Jorge González (wrestler)

Gigante Jorge Gonzalez con Leon Najundel (cropped)

Jorge González (January 31, 1966 – September 22, 2010) was an Argentine professional wrestler and basketball player, best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) under the ring name Giant González. He is remembered for his towering stature, standing at 8 feet tall, which made him one of the tallest wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling.

Early Life

Jorge González was born in El Colorado, Formosa, Argentina. Before his wrestling career, González was a basketball player. He played for the Argentine national team and later moved to the United States to play for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), although he never played in an official NBA game due to knee issues.

Wrestling Career

González's wrestling career began when he was discovered by Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during his time in the United States. He was initially introduced to the wrestling world under the ring name El Gigante in WCW in 1989. His most notable feud in WCW was with Sid Vicious.

In 1993, González made his WWF debut at the Royal Rumble, being introduced as Giant González. Managed by Harvey Wippleman, he was immediately thrust into a high-profile feud with The Undertaker, which included a match at WrestleMania IX. Despite his imposing presence, González's in-ring abilities were limited due to his size and health issues, leading to mixed receptions from fans and critics alike.

Later Life and Death

After leaving the WWF, González returned to Argentina where he lived a relatively private life. He faced several health issues, largely attributed to his gigantism. Jorge González passed away on September 22, 2010, due to complications from diabetes and heart issues.

Legacy

Despite his short-lived career, Giant González left a lasting impression on the wrestling industry. His unique look and immense size made him a memorable character in the early '90s wrestling scene. He is often mentioned among the most unique attractions in the history of professional wrestling.

See Also

• List of tallest professional wrestlers
• Professional wrestling in Argentina