The Towering Giant: Who Was Giant Gonzales?
In the world of professional wrestling, few figures have ever been as physically imposing as Giant Gonzales. Born Jorge González in the rural town of El Colorado, Argentina, he etched his name in history as the tallest wrestler to ever step into a WWE ring. Standing at an incredible 7 feet 7 inches tall, his sheer size was a spectacle that captivated audiences and dwarfed even the largest of his opponents.
But Giant Gonzales was more than just a towering spectacle. His journey to the squared circle was an unconventional one, a path that began not with wrestling mats and turnbuckles, but with the hardwood courts of professional basketball. It was a journey marked by incredible highs, frustrating setbacks, and a constant battle against the very gigantism that made him a star.
From Basketball Dreams to a Wrestling Ring
Long before he was known as a wrestling giant, Jorge González was a basketball prodigy in his native Argentina. His life was defined by his extraordinary height, a result of a medical condition known as gigantism. While his size presented daily challenges, from finding clothes to fitting in a regular-sized car, it also opened doors to a world of athletic opportunity that few could ever imagine.
The NBA’s First Argentine Draft Pick
González’s talent on the basketball court did not go unnoticed. In 1988, he made history when the Atlanta Hawks selected him in the third round of the NBA Draft, making him the first-ever Argentine player to be drafted into the league. It was a moment of national pride and personal triumph, but the dream of a successful NBA career was not to be.
Despite his towering height, González struggled to adapt to the fast-paced, physically demanding nature of the NBA. A serious knee injury, coupled with difficulties in managing his weight, kept him from ever playing in a regular-season game. The NBA dream had faded, but a new, unexpected opportunity was about to present itself.
A Fateful Career Change
The owner of the Atlanta Hawks at the time was media mogul Ted Turner, who also happened to own World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Seeing the immense potential in González’s size and presence, Turner offered him a new career path: professional wrestling. It was a decision that would change the course of sports entertainment history and introduce the world to a new kind of giant.
The Rise of a Titan: A Two-Part Wrestling Career
González’s wrestling career was a tale of two distinct personas, each leaving a unique mark on the industry. He first emerged in WCW as a gentle giant before transforming into an unforgettable monster in the WWE.
El Gigante in WCW
In 1990, Jorge González made his professional wrestling debut in WCW under the name “El Gigante.” Billed as a fan favorite, he was presented as a friendly, approachable giant, often seen smiling and interacting with the crowd. His sheer size made him an instant attraction, and he engaged in memorable feuds with some of WCW’s biggest stars, including the legendary Ric Flair.
The Unforgettable Giant Gonzales in WWE
In 1993, González made the move to the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and was repackaged as the menacing “Giant Gonzales.” Gone was the friendly giant of WCW, replaced by a snarling, aggressive monster. His new look was as shocking as it was memorable: a full-body suit with airbrushed muscles and patches of wild hair, creating a truly bizarre and intimidating presence.
Managed by the diminutive Harvey Wippleman, Giant Gonzales was immediately thrust into a high-profile feud with one of WWE’s most iconic figures: The Undertaker. Their rivalry became the stuff of legend, a classic David vs. Goliath story that captivated audiences. The two giants clashed at the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania IX, and SummerSlam, with their battles showcasing the incredible spectacle of two larger-than-life characters.
The Man Behind the Giant
Behind the intimidating persona of Giant Gonzales was a man who faced a lifetime of challenges. Jorge González’s gigantism, while the source of his fame, was also the cause of significant health problems that would ultimately cut his career, and his life, short.
Health Struggles and Retirement
The physical toll of his condition and the demanding nature of professional wrestling eventually became too much for González to bear. A diabetic attack in 1995, followed by a severe back injury, forced him to retire from the ring in 1998. He returned to his hometown in Argentina, where he lived a quiet life away from the spotlight.
The Enduring Legacy of Giant Gonzales
Though his time in the wrestling world was relatively brief, the impact of Giant Gonzales has endured. He remains a unique and unforgettable figure, a testament to the spectacle and larger-than-life nature of sports entertainment. His sheer size, his iconic look, and his legendary feud with The Undertaker have secured his place in wrestling history.
Jorge González passed away on September 22, 2010, at the age of 44, due to complications from his lifelong health struggles. Though his life was short, his legacy as Giant Gonzales, the 8-foot giant from Argentina, continues to fascinate and inspire wrestling fans around the world.
