This past weekend, the 40th WrestleMania event was held in Philadelphia, PA with notable names in WWE making appearances. Folks such as John Cena, The Rock, and Triple H all showed up, making it a memorable night for wrestling fans, who also got to witness Cody Rhodes win the title of WWE Universal Champion.
These iconic figures of wrestling have been staples in the industry for quite a long time. But what some younger fans may not remember are the early days of WrestleMania in what was called the WWF. Prior to a rebranding in 2002 where it would become World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) was also home to many iconic wrestlers.
Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin both made their wrestling debut in the WWF, as well as another iconic wrestler recognizable by both young and old fans alike: Andre The Giant.
It was at the 3rd WrestleMania, back in 1987, where Hulk Hogan defeated Andre The Giant in their first match against one another, a match that would headline WrestleMania. Andre however, would get his revenge the following year at WrestleMania 4 where he overcame Hulk in their rematch.
The ginormous wrestler would pass away only a few years later due to heart failure, but he remains a legendary name in the world of wrestling and entertainment because of his larger-than-life persona... As well as his ability to consume alcohol.
Andre's drinking habit
Andre stood 7 feet and 4 inches tall with an estimated weight of 520 pounds. He was born in France in 1946, but was the child of Russian immigrants. His full name was Andre Rene Rousimoff.
Throughout the '70s and '80s Andre was a household name and one of the most sought-after names in wrestling. And at his size, Andre required a lot more booze than the average person if he wanted to feel something from it.
In fact, the wrestler allegedly consumed over 7,000 calories a day in alcohol alone.
While making an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman back in 1984, Andre claimed to have drank 119 beers in only one sitting. And yet, this doesn’t compare to the testimony of wrestler Mike Graham, who said that he had witnessed Andre consume 156 beers in one night.
Similar stories have been told about Andre, claiming he drank 6 bottles of wine before a wrestling match, ordered 40 vodka tonics during a last call, and even racked up a bar tab over $40k. Andre is considered one, if not the heaviest, and most prolific drinkers in human history.
And although there is no official record for the most beer consumed in one sitting, it is safe to assume that no one will ever come close to the ability of Andre the Giant, or the staggering amount of beer he was able to consume.