El Gigante: WCW/WWF Star Jorge González Dies at 44

by Jordan Yerman | September 27, 2010 at 11:32 am

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Jorge 'El Gigante' González Dead from Diabetes Complications

Argentinan wrestler Jorge González, known as "El Gigante" when he wrestled for the WCW and WWF, has died due to complications form diabetes at age 44. Standing 7'5", El Gigante began his athletic career as a basketball player. El Gigante suffered from diabetes, and was undergoing dialysis treatment in his native Argentina. On September 22, Jorge González passed away.

Playing on Argentina's national team, Jorge González was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 1988. González spent a year with the Hawks, owner Ted Turner wasn't happy with González' performance, but saw potential for his other venture: World Championship Wrestling.

Jorge González was introduced as El Gigante in 1990, and wrestled with WCW until 1992. El Gigante then switched to the WWF, where he wrestled for a year. El Gigante ended his professional wrestling career with New Japan Pro Wrestling, retiring in 1995.

The 2.30m-tall (7-foot-5) Gonzalez would later gain attention on the international stage as a member of Argentina's national club, so much so that he would be drafted in 1988 by the National Basketball Association's Atlanta Hawks in the third round -- the first Argentinian ever drafted.