The wrestling world is abuzz with tales of legendary performances and unforgettable matches, but one recurring story involves the iconic wrestler Andre the Giant allegedly falling asleep during bouts. Two notable incidents highlight this phenomenon, involving Sgt. Slaughter and John Studd, each adding layers to the lore surrounding the French giant.
Andre vs. Sgt. Slaughter: A Sleepy Encounter
The first account comes from Sgt. Slaughter, who recounted his experience with Andre on a podcast hosted by Sam Roberts. Slaughter claimed that during a match in a small town in New Jersey, shortly after returning from Japan, he applied a front facelock only to find that Andre had dozed off. Upon waking the giant, Slaughter described Andre as irate, leading to a chaotic chase around the ring and locker room.
While the story is entertaining, discrepancies arise when examining the historical record. Research into their match history reveals no documented bout between Andre and Slaughter in New Jersey immediately following a Japanese tour. In fact, records show no matches between the two during that timeframe that would justify Slaughter’s account. While the incident could have occurred, the exact details remain elusive and unverified.
The Legendary Match with John Studd
In contrast, the encounter between John Studd and Andre on June 4, 1983, at the Philadelphia Spectrum is better documented. This match is particularly famous for Studd applying a front facelock that lasted an astonishing eight-and-a-half minutes. Commentator Dick Graham even noted that it appeared Andre was asleep during the hold, although this assertion was quickly dismissed by his colleague, Gorilla Monsoon.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter later recapped the feud between Studd and Andre, mentioning that the giant had fallen asleep during one of their matches. However, the phrasing suggests that this incident may have occurred during their later WWF rivalry in 1989, rather than in 1983. This ambiguity adds to the mystique surrounding Andre’s storied career.
Beyond the naps, the match itself had its own theatrical elements. Notably, before the match began, Andre—then a fan favorite—addressed the audience using a microphone, expressing frustration as some fans threw trash at him during his entrance. This incident raises questions about whether Andre’s performance was affected by the crowd’s negativity.
The allure of Andre the Giant extends far beyond these two specific stories. He remains a legendary figure in professional wrestling, known for his immense size and charisma. As fans continue to share and debate these anecdotes, the lines between fact and folklore often blur, enriching the narrative surrounding the giants of the squared circle.
Stay tuned for more insights into the world of professional wrestling, and feel free to send your inquiries to [email protected].
