What was the deal with Andre the Giant donning a mask as Giant Machine? Solomonster recounts the story behind the angle, other Machines (like Hulk Machine and Piper Machine) and poses a question about what it was that got you into wrestling in the first place.
2018-12-27
Kayfabe wasn't dead 30 years ago and the Booker wasn't a complacent billionaire out of touch with how to utilize his talent
their was 7 machines
Giant Machine-Andre the Giant
Super Machine-Ax of Demolition
Big Machine-Blackjack Mulligan
Hulk Machine-Hulk Hogan
Piper Machine-Roddy Piper
Animal Machine-George Steele
Crusher Machine-The Crusher Reginald Lisowski
Yeah Fun! Big thing missing from most things in our entertainment these days.
For me, the thing that got me into pro wrestling, back in mid '85, was the LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars figures. Never, ever underestimate the power of merchandising!
When did Andre start wearing that mask? it was shortly after wrestlemania 2 in 1986 wasn't it?
I got in to wrestling quite honestly the pipebomb by punk. Was watching by chance new a couple guys like taker, cena, edge ect. Then I saw the pipebomb and was so intrigued by punk that I started watching and still do today for some stupid reason.
Hey there, Solomonster, one other fact about the "suspension" of Andre The Giant was that it also freed up Andre to go film the movie "The Princess Bride" which was being filmed around that time in 1986.
For now on Solo, you should reference that city as " From, GREEN BAAAAY, WIIISCOOONSIIIIINN,……."". Such a great intro…..
You hit the nail on the head. All the reasons you mentioned are the reasons that got me into wrestling. My childhood and teen years were the late 80's and 90's. A lot of wrestling back then did not have five star matches. Not to say they didn't have very good matches back then but it was the characters, the wackyness, and just overall fun. Like Undertaker debuting the same night as that god aweful turkey that I can't remember the name of hahaha. The only thing nowadays that stayed is the wackyness and not even in a good way. Most of the matches from 80's I had on vhs tapes and would watch them over and over again. Wrestlemaina from 1 to 10 or Hart vs Michaels in a ladder match and so much more. It may be the nostalgia talking but I feel bad for the kids growing up watching it now. I grew up with the "golden age" and "attitude era" and boy was that a lot of fun. Not every match or every segment was amazing and pure gold. They had their fair share of shit shows too but it was just so much fun. Now it is a chore to sit through it all. Like a school project you have no interest in doing.
Giant Machine is a flashback figure from Mattel, so it’s pretty common right now. I just picked it up last week.