WWE History Vol. 19: Wildest Title change in the company

Two Supervillains unite

Bobby the Brain Heenan allowed Ted Dibiase to 'hire' his client Andre the Giant to help get the WWE title from Hulk Hogan.

If Ted Dibiase, the erstwhile Million Dollar Man, was the most hated wrestler of the 1980s, then Bobby the Brain Heenan was the most hated manager.

In later years, the Brain's long tenure in the business and customary quick wit earned him the love and respect of the fans. But in 1988 the Brain was a despised villain, and a clearly biased announcer who always threw shade on the babyfaces while praising the heels.

Bobby Heenan's Heenan Family stable was among the most powerful, both in strength and star power. Andre the Giant was the crown jewel in Heenan's family. The behemoth had just one defeat in his long career (kayfabe,) which was to Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania III.

When Andre failed to capture the title for himself, he was hired by Ted Dibiase to be his proxy against the Hulkster. Eager for revenge, and wanting to restore his legacy, Andre agreed.