Professional wrestling has a rich history filled with larger-than-life characters and unforgettable moments. Among the many legends, Andre the Giant stands out for his immense size and charisma. Recently, fans have revisited the intriguing tales of Andre reportedly falling asleep during matches. This article explores these stories, examining the context and credibility behind them.
Sleepy Moments in the Ring
Two notable incidents involving Andre do circulate among wrestling enthusiasts. The first involves a match with Sgt. Slaughter, who recounted the story during an appearance on Sam Roberts’ podcast. While no specific date or venue was mentioned, Slaughter claimed the match took place in a small town in New Jersey shortly after they had returned from a tour in Japan. According to Slaughter, he applied a front facelock, only to find Andre had dozed off. When he woke the giant, Slaughter described Andre as furious, leading to a humorous chase through the locker room.
Despite the vividness of Slaughter’s account, research into their match history reveals a lack of documented evidence to support the claim. No matches between Slaughter and Andre occurred in New Jersey immediately following their Japanese tour. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of the details provided.
The second story is more substantiated, stemming from a match on June 4, 1983, at the Philadelphia Spectrum. During a singles match against John Studd, the two engaged in a lengthy front facelock that lasted an astonishing eight and a half minutes. Commentator Dick Graham remarked that it appeared Andre was asleep, a claim promptly countered by his colleague Gorilla Monsoon, who insisted Andre was merely resting. This match is widely cited as the one in which Andre allegedly fell asleep, contributing to the folklore surrounding his persona.
The Meaning Behind Terry Funk’s Entrance Theme
Another intriguing aspect of wrestling lore is found in the choice of entrance music. For example, Terry Funk, a hardcore legend, famously used “Desperado” by the Eagles as his entrance theme during his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). The selection is noteworthy, considering the song’s lyrics resonate deeply with Funk’s wrestling career.
The song’s themes of longing and introspection mirror Funk’s battles within the wrestling industry. At 50 years old, he continued to compete despite the toll it had taken on his body. The lyrics reflect the tension between his desire for the adrenaline of wrestling and the comforts of a stable home life, a sentiment that resonates with many wrestlers who grapple with similar choices.
Masked Matches and Career Milestones
In a different vein, Rey Mysterio, Jr. faced a significant moment in his career when he was forced to remove his luchador mask after losing a tag team match at Superbrawl IX on February 21, 1999. This incident marked a pivotal point for Mysterio, who competed in 13 pay-per-view matches without his mask afterward, although some fans count only 12 due to an exclusive event in Germany.
The wrestling landscape is filled with memorable stories like these, each contributing to the fabric of the sport’s history. Whether recounting Andre’s sleepy moments in the ring or examining the significance of entrance music, these narratives continue to captivate fans across generations.
As the world of professional wrestling evolves, the legends endure, reminding audiences of the sport’s rich legacy and the personalities that have shaped its history. For those curious about these tales or seeking to share their own wrestling questions, contributions can be sent to [email protected].
