"Never even met him" - WWE veteran explains why he avoided Andre The Giant (Exclusive)
Andre the Giant was one of the biggest stars in WWE history. However, a particular veteran apparently avoided him despite having had the chance to meet him.
Andre was the top attraction in the company at one point, owing to his unique and imposing physique. His recognition spread beyond the world of pro wrestling as well, making him a household name. Apart from winning the world title once, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
In an interview with Dr. Chris Featherstone for Sportskeeda, Harvey Wippleman was asked about his thoughts on Andre the Giant. The WWE veteran shockingly revealed that he had never actually met the legend, and stated:
"Believe it or not, I never met Andre the Giant. Never even met him. When I first came to WWE, Andre was still there but he was, like, on his last days. And he wasn't around that much and I didn't know him and they said that he wasn't the most approachable guy. And I didn't wanna, you know, impose on him. So, I never met him." [4:42 onwards]
Another WWE veteran laments never facing Andre the Giant
Mark Henry had previously made it known that despite facing a number of giants in his career, he never had to pleasure of having a match with Andre the Giant.
Speaking with Sportskeeda's Bill Apter, the legendary journalist, Mark stated that if he could have a dream match, he would chose Andre as his opponent. The WWE veteran said:
"I mean, since it's hypothetical, I would say Andre the Giant," Henry said when asked to name a dream opponent. "The thought of walking to the ring and seeing Andre in the ring or being in the ring and seeing Andre come to the ring, that excites me. It makes me go, 'This is about to be a war.' I wrestled a lot of big guys, [The Great] Khali and Big Show and all the giants. Anybody that was seven feet and a giant, I've touched them, and I would think that it would be even more difficult to be in there with Andre." [6:35 – 7:28]
WWE legend Andre the Giant passed away in 1993, at the age of 46.
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