WWE History Vol. 22: Hulk Hogan's greatest rivalries

#4. Andre The Giant

A Tale of the Tape promotional poster released by WWE during the build up to Wrestlemania III.

Wrestlemania's old mantra used to be; Bigger, Better, Badder.

With that in mind, the WWE was set to ramp up the spectacle and the challenge at their next mega event, Wrestlemania III.

But with the biggest, baddest heel on the WWE roster vanquished, Hogan didn't have a worthy opponent. The solution was to turn perennial baby face and Hulk Hogan's best friend (both in real life and kayfabe) into a dastardly heel.

25yrs since Andre was with us,miss you my brother love you,R.I.P., HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 27, 2018

In order to cement Andre's status as a heel, he was paired with Bobby Heenan, Hogan's arch nemesis. During an emotional Piper's Pit, Andre ripped off Hogan's shirt and crucifix, and accused the Hulkster of holding him back.

Andre and Hogan faced off at Wrestlemania III in front of a record breaking crowd. But that was not the end of their feud. For years Andre continued to plague Hogan, from cheating him out of the WWE Title to providing muscle for Ted Dibiase. Hogan and Andre's rivalry also helped kick start the SummerSlam pay per view brand.

Andre remains possibly Hogan's most soul crushing opponent, given their former status as best friends.