Subhojeet Mukherjee on March 31, 2026
WWE is locking in one of the most legendary matches in wrestling history for a major honor — and this time, the focus is on a moment that defined an entire era.
The company confirmed that Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III will receive the WWE Immortal Moment Award at the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony, making it only the second match ever to earn that distinction after WrestleMania 13’s iconic match between Steve Austin and Bret Hart. WWE made the announcement on Twitter, showing just how historic the moment still is decades later.
“The slam heard around the world. The ICONIC showdown between Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant at #WrestleMania 3 will be honored with the WWE Immortal Moment Award at the 2026 #WWEHOF Ceremony!”
The match itself took place in 1987 at the Pontiac Silverdome and saw Hulk Hogan defeat Andre the Giant to retain the WWF Championship — but it’s the body slam heard around the world that continues to define it. WWE has replayed that moment for decades, cementing it as one of the most recognizable visuals in the company’s history.
The Immortal Moment Award was only introduced in 2025 to celebrate matches that changed the business, and this year’s selection continues that trend by honoring a bout that helped shape WrestleMania into what it is today.
The timing of the induction also carries added weight. Following Hogan’s passing in July 2025, this recognition is a posthumous tribute to one of wrestling’s biggest icons. Hogan had already been inducted into the Hall of Fame twice — once individually and again as part of the New World Order — while Andre the Giant was famously the first-ever Hall of Fame inductee back in 1993.
The ceremony is set for April 17 at Dolby Live inside Park MGM in Las Vegas, right in the middle of WrestleMania 42 weekend — ensuring this legendary moment gets the limelight once again on one of WWE’s biggest stages.
So in the end, WWE isn’t just revisiting history here, it’s locking in one of the most recognizable moments the business has ever produced and making sure it’s remembered alongside the very best.
Do you think Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant is the greatest match to receive the Immortal Moment Award so far, or should another classic have been chosen? Let us know your take.
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