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{{short description|Basketball player, MMA fighter and professional wrestler}}
{{short description|Brazilian basketball player, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
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|caption = Silva in 2008.
|caption = Silva in 2008.
|birth_name = Paulo César da Silva
|birth_name = Paulo César da Silva
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1962|7|21}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|7|21}}
|birth_place = [[São Paulo]], [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]], Brazil
|birth_place = [[São Paulo]], [[São Paulo (state)|São Paulo]], Brazil
|resides =
|resides =
|children =
|children =
|names = Giant King<br />Giant Silva<br />Gigante Silva<br />The New Giant<br />Paulão
|names = Giant King<br />Giant Silva<br />Gigante Silva<br />The Great Charlie<br />The New Giant<br />Paulão
|height = 7 ft 1 in<ref name=sherdog>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Paulo-Cesar-Silva-9400|title=Giant Silva Sherdog profile|website=sherdog.com}}</ref>
|height = 7 ft 3 in<ref name=sherdog>{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Paulo-Cesar-Silva-9400|title=Giant Silva Sherdog profile|website=sherdog.com}}</ref>
|weight = 347 lb<ref name=sherdog/>
|weight = 445 lb<ref name=sherdog/>
|billed =
|billed =
|trainer = [[Dory Funk Jr.]]<br />[[Tom Prichard]]
|trainer = [[Dory Funk Jr.]]<br />[[Tom Prichard]]
|debut = 1997
|debut = 1985
|retired = 2011
|retired = 2010
}}
}}
'''Paulo César da Silva''' (born July 21, 1962) is a Brazilian former national [[basketball]] player for the Brazilian national basketball team and later [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] and [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Giant Silva'''. A super-heavyweight wrestler, he was both a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] and a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in several [[professional wrestling promotion]]s. Known for his great height, in 2014 he was described as the sixth tallest professional wrestler in history. <ref name="Binks">{{cite web|url=http://whatculture.com/wwe/wwe-10-tallest-wrestlers-ever-giant-actually?page=5|title=WWE: 10 Tallest Wrestlers Ever (And How Giant They Actually Were)|publisher=WhatCulture.com|author=Binks, Elliot|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2016}}</ref>
'''Paulo César da Silva''' (born July 21, 1963) is a Brazilian former national [[basketball]] player for the Brazilian national basketball team and later [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] and [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Giant Silva'''. He stands {{convert|2.21|m|ftin|abbr=on}} and weighs {{convert|202|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. A super-heavyweight wrestler, he was both a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] and a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in several [[professional wrestling promotion]]s. Known for his great height, in 2014 he was described as the sixth tallest professional wrestler in history.<ref name="Binks">{{cite web|url=http://whatculture.com/wwe/wwe-10-tallest-wrestlers-ever-giant-actually?page=5|title=WWE: 10 Tallest Wrestlers Ever (And How Giant They Actually Were)|publisher=WhatCulture.com|author=Binks, Elliot|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=April 29, 2016|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507113901/http://whatculture.com/wwe/wwe-10-tallest-wrestlers-ever-giant-actually?page=5|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Basketball career ==
== Basketball career ==
In the 1980s, Silva was originally a professional [[basketball]] player. He played with the senior [[Brazilian national basketball team]] at the [[Basketball at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1988 Summer Olympics]] as Paulão da Silva.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuGxZs41kgY|title=GIANT SILVA playing Basketball (Brazil Squad)|last=K7edoCacete|date=June 8, 2009|website=Youtube.com|access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref> Very much like [[Jorge Gonzales|El Gigante/Giant Gonzales]], who also started as a basketball player, the 7'2" (219&nbsp;cm) tall da Silva, played as a reserve [[center (basketball)|center]] on Brazil's national team, wearing the #13 jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/olympics/athletes/paulo-da-silva-1|title=Paulo da Silva Olympic Stats - Basketball-Reference.com|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref>
In the 1980s, Silva was originally a professional [[basketball]] player. He played with the senior [[Brazilian national basketball team]] at the [[Basketball at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1988 Summer Olympics]] as Paulão da Silva.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuGxZs41kgY|title=GIANT SILVA playing Basketball (Brazil Squad)|last=K7edoCacete|date=June 8, 2009|website=Youtube.com|access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref> Very much like [[Jorge Gonzales|El Gigante/Giant Gonzales]], who also started as a basketball player, the {{convert|7|ft|2|in|cm|abbr=on}} tall da Silva, played as a reserve [[center (basketball)|center]] on Brazil's national team, wearing the #13 jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/olympics/athletes/paulo-da-silva-1|title=Paulo da Silva Olympic Stats - Basketball-Reference.com|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref>


== Professional wrestling career ==
== Professional wrestling career ==
===World Wrestling Federation (1998–1999)===
===World Wrestling Federation (1998–1999)===
{{see also|The Oddities (professional wrestling)|l1=The Oddities}}
{{see also|The Oddities (professional wrestling)|l1=The Oddities}}
After turning pro in late 1997, Silva signed with [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]]. After debuting he was given the name: "Giant Silva" and was a member of the [[The Oddities (professional wrestling)|Oddities]] stable. For most of his WWF tenure, Silva was a cornerman for the Oddities and his matches on TV were tag matches, teaming up with [[John Tenta|Golga]] and/or [[Robert Maillet|Kurrgan]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=1&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |title=CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=September 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616160823/http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=1&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> His only highlight was at [[Summerslam|Summerslam 1998]] when he, Golga, and Kurrgan defeated [[Kai En Tai]] in a 3 on 4 Handicap match. Silva was released around February 1999.
After turning pro in late 1997, Silva signed with [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]]. After debuting he was given the name: "Giant Silva" and was a member of the [[The Oddities (professional wrestling)|Oddities]] stable. For most of his WWF tenure, Silva was a cornerman for the Oddities and his matches on TV were tag matches, teaming up with [[John Tenta|Golga]] and/or [[Robert Maillet|Kurrgan]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=1&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |title=CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=September 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616160823/http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=1&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> His only highlight was at [[SummerSlam (1998)|SummerSlam 1998]] when he, Golga, and Kurrgan defeated [[Kai En Tai]] in a 3 on 4 Handicap match. During his time in WWF, Silva was not used as much. Silva was released around February 1999.


He would return only once with long hair on the July 4, 1999 episode of [[WWF Super Astros]] in a victory over [[Pantera (wrestler)|Pantera]].
⚫
===Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (1999-2003)===

⚫
===Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (1999–2003)===
After his WWF tenure, Silva joined Mexican promotion [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] and was renamed Gigante Silva. He was introduced by [[midget wrestler]] [[Tzuki]] and soon became an ally to ''tecnicos'', often teaming up in tag team matches against numerically superior ''rudos''. Silva struck an occasional team with fellow superheavyweight [[Brazo de Plata]] and had part in a feud with [[Robert Maillet|Gigante Kurggan]], who was brought by Los Capos (the faction led by [[Apolo Dantes]] and [[Universo 2000]]) in order to oppose him. In November 2003, Silva turned ''rudo'' himself and allied with [[Pierroth Jr.]] and his valet [[La Comandante]] before leaving Mexico for Japan full time.
After his WWF tenure, Silva joined Mexican promotion [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] and was renamed Gigante Silva. He was introduced by [[midget wrestler]] [[Tzuki]] and soon became an ally to ''tecnicos'', often teaming up in tag team matches against numerically superior ''rudos''. Silva struck an occasional team with fellow superheavyweight [[Brazo de Plata]] and had part in a feud with [[Robert Maillet|Gigante Kurggan]], who was brought by Los Capos (the faction led by [[Apolo Dantes]] and [[Universo 2000]]) in order to oppose him. In November 2003, Silva turned ''rudo'' himself and allied with [[Pierroth Jr.]] and his valet [[La Comandante]] before leaving Mexico for Japan full time.


===New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Hustle (2001–2008)===
===New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Hustle (2001–2008)===
[[File:Giant Silva.jpg|thumb|160px|Silva in a match against [[Akebono Taro|Bono-chan]].]]
[[File:Giant Silva.jpg|thumb|160px|Silva in a match against [[Akebono Taro|Bono-chan]].]]
In 2001, Silva joined [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]. He originally debuted on August 12, 2001 as a member of [[Masahiro Chono|Masahiro Chono's]] stable: Team 2000<ref name="puroresufan1">[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/g101.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> where he was paired up with another Giant: [[The Great Khali|Giant Singh]] (better known as The Great Khali) as the tag team: Club 7. Silva made his in-ring debut for New Japan when he took part in the G1 World Climax tournament where he finished in 4th place with 4 points.<ref name="puroresufan1"/> He and Singh made their debut as a tag team at Indicate of Next on October 8, 2001 where they defeated [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]], [[Kenzo Suzuki]], [[Yutaka Yoshie]], & [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]] in a 4 on 2 handicap match.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/100801.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref>
In 2001, Silva joined [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]. He originally debuted on August 12, 2001, as a member of [[Masahiro Chono|Masahiro Chono's]] stable: Team 2000<ref name="puroresufan1">[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/g101.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> where he was paired up with another Giant: [[The Great Khali|Giant Singh]] (better known as The Great Khali) as the tag team: Club 7. Silva made his in-ring debut for New Japan when he took part in the G1 World Climax tournament where he finished in 4th place with 4 points.<ref name="puroresufan1"/> He and Singh made their debut as a tag team at Indicate of Next on October 8, 2001, where they defeated [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]], [[Kenzo Suzuki]], [[Yutaka Yoshie]], & [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]] in a 4 on 2 handicap match.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/100801.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref>


In the fall of 2001, Silva teamed with Chono in the [[G1 Tag League#2001|2001 G1 Tag League]] with the team finishing in 7th place with 6 points.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/g1tag01.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> In 2002, Silva took part in several tournaments. In February he was part of the a tournament for the vacated [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] but lost in the first round to eventual winner: [[Tadao Yasuda]].<ref name="puroresufan2">[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/fspirit02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> Two days later on February 3, Silva, Singh, and Chono won the Teisen Hall Cup 6 Man Tag Team Tournament.<ref name="puroresufan2"/> In March, Club 7 then entered a tournament for the vacated [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="puroresufan3">[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> In the first round, they defeated fellow Team 2000 members: [[Scott Norton]] and [[Jeff Farmer (wrestler)|Super J]], but lost to [[Yuji Nagata]] and [[Manabu Nakanishi]] in the semi-finals.<ref name="puroresufan3"/>
In the fall of 2001, Silva teamed with Chono in the [[G1 Tag League#2001|2001 G1 Tag League]] with the team finishing in 7th place with 6 points.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/g1tag01.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> In 2002, Silva took part in several tournaments. In February he was part of the a tournament for the vacated [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] but lost in the first round to eventual winner: [[Tadao Yasuda]].<ref name="puroresufan2">[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/fspirit02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> Two days later on February 3, Silva, Singh, and Chono won the Teisen Hall Cup 6 Man Tag Team Tournament.<ref name="puroresufan2"/> In March, Club 7 then entered a tournament for the vacated [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="puroresufan3">[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> In the first round, they defeated fellow Team 2000 members: [[Scott Norton]] and [[Jeff Farmer (wrestler)|Super J]], but lost to [[Yuji Nagata]] and [[Manabu Nakanishi]] in the semi-finals.<ref name="puroresufan3"/>


In the spring of 2002, Club 7 broke up and began feuding shortly afterwards. The two were scheduled to face each other at Toukon Memorial Day on May 2, 2002 but an injury to Singh prevented the match from taking place.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/summerfight02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> The two finally fought at Cross Road on August 29, 2002 with Silva defeating Singh.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref>
In the spring of 2002, Club 7 broke up and began feuding shortly afterwards. The two were scheduled to face each other at Toukon Memorial Day on May 2, 2002, but an injury to Singh prevented the match from taking place.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/notes/summerfight02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref> The two finally fought at Cross Road on August 29, 2002, with Silva defeating Singh.<ref>[http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results02.html Strong Style Spirit]. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.</ref>


From 2004–2008, Silva wrestled for [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|HUSTLE]] where he took part in a variety of matches and formed teams with [[Scott Norton]], [[Toshiaki Kawada]], and [[Mark Coleman]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=48&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |title=CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=September 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616160923/http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=48&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
From 2004 to 2008, Silva wrestled for [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|HUSTLE]] where he took part in a variety of matches and formed teams with [[Scott Norton]], [[Toshiaki Kawada]], and [[Mark Coleman]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=48&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |title=CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=September 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616160923/http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1090&view=matches&gimmick=&jahr=&liga=48&region=&land=&art=&artmatches=&partner=Partner&gegner=Gegner&suchbegriff=Suchbegriff |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


===Independent circuit (2008–2010)===
===Independent circuit (2008–2010)===
Silva also competed in National Wrestling Superstars.
Silva also competed in National Wrestling Superstars mainly working in handicap matches.


== Mixed martial arts career ==
== Mixed martial arts career ==
===Pride Fighting Championships (2003–2006)===
===Pride Fighting Championships (2003–2006)===
[[File:Giant Silva big boot.jpg|thumb|Silva performing a big boot to [[Yutaka Yoshie|Yoshie-chan]].]]
[[File:Giant Silva big boot.jpg|thumb|Silva performing a big boot to [[Yutaka Yoshie|Yoshie-chan]].]]
After his career in NJPW, Silva was signed by [[Dream Stage Entertainment]] and competed in [[Pride Fighting Championships]], a defunct [[mixed martial arts]] organization based in [[Japan]]. Although at one time he trained with members of the [[Gracie family]], most notably Ricardo Gracie and [[Ralek Gracie]], he only had a crash course in [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] when he had his debut in Pride Shockwave 2003 against 250lbs [[Heath Herring]]. Silva led the more experienced fighter to the third round, absorbing repeated leg kicks and taking Herring down once, but Heath capitalized and reversed it into a [[rear naked choke]] for the win.
After his career in NJPW, Silva was signed by [[Dream Stage Entertainment]] and competed in [[Pride Fighting Championships]], a defunct [[mixed martial arts]] organization based in [[Japan]]. Although at one time he trained with members of the [[Gracie family]], most notably Ricardo Gracie and [[Ralek Gracie]], he only had a crash course in [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] when he had his debut at [[2003 in Pride FC#Pride FC: Shockwave 2003|Pride Shockwave 2003]] against 250lbs [[Heath Herring]]. Silva led the more experienced fighter to the third round, absorbing repeated leg kicks and taking Herring down once, but Heath capitalized and reversed it into a [[rear naked choke]] for the win.


In April 2004, Silva took part in the Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, whose first round saw him facing sumo wrestler [[Sentoryū Henri|Henry "Sentoryu" Miller]], only 85lbs lighter. Sentoryu accomplished a takedown on Silva and attacked his guard, only for Silva's height to neutralize his [[ground and pound]] attempts, as the sumo did not reach to his head. Miller finally got side control, but then Silva reversed him with a Kimura lock and made him tap out. The pro wrestler then advanced to the second round, being pitted against former world judo champion [[Naoya Ogawa]], who won the fight by takedown and ground and pound TKO.
In April 2004, Silva took part in the Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, whose first round saw him facing [[sumo]] wrestler [[Sentoryū Henri|Henry "Sentoryu" Miller]], only 85lbs lighter. Sentoryu accomplished a takedown on Silva and attacked his guard, only for Silva's height to neutralize his [[ground and pound]] attempts, as the sumo wrestler could not reach his head. Miller finally got side control, but then Silva reversed him with a [[Kimura lock]] and made him tap out. The pro wrestler then advanced to the second round, being pitted against former world judo champion [[Naoya Ogawa]], who won the fight by ground and pound TKO.


Silva would then face another professional wrestler, [[Pro Wrestling NOAH]]'s [[Takashi Sugiura]], who used his wrestling acumen to take him down and land knees and punches for the stoppage. The match had some controversy, as a brawl erupted after the bout and Silva had to be restrained by several ring crew men.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-311/|title=MMA Review: #59: Pride: Bushido Vol. 4 - The Oratory|website=the-oratory.com|date=August 6, 2005|access-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref>
Silva would then face another professional wrestler, [[Pro Wrestling NOAH]]'s [[Takashi Sugiura]], who used his wrestling acumen to take Silva down and land knees and punches for the stoppage. The match had some controversy, as a brawl erupted after the bout and Silva had to be restrained by several ring crew men.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-311/|title=MMA Review: #59: Pride: Bushido Vol. 4 - The Oratory|website=the-oratory.com|date=August 6, 2005|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053435/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-311/|url-status=usurped}}</ref>


On December 31, 2006 Giant Silva finally faced a heavier opponent, the former Yokozona [[Akebono Tarō]], at K-1 Premium 2006. The sumo clinched Silva and pressed him against the ropes, until Silva broke the hug and transitioned a [[Kimura lock]] in way to the ground, submitting Akebono for his second and last win.
On December 31, 2006, Giant Silva finally faced a heavier opponent, the former yokozuna [[Akebono Tarō]], at [[K-1 PREMIUM 2006 Dynamite!!|K-1 Premium 2006]]. The sumo wrestler clinched Silva and pressed him against the ropes, until Silva broke the hug and transitioned to a [[Kimura lock]] on the ground, submitting Akebono for his second and last win.


==Mixed martial arts record==
==Mixed martial arts record==
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*[http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterid=9400 Giant Silva at Sherdog.com]
*[http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?fighterid=9400 Giant Silva at Sherdog.com]
*[http://www.pridefc.com/pride2005/index.php?mainpage=fighters&fID=291 Pride FC Archive Profile]
*[http://www.pridefc.com/pride2005/index.php?mainpage=fighters&fID=291 Pride FC Archive Profile]
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Silva, Giant}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Silva, Giant}}
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[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Brazilian men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Brazilian men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Olympic basketball players of Brazil]]
[[Category:Olympic basketball players for Brazil]]
[[Category:Basketball players at the 1988 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Basketball players at the 1988 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:People with gigantism]]
[[Category:People with gigantism]]
[[Category:Centers (basketball)]]
[[Category:Centers (basketball)]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]
[[Category:20th-century Brazilian sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 01:21, 22 December 2024

Giant Silva
Silva in 2008.
Birth namePaulo César da Silva
Born (1963-07-21) July 21, 1963 (age 61)
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Giant King
Giant Silva
Gigante Silva
The Great Charlie
The New Giant
Paulão
Billed height7 ft 3 in (221 cm)[1]
Billed weight445 lb (202 kg)[1]
Trained byDory Funk Jr.
Tom Prichard
Debut1985
Retired2010

Paulo César da Silva (born July 21, 1963) is a Brazilian former national basketball player for the Brazilian national basketball team and later mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Giant Silva. He stands 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in) and weighs 202 kg (445 lb). A super-heavyweight wrestler, he was both a face and a heel in several professional wrestling promotions. Known for his great height, in 2014 he was described as the sixth tallest professional wrestler in history.[2]

Basketball career

[edit]

In the 1980s, Silva was originally a professional basketball player. He played with the senior Brazilian national basketball team at the 1988 Summer Olympics as Paulão da Silva.[3] Very much like El Gigante/Giant Gonzales, who also started as a basketball player, the 7 ft 2 in (218 cm) tall da Silva, played as a reserve center on Brazil's national team, wearing the #13 jersey.[4]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

World Wrestling Federation (1998–1999)

[edit]
See also: The Oddities

After turning pro in late 1997, Silva signed with World Wrestling Federation. After debuting he was given the name: "Giant Silva" and was a member of the Oddities stable. For most of his WWF tenure, Silva was a cornerman for the Oddities and his matches on TV were tag matches, teaming up with Golga and/or Kurrgan.[5] His only highlight was at SummerSlam 1998 when he, Golga, and Kurrgan defeated Kai En Tai in a 3 on 4 Handicap match. During his time in WWF, Silva was not used as much. Silva was released around February 1999.

He would return only once with long hair on the July 4, 1999 episode of WWF Super Astros in a victory over Pantera.

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (1999–2003)

[edit]

After his WWF tenure, Silva joined Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre and was renamed Gigante Silva. He was introduced by midget wrestler Tzuki and soon became an ally to tecnicos, often teaming up in tag team matches against numerically superior rudos. Silva struck an occasional team with fellow superheavyweight Brazo de Plata and had part in a feud with Gigante Kurggan, who was brought by Los Capos (the faction led by Apolo Dantes and Universo 2000) in order to oppose him. In November 2003, Silva turned rudo himself and allied with Pierroth Jr. and his valet La Comandante before leaving Mexico for Japan full time.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Hustle (2001–2008)

[edit]
Silva in a match against Bono-chan.

In 2001, Silva joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He originally debuted on August 12, 2001, as a member of Masahiro Chono's stable: Team 2000[6] where he was paired up with another Giant: Giant Singh (better known as The Great Khali) as the tag team: Club 7. Silva made his in-ring debut for New Japan when he took part in the G1 World Climax tournament where he finished in 4th place with 4 points.[6] He and Singh made their debut as a tag team at Indicate of Next on October 8, 2001, where they defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kenzo Suzuki, Yutaka Yoshie, & Wataru Inoue in a 4 on 2 handicap match.[7]

In the fall of 2001, Silva teamed with Chono in the 2001 G1 Tag League with the team finishing in 7th place with 6 points.[8] In 2002, Silva took part in several tournaments. In February he was part of the a tournament for the vacated IWGP Heavyweight Championship but lost in the first round to eventual winner: Tadao Yasuda.[9] Two days later on February 3, Silva, Singh, and Chono won the Teisen Hall Cup 6 Man Tag Team Tournament.[9] In March, Club 7 then entered a tournament for the vacated IWGP Tag Team Championship.[10] In the first round, they defeated fellow Team 2000 members: Scott Norton and Super J, but lost to Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi in the semi-finals.[10]

In the spring of 2002, Club 7 broke up and began feuding shortly afterwards. The two were scheduled to face each other at Toukon Memorial Day on May 2, 2002, but an injury to Singh prevented the match from taking place.[11] The two finally fought at Cross Road on August 29, 2002, with Silva defeating Singh.[12]

From 2004 to 2008, Silva wrestled for HUSTLE where he took part in a variety of matches and formed teams with Scott Norton, Toshiaki Kawada, and Mark Coleman.[13]

Independent circuit (2008–2010)

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Silva also competed in National Wrestling Superstars mainly working in handicap matches.

Mixed martial arts career

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Pride Fighting Championships (2003–2006)

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Silva performing a big boot to Yoshie-chan.

After his career in NJPW, Silva was signed by Dream Stage Entertainment and competed in Pride Fighting Championships, a defunct mixed martial arts organization based in Japan. Although at one time he trained with members of the Gracie family, most notably Ricardo Gracie and Ralek Gracie, he only had a crash course in Brazilian jiu-jitsu when he had his debut at Pride Shockwave 2003 against 250lbs Heath Herring. Silva led the more experienced fighter to the third round, absorbing repeated leg kicks and taking Herring down once, but Heath capitalized and reversed it into a rear naked choke for the win.

In April 2004, Silva took part in the Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament, whose first round saw him facing sumo wrestler Henry "Sentoryu" Miller, only 85lbs lighter. Sentoryu accomplished a takedown on Silva and attacked his guard, only for Silva's height to neutralize his ground and pound attempts, as the sumo wrestler could not reach his head. Miller finally got side control, but then Silva reversed him with a Kimura lock and made him tap out. The pro wrestler then advanced to the second round, being pitted against former world judo champion Naoya Ogawa, who won the fight by ground and pound TKO.

Silva would then face another professional wrestler, Pro Wrestling NOAH's Takashi Sugiura, who used his wrestling acumen to take Silva down and land knees and punches for the stoppage. The match had some controversy, as a brawl erupted after the bout and Silva had to be restrained by several ring crew men.[14]

On December 31, 2006, Giant Silva finally faced a heavier opponent, the former yokozuna Akebono Tarō, at K-1 Premium 2006. The sumo wrestler clinched Silva and pressed him against the ropes, until Silva broke the hug and transitioned to a Kimura lock on the ground, submitting Akebono for his second and last win.

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
8 matches 2 wins 6 losses
By knockout 0 4
By submission 2 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 2–6 Akebono Taro Submission (kimura) K-1 PREMIUM 2006 Dynamite!! December 31, 2006 1 1:02 Osaka, Japan
Loss 1–6 Ikuhisa Minowa TKO (knees) Pride – Bushido 10 April 2, 2006 1 2:33 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 1–5 James Thompson TKO (soccer kicks) PRIDE Shockwave 2005 December 31, 2005 1 1:28 Saitama, Japan
Loss 1–4 Choi Mu-Bae Submission (arm-triangle choke) PRIDE Shockwave 2004 December 31, 2004 1 5:47 Saitama, Japan
Loss 1–3 Takashi Sugiura TKO (punches) PRIDE Bushido 4 July 19, 2004 1 2:35 Nagoya, Japan
Loss 1–2 Naoya Ogawa TKO (punches) PRIDE Critical Countdown 2004 June 20, 2004 1 3:29 Saitama, Japan
Win 1–1 Henry Miller Submission (kimura) PRIDE Total Elimination 2004 April 25, 2004 1 4:04 Saitama, Japan
Loss 0–1 Heath Herring Submission (rear-naked choke) PRIDE Shockwave 2003 December 31, 2003 3 0:35 Saitama, Japan

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Giant Silva Sherdog profile". sherdog.com.
  2. ^ Binks, Elliot (May 2, 2014). "WWE: 10 Tallest Wrestlers Ever (And How Giant They Actually Were)". WhatCulture.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  3. ^ K7edoCacete (June 8, 2009). "GIANT SILVA playing Basketball (Brazil Squad)". Youtube.com. Retrieved April 18, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ "Paulo da Silva Olympic Stats - Basketball-Reference.com". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  5. ^ "CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database". Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
  6. ^ a b Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  7. ^ Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  8. ^ Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  10. ^ a b Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  11. ^ Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  12. ^ Strong Style Spirit. Puroresufan.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2012.
  13. ^ "CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database". Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2010.
  14. ^ "MMA Review: #59: Pride: Bushido Vol. 4 - The Oratory". the-oratory.com. August 6, 2005. Archived from the original on April 19, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^ "New Japan Pro-Wrestling tournaments". Archived from the original on August 3, 2009.
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