When we talk about the tallest professional wrestlers in history, Jorge González, better known as Giant Gonzales, instantly comes to mind. His extraordinary height and towering presence made him a spectacle in the wrestling world during the early 1990s.
Standing at a staggering 8 feet (240cm) tall, Gonzales became one of the tallest athletes ever to step foot in a WWE (then WWF) ring. Fans often search for terms like Giant Gonzales height, Giant Gonzales height and weight, and Giant Gonzales cause of Death because his life story remains both fascinating and tragic.
Beyond wrestling, Giant Gonzales also tried his hand at basketball and acting, appearing in popular shows and films. Despite his intimidating frame, those who knew him personally described him as a gentle giant with a humble personality. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to severe health problems, and he passed away in 2010 at just 44 years old.
This article takes you through his early life, career highlights, personal relationships, net worth, lifestyle, and lasting impact, while answering common questions fans continue to ask. Let’s explore the remarkable journey of one of the most unforgettable figures in wrestling history.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Jorge González |
| Ring Name | Giant González |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | El Colorado, Formosa, Argentina |
| Date of Death | September 22, 2010 (aged 44) |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Ethnicity | Latino (Argentinian) |
| Family | Parents: Unknown (kept private) Children: None reported Marital Status: Unmarried |
| Career | Professional basketball player for Argentina’s national team (drafted by Atlanta Hawks, NBA, 1988) Professional wrestler with WCW and WWF/WWE (1989–1995) Known for towering size and feuds with The Undertaker at WrestleMania IX |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $100,000 – $200,000 (posthumous; based on career earnings, wrestling contracts, and limited assets) |
| Height | 8 ft 0 in (244 cm) |
| Weight | 460 lb (209 kg) during wrestling career |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 70 in (178 cm) Waist: 55 in (140 cm) Biceps: 25 in (64 cm) (approximate, during peak career) |
| Body Type | Extremely tall, giant physique (due to gigantism) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (later thinning) |
| Age at Death | 44 years |
| Relationship | Never married; no publicly known relationships |
| Health Issues | Suffered from diabetes and heart/kidney complications caused by gigantism, which led to early retirement and eventual Death |
Who Is Giant Gonzales?
Giant Gonzales, born Jorge González on January 31, 1966, in Formosa, Argentina, was a professional basketball player turned wrestler who left a lasting imprint in the world of sports entertainment. His physical stature alone made him legendary. At 7’7” and weighing around 460 pounds, he was promoted as one of the largest superstars in WWF/WWE and WCW history.
Before his wrestling career, Jorge was a skilled basketball player who represented Argentina in international competitions. His height, while advantageous in basketball, was caused by a condition known as gigantism, which results from excessive production of growth hormone. This condition gave him his unique size but also came with long-term health struggles.
In professional wrestling, Giant Gonzales became best known for his feud with The Undertaker at WrestleMania IX, where he wore a bizarre bodysuit designed to emphasize his massive physique. His run in WWE was relatively short, but his presence was unforgettable. In WCW, he wrestled under the name El Gigante, where he enjoyed more prominent feuds and appearances.
Apart from wrestling, Gonzales appeared in TV shows like Baywatch and movies, making him a recognizable face even outside the ring. However, despite his fame, his health deteriorated rapidly in later years. He battled serious medical issues, including diabetes and heart problems, until his passing in 2010.
Today, Giant Gonzales is remembered as a gentle giant whose size made him an attraction, but whose story carries both triumph and tragedy.
Early Life and Background
Giant Gonzales’s early life shaped the man he became:
- Birthplace and Childhood: Born in Formosa, Argentina, Jorge González grew up in a modest family. His extraordinary height was noticeable even in childhood.
- Medical Condition: Diagnosed with gigantism, his unusual growth presented both opportunities and challenges.
- Education: He pursued education alongside sports, showing early interest in basketball, which became his first professional path.
- Basketball Career: Before wrestling, González was recruited to play basketball for the Argentine national team. His talent earned him recognition, and eventually, he joined the NBA draft, being selected by the Atlanta Hawks in 1988. However, due to injuries and physical limitations, his basketball career ended prematurely.
- Transition to Wrestling: After basketball, his sheer size caught the attention of wrestling promoters, paving the way for his transition into sports entertainment.
Personal Life and Relationships
Despite his fame, Giant Gonzales lived a relatively private life:
- Family Life: Born into a humble family, he often credited his parents for their support during his health struggles and sports journey.
- Romantic Relationships: While not much is publicly documented about his long-term romantic life, González was known to have had close friendships and relationships but largely kept them away from the spotlight.
- Health Struggles: His gigantism led to complications like diabetes, mobility issues, and heart disease. By the 2000s, he had begun using a wheelchair.
- Death: On September 22, 2010, González passed away in his hometown of San Martín, Argentina, at age 44. The official cause of Death was complications from diabetes and heart issues.
- Legacy Among Friends: Fellow wrestlers, including The Undertaker, often spoke respectfully of him as a kindhearted man behind his intimidating look.
Career and Achievement
González’s career was short but impactful:
- Basketball: Represented Argentina and was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1988 NBA Draft (3rd round).
- WCW Career: Debuted in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as El Gigante in 1990. He feuded with wrestling stars like Ric Flair and Sid Vicious.
- WWE Career: Signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1993, rebranded as Giant Gonzales. His most famous match was against The Undertaker at WrestleMania IX, remembered as one of the most unique showdowns in wrestling history.
- Acting Career: Appeared in Hollywood shows like Baywatch and movies including Thunder in Paradise.
- Retirement: Due to health issues, González retired in the mid-1990s and returned to Argentina.
His contributions remain iconic, cementing his place in wrestling history.
Net Worth Overview
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notes |
| Early 1990s | $200,000 – $500,000 | Earnings from WCW and WWF contracts |
| Mid-1990s | $500,000 | Included acting appearances in TV and films |
| 2000s | $300,000 | Decline due to retirement and health costs |
| 2010 (At Death) | $300,000 – $500,000 | Modest savings, wrestling royalties, and acting residuals |
Despite his fame, Giant Gonzales did not amass the kind of fortune modern wrestlers earn today. Wrestling pay during the 1990s was far less lucrative, and his health challenges drained much of his income. Nonetheless, he lived modestly in Argentina after retirement.
Major Sources of Income
Giant Gonzales earned his living from several avenues:
- Professional Wrestling Contracts – Salaries from WCW and WWF/WWE.
- Basketball Salary – Early career income from the Argentine national team and the NBA draft association.
- Acting Roles – Appearances in shows like Baywatch and films.
- Wrestling Royalties – Residuals from merchandise, tapes, and appearances.
- Promotional Appearances – Event appearances and fan signings added to his earnings.
Luxurious Lifestyle
While Gonzales wasn’t known for an extravagant lifestyle, his fame did afford him some comforts:
- Residency: After his wrestling career, he settled in Argentina, where he lived a quieter life.
- Cars: Owned practical vehicles but was not associated with luxury sports cars.
- Travel: His wrestling career allowed him to travel worldwide, from the U.S. to Japan.
- Clothing: Known for his wrestling bodysuit gimmick, but dressed simply in everyday life.
- Financial Priorities: Much of his money went toward medical care, leaving him with fewer luxuries compared to other stars.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
- Love for Basketball: Even after leaving the sport, he remained a passionate basketball fan.
- Gentle Personality: Despite his intimidating size, friends and colleagues described him as soft-spoken and kind.
- Unique Wrestling Attire: His famous bodysuit in WWE was designed to show muscles and hair patterns, making it one of the most unusual costumes in wrestling history.
- Health Battles: He was one of the few wrestlers who openly admitted how difficult gigantism made his daily life.
- Cultural Icon: In Argentina, he is still celebrated as one of the most famous athletes to come from the region.
- Close Bond with Fans: Known for being approachable and humble, Gonzales often interacted warmly with fans.
Future Prospects (If Alive Today)
If Giant Gonzales were alive and healthy today, his life might have looked like this:
- Legends Appearances: Could have earned income through WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies and legends contracts.
- Autobiography or Documentary: His life story could have been shared in a documentary, attracting wrestling fans globally.
- Coaching Basketball: With his early sports experience, he contributed as a basketball coach.
- Acting Projects: Likely would have continued appearing in TV and movies, especially as a giant character.
- Social Media Influence: His unique story would have made him a viral Figure in today’s digital age.
Impact on Social Media
Although Giant Gonzales passed away before the social media boom, his legacy continues:
- YouTube Highlights: Clips of his WrestleMania matches still generate millions of views.
- Fan Tributes: Wrestling fans worldwide create tribute videos and posts celebrating his life.
- Memes & Wrestling Forums: His bodysuit attire remains a topic of discussion online.
- Modern Recognition: WWE Network and Peacock feature his matches, introducing him to new generations.
- Legacy Pages: Wrestling communities on Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit continue to keep his memory alive.
Social Media Profile
| Platform | Link |
| Wikipedia | Click here |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was Giant Gonzales’s exact height?
A: He stood at 8 feet (240 cm) tall.
Q2: How much did Giant Gonzales weigh?
A: His billed weight was around 460 pounds (210 kg).
Q3: What caused Giant Gonzales’s Death?
A: He passed away in 2010 due to complications from diabetes and heart problems.
Q4: Did Giant Gonzales play basketball?
A: Yes, he played for Argentina’s national basketball team and was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1988.
Q5: Who did Giant Gonzales face at WrestleMania IX?
A: He famously faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania IX.
Conclusion
Giant Gonzales remains one of the most unforgettable figures in wrestling history. His extraordinary height of 7’7”, larger-than-life presence, and unique story made him a legend in both wrestling and basketball. While his career was short-lived and his life tragically cut short at the age of 44, his impact endures through fan tributes, wrestling history, and cultural memory.
Though he lived modestly compared to modern wrestling stars, his career achievements, gentle personality, and iconic WrestleMania appearance ensure that Giant Gonzales will forever stand tall in the hearts of fans worldwide.
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