Posted on 09/27/2010 11:11:38 AM PDT by EveningStar
Jorge Gonzalez, who was known as Giant Gonzalez and El Gigante as a pro wrestler and was a one-time draftee of the Atlanta Hawks, died this week at the age of 44, according to reports.
(Excerpt) Read more at fanhouse.com ...
ping
Condolences to his family. I am sure he will be missed.
That guy once beat The Undertaker? Jeez
how long before they start blamign Linda McMahon?
Even the roided-up Steeler O linemen lived a bit longer than this guy.
I don’t follow wresting, but wow—7 foot 7, 485 pounds, and able to play soccer and basketball as a seven foot stripling youth! Amazing... too bad his body couldn’t support his bulk.
Yeah, but the undertaker got him in this re-match.
André René Roussimoff (Bulgarian: Андрей Рене Руссимов; Polish: Andrzej Renat Russimow) (19 May 1946 27 January 1993),[2][3] best known as André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. He is also recognized from his role as Fezzik in the classic movie The Princess Bride. His great size was a result of acromegaly, and led to him being dubbed "The Eighth Wonder of the World".[4][5] In the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), Roussimoff briefly held the WWF Championship. In 1993, he was the first inductee into the WWF Hall of Fame.
Andre T. Giant looks to be pictured with Chief Jay Strongbow and Rocky Johnson (dad of Dwayne (the “Rock” Johnson)? Who is the other fella?
Not sure but it might be Ivan Putski.
As always, if you'd like ON or OFF my wrasslin' ping list, let me know
Too young to go, RIP.
Note he appears to be standing on something to make him look taller.
Although Andre was billed at 7’ 5”, he was “only” 6’ 10-1/2” - IOW, towering.
Nonetheless, the WWE/WWF/WWWF and probably other promotions, apparently still required their tall wrestlers to wear lifts.
From what I understand, he had been in poor health for a number of years. Condolences to his family.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.