The Giant Gonzalez Dead At 44

Charisteas · 25-09-2010 10:50am #1

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Quote:
Tallest wrestler in history passes away
Jorge "Giant" Gonzalez, a former member of the Argentina Olympic basketball team in the 1988 Olympics, who wrestled as a headliner for WCW and WWF from 1990-93, passed away today in a hospital in San Martin, Argentina.
Gonzalez was 44.
Gonzalez, who was a legitimate 7-6 1/2 and 405 pounds, was first drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, but was considered too slow to play in the NBA. Jim Herd and Jim Ross spearheaded the Turner organization to sign him to a wrestling contract, where he used the name El Gigante, with the idea of creating a next generation Andre the Giant, as Gonzalez was more than eight inches taller than Andre and a better athlete. But he never fully grasped wrestling and only lasted two years before his big-money contract wasn't renewed. He was a headliner most of his run.
WWF brought him in shortly after, billing him as "the eight foot Giant Gonzalez." He was given a similar push as Great Khali, first overpowering Undertaker before a blow-off match at WrestleMania. He put Undertaker over at house shows for the rest of the summer and was done with the company at that point.
He wrestled a few times after that outside North America. In recent years he had been wheelchair bound due to the effects of a long battle with diabetes.

From the Observer

Full credit to Diabhal Beag for posting this in the news section, but no chat allowed there, so Diabhal I hope you don't mind if I create this new thread.

Not a great wrestler, well, not even a good wrestler really, but had fond childhood memories of his matches with Undertaker at the Las Vegas WM9 and the following Summerslam.

I never got to see him in WCW though.

RIP

Kiokia · 25-09-2010 10:54am

Sad news, but not a complete shock. Like yourself I have fond memories of his stint, but thats the height of it. Still sad to see someone pass so young.

Bounty Hunter · 25-09-2010 11:28am

I find it extra sad the lack of surprise i have at another young wrestler passing on although in this case his size could obviously impact on the longevity of his life.

either way RIP never good news to hear and our thoughts are obviously with the people truely affected by this passing.

rossie1977 · 25-09-2010 11:49am

he had been quite ill for years, this is the last known video i have seen of him

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M_-vyz9e1o

sky88 · 25-09-2010 1:55pm

awhh no not another wrestler rip giant gonzalez

thebostoncrab · 25-09-2010 2:09pm

While not the greatest wrestler ever, he was one that left a lasting image on my childhood and was one the first wrestlers to truely have you in awe when you first saw him. Such a tragedy that he passed away so young.

RIP

flahavaj · 25-09-2010 3:18pm

RIP big man. Regardless nof what you thought of his skills as a wrestler, its nonetheless tragic to see a 44 year old dying. A man of his unbelieveable size was always going to have serious health issues.

rossie1977 · 25-09-2010 5:28pm

thebostoncrab wrote: »

While not the greatest wrestler ever, he was one that left a lasting image on my childhood and was one the first wrestlers to truely have you in awe when you first saw him. Such a tragedy that he passed away so young.

RIP

exactly my thoughts, i remember the first time i saw him in wcw i was just amazed at his size, he made huge men like kevin nash, sid, undertaker, one man gang and vader look like small children in the ring

seandotcomm · 25-09-2010 5:53pm

watched his WM match with Undertaker last week! I was wondering what became of him. RIP big man

El_Drago · 25-09-2010 6:38pm

RIP big man.I was in awe when I first saw this guy.What this guy lacked in wrestling skills he made up for with making his presence felt.Sad to see him pass away at only 44 years of age.

RIP Giant:(

Mr.Nice Guy · 25-09-2010 9:36pm

I'll echo everyone's thoughts. Very sad news at that age. RIP. Left a mark on the business which is more than many can say. Hopefully WWE will acknowledge him on Raw.

Podge2k7 · 25-09-2010 9:55pm

RIP

26-09-2010 3:59pm

Although it's a shame to see him go, I don't really think I'm surprised. Wasn't Andre a similar age?

I believe being so big or having issues with Gigantism is always going to cut your life short. I believe Big Show commented before saying when he was younger he was told he'd be lucky to see 50?

Can't remember where I heard that now, but I know it was a video I seen it on (and not online or in a magazine or such).

May he Rest In Peace.

Anyone know if he had any children or wife/girlfriend or such?

XYZ GUY · 26-09-2010 7:00pm

sad to see him go. not the best wrestler but still sad to see

Charisteas · 26-09-2010 7:16pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Although it's a shame to see him go, I don't really think I'm surprised. Wasn't Andre a similar age?

I believe being so big or having issues with Gigantism is always going to cut your life short. I believe Big Show commented before saying when he was younger he was told he'd be lucky to see 50?

Yeah Andre was 46, Giant Gonzalez was 44, and The Big Show and The Great Khali are both currently 38