Various stories have been told over the years about the WWE icon’s legendary drinking habits. In 2020, former Intercontinental Champion Jacques Rougeau told Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Dr. Chris Featherstone that Andre often drank alcohol throughout the day.
Bill Anderson, a former WWE Superstar and ring announcer, recently spoke on the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast about his backstage experiences in the 1980s. He said alcohol was no longer permitted in the locker room at one stage, but Vince McMahon still allowed Andre to drink beer and wine:
Billed at seven-foot-four and 520 pounds, Andre the Giant is one of the largest superstars in WWE history. He passed away on January 28, 1993, at the age of 46 due to congestive heart failure.
Why did Vince McMahon ban alcohol?
More than three decades ago, it was not uncommon for superstars to drink alcohol in the locker room on the day of their match. While some performers were able to control their alcohol intake, other members of the roster were occasionally intoxicated when they arrived in the ring.
Bill Anderson said Vince McMahon likely enforced the rule due to some superstars, including Adrian Adonis, becoming reckless during their matches:
Nowadays, WWE’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy states that superstars are “expected to be free of the influence of alcohol when performing.” It adds that superstars cannot use or consume alcohol within a 12-hour period before a WWE performance.
Please credit the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.
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