On October 13, “Mormon Giant” Don Leo Jonathan passed away at 87 years old. The Canadian wrestled for Maple Leaf Wrestling, where he teamed with Gene Kiniski and later fought for the American Wrestling Association. He would defeat Andre The Giant via disqualification in 1972 in what was billed as the “match of the century.”
Jonathan joined WWWF the following year as a heel and lost to then champion Pedro Morales. He officially retired in 1980. From everyone at WrestleNewz, we would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of Jonathan.
Below is WWE’s statement on the passing of Don Leo Jonathan
WWE is saddened to learn that Don Leo Jonathan has passed away at the age of 87.
A second-generation performer, Jonathan was one of the most feared big men from his era. From the 1950s throughout the ’70s, the Hurricane, Utah, native was a box-office attraction across the globe. Weighing as much as 340 pounds during his career, The Mormon Giant’s adaptability allowed him to wrestle a scientific match or brawl with the best of them, depending on the situation.
More times than not, Jonathan’s Spinning Full Nelson would spell defeat for his opponents. The 6-foot-6 competitor had great rivalries against the likes of Andre the Giant, Killer Kowalski and Gene Kiniski, and had WWE Championship Matches against Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales.
WWE extends its condolences to Jonathan’s family, friends and fans.
– WWE is starting to take shape of their new NXT UK brand. They already held tapings weeks ago (click here and here for spoilers) and on Saturday afternoon held another round of matches from the Plymouth Pavilions in England. Don’t forget to catch NXT UK starting this Wednesday at 3 pm EST.
– Fabian Aichner defeated Mark Andrews
– Isla Dawn defeated Nina Samuels
– Eddie Dennis defeated Tucker
– Jordan Devlin defeated Flash’ Morgan Webster
– Joseph Connors defeated Dan Moloney
– Dave Mastiff defeated Mike Hitchman
– Eddie Ryan defeated Saxton Huxley
– El Ligero defeated Tyson T. Bone
– NXT UK Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Candy Floss to remain champion.
– Travis Banks defeated Wolfgang.
– Flash Morgan Webster defeated Fabian Aichner
– Isla Dawn defeated Killer Kelly. She knows earns a NXT UK Women’s Championship match at Evolution.
– James Drake & Zach Gibson defeated Kenny Williams & Amir Jordan
– Joe Coffey defeated Trent Seven
