WWE Once Considered Andre The Giant To Win The 1991 Royal Rumble

WWE’s Executive Director Bruce Prichard once revealed that wrestling legend Andre the Giant was briefly considered as the winner of the 1991 Royal Rumble.

Speaking on WrestlingInc’s podcast in 2018, Prichard was asked why Andre had originally been advertised for the match but was later removed. He explained that the decision ultimately came down to the Giant’s declining health.

“It was health issues, it was the thought that we’re not going to get Andre beyond this.”

Despite his worsening condition, WWE briefly contemplated having Andre win the Royal Rumble as a way to honour his legendary career. However, Prichard admitted that the practicalities of such a decision made it unrealistic.

“[We thought] maybe we do one where he wins it, but health issues just weren’t going to allow him to be able to compete in it. Even bringing him out at number 30 wouldn’t have been pretty.”

Had Andre been able to compete, it would have been a historic moment. However, by 1991, the wrestling icon was already struggling with mobility due to acromegaly, the condition responsible for his immense size. Andre made his final WWE appearances that same year before departing the company. He sadly passed away two years later, in 1993, at the age of 46.

Had WWE gone through with the plan, it would have served as a fitting tribute to one of wrestling’s most beloved figures. Instead, the 1991 Royal Rumble was won by Hulk Hogan, marking his second consecutive victory in the Rumble.

How Did Andre The Giant Get His Iconic Name?

Wrestling historian Pat Laprade revealed that the moniker “Andre the Giant” originated from a conversation between promoters Paul Vachon and Dick the Bruiser. Initially known as Jean Ferre in Montreal, a name that, when translated, sounded like “Giant Ferry,” it was deemed unsuitable for English-speaking audiences. Dick the Bruiser inquired about his real name, and upon learning it was Andre, suggested “Andre the Giant,” a name that was first used in Chicago before Vince McMahon Sr. popularised it on a global scale.

H/t to WrestlingInc.com