In a continuation of his executive order to rename all Covid-19 variants after professional wrestlers, Donald J. Trump has now officially rebranded the Gamma variant—also known as P.1 and 20J/501Y.V3, first detected in Brazil—as Giant Silva.
The towering choice comes after a brief internal debate, in which Trump initially floated naming the variant “Bolsonaro”, to honor the former Brazilian president and Covid skeptic Jair Bolsonaro.
“It was a strong contender,” a Trump aide revealed. “But we reminded him that breaking the WWE naming streak would look weak—like a heel turn without a storyline.”
Trump reportedly agreed, stating:
“I love Jair. Great guy. Great hair. But we can’t ruin the streak. The people want wrestlers. They want power, not politics.”
Why Giant Silva?
For those unfamiliar with Paulo César da Silva, aka Giant Silva, he’s a 7’2″ former basketball player turned pro wrestler who once competed in WWE and PRIDE FC. Known for his massive presence, limited mobility, and ability to clear a ring just by stepping into it, he represents bulk over subtlety—exactly how some describe the Gamma variant’s behavior.
“It’s a perfect match,” said nurse Andreia Ramos, who worked in Rio during the height of the Gamma wave. “The variant spread fast, hit hard, and overwhelmed systems—just like Giant Silva in a six-man tag. You didn’t beat him. You just tried to outlast him.”
Not Everyone’s Happy
The renaming has stirred debate in the Brazilian wrestling fan community, especially among fans of Gabriela “Gabi” Castrovinci, also known by her ring name Raquel.
“I was really hoping they’d pick Raquel,” said longtime fan @ValeTudoQueen on PraeThreads. “She’s a Brazilian diva. Beautiful. Fierce. Marketable. Giant Silva hasn’t wrestled in decades and moved like a refrigerator.”
But Trump dismissed concerns about marketability:
“Gabi’s great, I’m sure. But this is about strength. And Giant Silva is HUGE. Some say too huge. Which is why he’s perfect for the Gamma.”
Wrestling Fans Applaud the Consistency
Despite initial Bolsonaro buzz, many applaud the administration for sticking to the gimmick.
“With Alpha as Regal, Beta as Angélico, and Stratus already legendary, Giant Silva adds the monster factor we’ve been missing,” said wrestling historian Blake “Elbowdrop” Knight. “Plus, if Omicron gets Goldberg, the build-up is perfect.”
One fan account even mocked up a poster: “CovidMania: Gamma vs The Immune System – Silva Smashes All.”
The Final Bell:
The Gamma variant may have peaked in 2021, but in the Trump Cinematic Naming Universe, it now lives forever as Giant Silva—a towering force with questionable agility and undeniable impact.
And as for Raquel?
Maybe a minor subvariant can carry her legacy… or at least a booster side effect.
