WWF 305 Live: Colossal Connection vs. Demolition

Demolition (Ax/Smash) vs. Andre the Giant/Haku WWF WrestleMania VI 4/1/90 - GREAT

ER: This was it right here, a 10 minute clash of the titans, four meaty hosses swinging at each other in front of an unreal 68,000 screaming Skydome fans. Andre's excellent acting was always even more incredible in front of a genuine all time audience, and even though this is one of the least active in-ring Andre matches (even his end of days All Japan matches saw him step in the ring more than this), I couldn't take my eyes off him any time he was in frame. He literally did not tag into this match one time, relying on Haku dragging Ax or Smash over to their corner where he could headbutt them, punch them, throw an overhand choke, anything he could do to put on a show while keeping his feet in almost the exact same spot. Haku takes on both of Demolition and it is the best, with Haku punching them in the throat and Demolition throwing hard lariats and axe handles. There are a bunch of great camera angles of Andre looking so large against the crowd, and his facial reactions from the apron are the greatest in wrestling history. Watch him rooting on Haku and counting along with the referee when he thinks the match is over. 

My favorite moment of the match was Andre catching Ax in the corner and wrapping a tag rope around his neck. Watch Andre's body language as he's tightening his arm on the choke, watch his jaw, watch his eyes watching Ax. Andre's wrestling acting is second to none, and it's why he's able to be this important to a match without leaving the apron. The Demolition comeback gets a huge reaction from the huge crowd, making Demolition tandem clotheslines seem like the most exciting action in the world. Andre eats a Haku superkick when Smash wriggles out of his grasp, and that sends Andre flying back into the ropes and leaves Demolition free to take out Haku. Andre's struggle to free himself is always so convincing, as it's not only a spot that looks spectacular but Andre is able to convey the vulnerability of a large trapped animal. Heenan slaps Andre after the match and gets wailed on, and Andre throwing Heenan and headbutting Haku out of the Ring Rope Entrance Cart is a favorite WrestleMania memory of mine. 

COMPLETE AND ACCURATE ANDRE THE GIANT

COMPLETE AND ACCURATE WWF 305 LIVE