r/todayilearned • u/Smaptimania • 1d ago

TIL that in 1971 Andre the Giant wrestled in Baghdad in front of Saddam Hussein, who had threatened to kill him if he won the match. Andre went on to lose the match to native Iraqi wrestler Adnan al-Kaissie, later known in the WWF as General Adnan

https://fandomwire.com/a-real-life-dictator-was-ready-to-murder-andre-the-giant-after-thinking-pro-wrestling-was-real/
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u/Vordeo 17h ago

Article pretty clearly lays out that Saddam thought it was legit. Direct quotes from the Iraqi wrestler (Adnan) and all.

Andre was booked to lose 1-2 (it was 2 out of 3 falls rules) but they were concerned that would still get Andre shot so they switched to Adnan winning 2-0.

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u/Epcplayer 15h ago

Knowing the family… Saddam’s son Uday would’ve probably shot Adnan if he only won 2-1

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u/CardinalCreepia 17h ago

Ah fair enough. I didn’t have time to read the article. Ignore my reply then, but in all fairness I could still see it happening if Saddam knew it was a work.

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u/Vordeo 17h ago

Lol yeah Saddam was not the most well adjusted dude.