UK, and Vince appeared on the set and requested him to return to the ring. According to McMahon, The Eighth Wonder of the World had been considering retirement and the former WWE Chairman was there to talk him out of it.

While talking about Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan said his health was not good and he needed back surgery. Vinny Mac went on to reveal how he convinced Andre to return and wrestle a match as a heel for the first time in his career on the biggest stage against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III.

"Andre did a film in the UK and was gonna cash his chips. '[I've] done as much as I can in the business. I am hurting. I can't move. I'm in pain.' So I went over in the middle of that film and said, 'Andre, this is what I want to do. I want you to get the operation that you refused to get, and I want you to come back. And draw the largest crowd that's ever been drawn.' 'How many seats, boss?' '93,000,'" said Vince McMahon.

Andre The Giant initially laughed at Vince McMahon's vision. But a determined McMahon told The Giant he was serious and wanted him to fight Hogan and wanted him as a heel for the first time in his career. And for that, he needed Andre to have the operation.

After considering the offer, Le Géant Ferré said 'yes' to getting his back fixed and wrestling on the big stage. The rest is history, and the match is still considered one of the greatest in the industry's history.

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