Giant Gonzalez Passes Away

A Giant Passes



By Phil Allely



Former WWE performer Jorge González (better known as Giant González), who at 7'7" was (legitimately) the tallest grappler in professional wrestling history, passed away this past Wednesday in San Martin, Argentina, due to complications from diabetes, he was 44 years old.

González had been suffering from poor health in recent years, due to the effects of his long battle with diabetes and was wheelchair bound.

He was scheduled to return to the United States in May 2010 for an appearance at the "Legends of the Ring" wrestling convention in Monroe, New Jersey, but ultimately cancelled due to health concerns.

González was a basketball star in his native Argentina before moving to the Atlanta Hawks in 1988. When his NBA career didn't pan out, he signed for the Turner organization. After a year in WCWs training camp, he was introduced to fans as "El Gigante" on May 19, 1990 at the WCW pay-per-view, Capital Combat. He enjoyed a two-year run as a fan favorite before leaving the promotion in 1992. His most memorable appearances were his ones where he stood up against the Four Horsemen and defended young stars such as Flying Brian Pillman against brutal beatdowns.



González joined the World Wrestling Federation and debuted as "Giant González" at the 1993 Royal Rumble, he eliminated The Undertaker from the Rumble match. That move led to a a rivalry that lasted the length of Gonzalez' WWF career, he parted ways with the company shortly after being put to rest in a "Rest in Peace Match" at 1993's SummerSlam.

González continued wrestling in Japan before retiring in 1995 due to sciatic nerve pain. He returned to Argentina to settle in his hometown, where he had been living since 1998.

González is the fourth former WWE talent to pass away within the past two months, following Lance Cade, Luna Vachon and Mike Shaw (Bastion Booger).