The late André René Roussimoff was best known as the stage name he worked under as a professional wrestler - Andre the Giant. The French-born legend was one of the early stars of the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation (WWWF/WWF) in the late 1970s and early 1980s, preceding Hulk Hogan as the main "babyface" wrestler (wrestling term for the "good guy" wrestlers) for the WWF. He gained even more fame when he appeared in the 1987 classic hit film The Princess Bride as the gentle giant, Fezzik. At seven feet four inches and nearly five hundred pounds (a result of gigantism), Roussimoff was an imposing and surprisingly athletic figure who marveled fans for years before his untimely death in 1993 at the age of 46 due to congestive heart failure.
His athleticism (and size) has led to a persistent legend that Roussimoff tried out for the Washington Redskins and their coach, George Allen, offered him a contract to play in the National Football League (NFL) in 1975.
As the story goes, after the tryout, Roussimoff ultimately decided to pass on the deal, changing not only his professional legacy but perhaps NFL history, as well.
Is that true, though? Click here.
source: latimes.com
April 15, 2011
Did Andre the Giant Once Try Out for the Washington Redskins?
April 14, 2011
Update on TNA Re-Branding and Possible Name Change
TNA officials have been discussing re-branding the company which will focus more on the word "impact". This doesn't necessarily mean they will be changing their name but they will be pushing the "impact" brand of the show harder and will have a bit of a different look for TV. TNA changing their name has been discussed for months but Dixie Carter has always been against it because they have spent so many years marketing the name.
source: wrestling observer newsletter
Rumor Mill - Jeff Hardy to Enter Rehab?
Several wrestling sites are reporting that TNA and Spike TV officials are urging Jeff Hardy to enter rehab.
New Home for WWE Superstars Television Show
WWE Superstars will air on wwe.com, Thursdays at 4:00pm CT. The show lost their timeslot on the WGN network earlier this month.
More on Triple H's Changes for WWE
F4WOnline.com reports that one of Triple H’s first goals as the head of WWE’s new talent development initiative is to assure wrestlers are given momentum prior to their introductions on live television.
The feeling is that names like Mason Ryan, who had the potential to get over big stars, fell flat with audiences due to the fact that they were rushed to television before they were ready and without ample promotion.
Awesome Kong, for example, is receiving the introductory vignettes to build anticipation for her debut. Triple H is said to be a big supporter of the idea to hype debuting talent in this manner.
The F4W story adds that Triple H has other ideas for improving talent development, all of which are expected to be implemented imminently.
This Day in Wrestling History
With some help from Shawn Michaels & Kevin Nash, Booker T & The Hurricane gained a victory over Triple H & Ric Flair on RAW just two weeks before the Backlash ppv.
April 14, 2003
Gene Kiniski passes away.
April 14, 2010
April 13, 2011
Eric Bischoff Says He's Still Angry with Jeff Hardy for the Victory Road Debacle
One month removed from TNA's Victory Road PPV in March, TNA executive Eric Bischoff says he's still upset with Jeff Hardy following his behavior in the main event TNA Title match against Sting.
"I shouldn't be, and I can't understand why I feel the way I feel, therefore I certainly can't explain it, but I'm still angry at Jeff Hardy," Bischoff said on the Monday Night Mayhem radio show this week.
"So, it's hard for me to discuss what I think he could do or should do (in the future in TNA), because until I quit being angry at him and about this situation, whatever would come out of my mouth would probably be counter-productive."...More?
source: pwtorch.com
This Day in Wrestling History
ECW makes its debut on Pay Per View. The show called "Barely Legal" was headlined with Terry Funk vs. Raven for ECW World Title.
April 13, 1997
April 12, 2011
WWE NXT Results: Yoshi Gets Lucky
During week six of WWE NXT, the NXT Rookies competed in the Power Punch Challenge for four Redemption points. Jacob Novak revealed a new look, thanks to his WWE Pro, JTG, and took on Byron Saxton in singles action. Full results.
