WWE continues to delve into its vast archive, this time unearthing a classic encounter between two titans of the 1980s: The Ultimate Warrior and Andre the Giant. The full match, from a 1989 episode of “Saturday Night’s Main Event,” has been uploaded to the WWE Vault YouTube channel, offering fans a rare glimpse into a longer-than-usual battle between these legendary Superstars.
While the Warrior and Andre frequently clashed at house shows throughout the late 1980s, those matches were typically short affairs designed to protect Andre’s declining health. This “Saturday Night’s Main Event” bout, however, provides a more extensive look at their in-ring dynamic.
The match is a fascinating study in contrasts, pitting the explosive energy and frenetic pace of the Ultimate Warrior against the immense size and power of Andre the Giant. It’s a reminder of the incredible aura that surrounded both men during this era and the electricity they generated whenever they stepped into the ring together.
Interestingly, this rivalry was reportedly marked by some real-life tension. Andre the Giant, a veteran respected by many in the locker room, was said to be less than impressed with the Ultimate Warrior’s rise to stardom. Some accounts suggest that Andre felt the Warrior was reckless and lacked the necessary respect for the wrestling business.
Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Andre’s longtime manager, once recalled, “Andre didn’t care much for Warrior. He thought he was too wild in the ring, didn’t know how to protect himself or his opponent.” This sentiment was echoed by other wrestlers who witnessed their interactions.
Despite any personal feelings, their matches always drew significant interest from fans eager to witness a clash between two larger-than-life figures.
