Iconic Hulk Hogan Vs Andre The Giant WrestleMania 3 To Be Inducted In 2026 WWE Hall of Fame
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3 is one of the most significant in WWE history. That match was so great that almost everybody remembers what occurred in it and who was involved. Well, now it will be immortalized in the WWE 2026 Hall of Fame, and it’s a no-brainer.
The Match That Defined an Era
Taking place on March 29, 1987, WrestleMania III was a landmark event for the World Wrestling Federation. The main event featured WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan defending his title against the undefeated André the Giant.
The Slam Heard Around the World
The pinnacle of the match occurred when Hogan achieved the unthinkable. Well, in kayfabe, because there have been plenty of others who have slammed Andre the Giant. In this match, Hogan managed to lift the 520-pound André the Giant and deliver a massive body slam before hitting his signature leg drop to retain the championship.
WWE aptly refers to this feat as “the slam heard around the world.” It instantly became an enduring symbol of the 1980s golden era. The crowd reaction inside the Silverdome remains one of the loudest and most visceral responses in wrestling history.
A Closer Look at the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony
The 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony promises to be a massive spectacle, taking place in the fight capital of the world.
When and Where to Watch
The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for April 17, 2026. It will be hosted at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you cannot make it to Sin City, the broadcast is likely to air live on ESPN Unlimited for viewers in the United States and on Netflix for international audiences. The show kicks off at 9:00 PM Pacific Time, which means midnight Eastern Time. Not confirmed yet if it’s going to be on YouTube like it was last year.
The Full 2026 Hall of Fame Class
While the Immortal Moment Award is a major focal point, the 2026 Hall of Fame class is packed with heavy hitters. Joining the WrestleMania III match in this induction class are:
- Stephanie McMahon
- AJ Styles
- Demolition (Ax & Smash)
- Dennis Rodman
- Sid Eudy (Legacy Inductee)
- Bad News Brown (Legacy Inductee)
What the Immortal Moment Award Means for WWE History
WWE recently introduced the Immortal Moment Award to recognize singular, game-changing matches or moments rather than just individual careers. The inaugural award went to the brutal and brilliant submission match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret Hart from WrestleMania 13. By adding Hogan vs. André to this exclusive list, WWE is actively canonizing its landmark matches. TKO does the same with UFC’s Hall of Fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WWE Immortal Moment Award?
It is a recently established Hall of Fame honor designed to recognize specific, highly influential matches or segments in wrestling history, rather than full individual careers.
When did the original Hogan vs. André match happen?
The legendary bout took place on March 29, 1987, at WrestleMania III inside the Pontiac Silverdome.
Where can I watch the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame?
The 2026 ceremony will air live on ESPN Unlimited in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally on April 17, 2026.
A Legacy That Lives Forever
While many wrestling fans don’t like matches going into the Hall of Fame, this match makes sense to put in. It made WrestleMania a tremendous show, as the 2nd WrestleMania show was horrific. This match was super important to Hogan, as well as Andre put him over in this match. It’s just a shame that both Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan passed, because they deserve this moment.
