Hulk Hogan lost his championship belt to André the Giant.
The significant title change occurred during a highly anticipated match on The Main Event I. This event drew an immense audience of 33 million viewers, witnessing a controversial and intricate scheme that led to Hogan's defeat.
The Controversial Championship Loss
Hulk Hogan's long reign as champion came to an end under disputed circumstances. The match itself was marred by a pre-planned deception involving "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and a manipulated referee situation.
Key Details of the Match:
- Opponent: André the Giant (also known as André René Roussimoff)
- Event: The Main Event I
- Viewership: Approximately 33 million viewers
- Controversy: Involved a sophisticated scam orchestrated by Ted DiBiase
- Referee Involvement: Earl Hebner officiated the match, impersonating his twin brother, Dave Hebner, who was the originally appointed referee.
This pivotal moment in wrestling history saw Hogan's championship reign conclude, with the title controversially awarded to André the Giant. The storyline that unfolded captivated millions, cementing the match's place as a memorable event due to the elaborate deception involved.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Winner | André the Giant |
| Loser | Hulk Hogan |
| Event | The Main Event I |
| Date | February 5, 1988 (though not explicitly stated in the reference, it's historical context for completeness) |
| Key Conspirator | "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase |
| Referee Deception | Earl Hebner substituting for his twin brother Dave Hebner |
