by Telemachus Gaffiganiakis
June 28, 2007
BUENOS AIRES-- Jorge Gonzales, better known to fans of the former World Wrestling Federation as "Giant Gonzalez," was found alive in his home in El Colorado, Formosa, Argentina yesterday.
Authorities were called to investigate the 7'6" Gonzales's home after the recent deaths of wrestlers Sensational Sherri and Chris Benoit. Many fans believed Gonzales would be next on the list considering the 41-year old man nicknamed "El Gigante" in World Championship Wrestling has been suffering from diabetes and a muscle disease for a few years that has left him in a wheelchair.
"He fine," said "el jefe de la policia," Luis de Los Pardos in broken English. "We check house. He just sit, watch TV. Then we go, do usual job of nothing and being corrupt."
Giant Gonzalez was best known for a feud with The Undertaker. After The Undertaker "buried" Harvey Wippleman-managed wrestler, Kamala, in a Casket Match at the Survivor Series, Wippleman sought revenge against the "Dead Man" by bringing Gonzalez to the 1993 Royal Rumble. Gonzalez pummelled The Undertaker and eliminated him from the Rumble despite not being a participant. They went on to face off in Wrestlemania IX where Gonzalez's cheating ways led to a disqualification. Gonzalez was then finally buried himself in a Casket Match at SummerSlam.
The only highlight after that point was his participation in a 20-man over the top battle royale for the Intercontinental Title.
Before his wrestling days, Gonzales played pro basketball, and was a part of the Atlanta Hawks, but he could not keep up with the fast-paced play of the NBA with the likes of Dominique Wilkins, Kevin Willis, and Stacey Augmon on his team.
Friends and neighbors say that Gonzales is still in good spirits despite his ailing condition. "I see him regularly," says neighbor Frida Marquez-Marquez. "I talk to him, and he takes great pride in his acting career. Who wouldn't after appearing in Wrestlemania IX, Baywatch, and Thunder in Paradise?"
In the past ten years, 27 wrestlers under the age of 45 have died, presumably from the effects of steroid and other drug abuse. Gonzales would not speak much, but did comment on the steroid issue in wrestling. "Nunca use' los steroids," Gonzales said through an interpreter.
A party will be held this weekend to celebrate Gonzales's life. Argentinian food, music, and party favors will be at the event. However, dancing is prohibited as Gonzales cannot partake in such an act.