The Size of Andre the Giant: Fact vs. Fiction

Andre the Giant, born André René Roussimoff, stands as one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling, renowned for his towering 7 feet 4 inches at 224 centimeters and his formidable 520 pounds at 236 kilograms. However, his physical attributes have been a subject of much debate and exaggeration. Whether you are a fan, historian, or simply curious about wrestling legends, this article will delve into the accuracy of Andre's documented height and weight.

Challenging the Myths: Andre’s Height

Andre the Giant's billed height was a well-known figure in the wrestling community. He was officially 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm) and weighed 520 pounds (236 kg). However, as the years progressed, especially after a series of back surgeries, his height began to shrink. Despite these operations, by the late 80s and early 90s, he was around 6 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 10 inches. It is important to note that WWE billed him at 7 feet 5 inches for WrestleMania 3, which was not accurate.

Note from the Past: Agility and Athleticism

Fun fact: Despite his impressive height and weight, Andre retained his agility and athleticism in his younger days. He was agile enough to deliver impressive flying dropkicks, a testament to his physical capabilities.

Weight Variations: A Tale of Two Decades

Andre's weight was somewhat fluid over the course of his career. Initially, when he started wrestling in France in the mid to late 60s, he was quite lean, perhaps weighing no more than 300 pounds. However, due to his condition of acromegaly, his body continued to grow with a constant flow of growth hormone. By the mid 70s, he was billed at around 450 pounds, and his actual weight was likely close to 500 pounds. By the time of his famous WrestleMania 3 match with Hulk Hogan, he was billed at 520 pounds. It is important to note that Hulk Hogan claimed Andre was weighed on a truck scale at 697 pounds, which is highly unlikely. A more plausible estimate is between 497 and 520 pounds.

Posthumous Weight Measurement

After his passing in 1993, Andre's body was weighed postmortem. The official weight at the time was 535 pounds, a figure even more staggering given his height of 6 feet 10 inches. It is worth noting that he had lost height due to back surgeries and joint issues, but his weight remained impressively high.

Around His Peak: Documentation and Confusion

Throughout his career, Andre the Giant's weight has been billed anywhere from 380 to 555 pounds. This range reflects the sometimes exaggerated nature of the billing practice in professional wrestling. He was consistently known for his towering 7 feet 4 inches and his impressive physical presence, often dwarfing other wrestlers, especially in comparison to his age.

Conclusion: Beyond the Myths

Andre the Giant's physical stature and strength make him a legendary figure in professional wrestling. While his billed height and weight have been subject to exaggeration and confusion, the documented records provide a clearer picture of the man behind the myth. Whether you are a fan of wrestling, a historian, or simply someone interested in the history of professional wrestling, understanding the true size and weight of Andre the Giant is crucial for a full appreciation of his impact and legacy.