Andre the Giant: The Intensified Pain Towards the End of His Career

Andre the Giant, the towering figure in professional wrestling, battled significant pain throughout his life, stemming mainly from acromegaly, a condition characterized by excess growth hormone. This condition contributed to a host of health issues, including joint pain and mobility problems, profoundly affecting his quality of life and career.

Pain Throughout Life

Andre faced considerable pain well before his WWE career. His acromegaly not only caused him physical discomfort, but it also led to various health complications. These included joint pain and mobility issues, which made daily life and even his professional endeavors challenging. The documentary films about his life and the accounts of those who knew him consistently highlight that his pain became more intense as he aged, particularly towards the climax of his wrestling career.

Age-Related Intensification of Pain

By the time Andre reached the late 1980s and early 1990s, his wrestling career was already showing signs of strain. The physical toll of wrestling, combined with his existing health conditions, meant that performing even simple tasks became increasingly difficult. By this period, Andre was often in considerable discomfort. This affected not only his in-ring performance but also his ability to travel, leading to a significant decline in his overall quality of life.

The Last Years of His Career

As mentioned, Andre’s suffering intensified within the last several years of his wrestling career. His condition, acromegaly, meant that he could not stop growing, leading to organs growing, bones thickening, and facial features changing. These physical challenges were amplified by the demands of his wrestling career. Constant travel, the wear and tear from matches, and the sheer physical stress on his body took a severe toll.

Wrestling Career Impact

The combination of age and his health condition eventually made it impossible for Andre to work as a singles wrestler. He then transitioned almost exclusively to tag team competitions. This marked a significant milestone in his career, culminating in a well-received exit at WrestleMania VI.

The Last Days

As Andre got older, his body started to break down more rapidly. He suffered from increasing grumpiness and became more and more of an alcoholic. This can largely be attributed to his need to numb the pain he was experiencing. His final matches in Mexico and Japan exemplify just how dire his condition had become. Watching a match in his final years, where he had to rely on his partner’s shoulders to enter the ring, and where his actions on the ring were limited to swatting at opponents, paints a vivid picture of the physical toll his condition had taken on him.

Conclusion

Andre the Giant’s life and career were profoundly impacted by his acromegaly. His pain symptoms became more pronounced as he aged, leading to a decline in his overall quality of life and his ability to perform. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by professional wrestlers, especially those who have underlying health conditions. Despite the pain, his dedication and passion for the sport made him a legend in the wrestling world.