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Paul Donald Wight II (born February 8, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name. He is best known for his tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1995 to 1999 as (the) Giant and his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation/WWE from 1999 to 2021 under the ring name (the) Big Show.

Key Information

Wight played college basketball at Wichita State University before transferring to other schools. He began his wrestling career in 1994. In 1995, he signed with WCW, where, due to his great height and large frame, he was known by the ring name The Giant and initially introduced as "the son of André the Giant". In early 1999, he left WCW to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Between WWF/WWE and WCW, he has held 23 total championships - including being a seven-time world champion, having held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WWF/WWE Championship twice, WWE's World Heavyweight Championship twice and the ECW World Heavyweight Championship once, (making him the only wrestler who has won all four titles),[10] and an 11-time world tag team champion, holding the WWF/World, WWE and WCW World Tag Team Championships multiple times with various partners. Having also won the Intercontinental, United States and Hardcore championships, he is the 24th Triple Crown and 12th Grand Slam winner in WWE history.[11][12] He also won the 60-man battle royal at World War 3 and the 30-man André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31. He has headlined multiple pay-per-view events for WCW and WWF/WWE since 1995, including the 16th edition of WWE's premier annual event, WrestleMania.

Outside of professional wrestling, Wight has appeared in feature films and television series such as Jingle All the Way, The Waterboy, Star Trek: Enterprise, and two USA Network's comedy-dramas Royal Pains, Psych and the action-drama Burn Notice. He had lead roles in the WWE Studios comedy film Knucklehead and the Netflix sitcom The Big Show Show.

Early life

[edit]

Wight was born February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina. He was born with acromegaly, a disease of the endocrine system that causes accelerated growth.[13] By the age of twelve, he was 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall, weighed 220 lb (100 kg), and had chest hair. In 1991, as a member of the Wichita State University basketball team at age 19, he was listed at 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m).[14] He underwent successful surgery in the early 1990s on his pituitary gland, which halted the growth. His shoe size is 22 5E,[15] his ring size is 22, and his chest is 64 inches (1,600 mm) in circumference. In 2005, he leased a bus and hired a bus driver because of the practical problems his size presents to air travel and car rental.[16][17]

Wight played basketball and American football in high school at W. Wyman King Academy in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. He was a standout center for the basketball team and a tight end for the football team. He quit football after his freshman year because of disputes with the coach. He continued to support the team by joining the cheerleading squad as a sophomore, partly from spite. He later called it "the greatest experience of my life... Everybody else was riding a bus with sweaty equipment, and I'm in a van with seven cheerleaders who are all learning about life". The van was driven by "a mom who was deaf in her right ear and chain-smoked".[18]

After leaving high school, Wight attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, where his basketball averages of 14 points and 6.5 rebounds earned him all-conference honors and helped the team win the Western Division of the Oklahoma Bi-State Conference.[19] He went on to attend Wichita State University, where in 1991-1992 he played for the Wichita State Shockers.[20] Wight subsequently attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 1992 to 1993, where he was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Cougars basketball team and scored 39 points for the Cougars in limited action; he joined the Xi Beta chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.[21]

After graduating, Wight worked various jobs including bouncing, bounty hunting, and answering phone calls.

Professional wrestling career

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Training and early career (1994–1995)

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Wight paid $5,000[citation needed] to train at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory, but due to Sharpe's gout at the time, he was only very minimally trained (Johnny Polo taught him the collar-and-elbow tie-up). Wight wrestled the first match of his career on December 3, 1994, at a World Wrestling Association (WWA) show in Clementon, New Jersey; he lost by count-out to WWA Heavyweight Champion Frank Finnegan.[9]

Wight attempted to inquire about joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during an autograph session at the Rosemont Horizon. Promoter and scout Bob Collins turned him away after he admitted he had no experience. While attending the Monster Factory, Wight made an audition tape and gave it to Mike Chioda, whom he had met in a Philadelphia bar. Chioda forwarded it to Pat Patterson, who did not bother watching it because he assumed Wight was another wrestler, Kurrgan. Only when he later saw The Giant debut in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) did Patterson realize his mistake, much to Vince McMahon's displeasure.[18]

While answering phones for a karaoke company, Wight met Danny Bonaduce in a live microphone amateur contest on his morning radio show. Bonaduce introduced Wight to his friend, WCW wrestler Hulk Hogan. They had an informal basketball game, as part of a WCW promotion for an upcoming show at the Rosemont Horizon. Hogan liked how Wight worked the crowd and recommended him to WCW's vice president, Eric Bischoff. Wight went to the Horizon show, and was invited into the locker room, where he met Ric Flair, Arn Anderson (his boyhood hero) and Paul Orndorff. He later met Bischoff there and came to a deal.[18]

World Championship Wrestling (1995–1999)

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WCW World Heavyweight Champion (1995–1996)

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In 1995, Wight signed with WCW. He debuted on May 21 at Slamboree, where he was billed as the son of André the Giant (although this was later dropped) and accordingly used the ring name "the Giant" as a member of Kevin Sullivan's Dungeon of Doom stable. Wight made his professional in-ring debut at the Halloween Havoc pay-per-view in October 1995, challenging Hulk Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. He won the match after Hogan's manager, Jimmy Hart, purposely got Hogan disqualified and then turned on him.[2] The following night, the Giant appeared on WCW Monday Nitro wearing the championship belt; Hart, who became The Giant's manager, revealed that he had put a stipulation in the contract for the match that if Hogan lost via disqualification, he would lose his championship. WCW responded by nullifying the title change due to the circumstances surrounding it and the championship was vacated.

The Giant then entered the sixty-man battle royal contested for the vacant championship at World War 3 on November 26. He was one of the final six combatants, being eliminated simultaneously with Sting and Lex Luger by Hogan. The Giant did not leave the ring upon being eliminated and pulled Hogan underneath the ropes while Randy Savage was eliminating the One Man Gang from the match. The referee did not see the Giant's actions, only that Hogan was on the floor, and thus awarded the match and the title to Savage.[22][23] The Giant teamed with Ric Flair to defeat Hogan and Savage at Clash of the Champions XXXII in January 1996,[24] but was defeated by Hogan in a cage match at SuperBrawl VI the following month.[25][26] A grudge between the Giant and fellow Dungeon of Doom member Loch Ness soon developed over who was the only true giant of WCW, with Giant defeating Loch Ness at Uncensored in March 1996.[27][28]

On the April 22, 1996 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, the Giant teamed with WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair to face WCW World Tag Team Champions Sting and Lex Luger (who was also the WCW World Television Champion) in a match with all three titles on the line. The match ended in a disqualification when Flair accidentally threw hot coffee in the Giant's eyes, leading the Giant to issue a challenge to Flair. Later that night (in a match that aired on April 29, 1996), the Giant pinned Flair following a chokeslam to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship for a second time. At Slamboree in May 1996, he successfully defended the title against Sting. At The Great American Bash in June 1996, he successfully defended the title against Lex Luger. At Bash at the Beach in July 1996, the Giant teamed with Kevin Sullivan to defeat Arn Anderson and Chris Benoit. After Hulk Hogan formed the New World Order (nWo), he defeated the Giant for the title at Hog Wild on August 10, 1996 following interference from Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.[29][30]

New World Order (1996–1999)

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The Giant joined the nWo in September 1996, citing Ted DiBiase's money as his primary motivation. At Fall Brawl '96: War Games later that month, he defeated Randy Savage with the assistance of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. He went on to feud with Lex Luger and the Four Horsemen. At Halloween Havoc in October 1996, he defeated aspiring Four Horsemen member Jeff Jarrett by disqualification after Four Horsemen leader Ric Flair gave him a low blow.

After winning the World War 3 match at World War 3 in November 1996, the Giant asked Hogan for a World Heavyweight Championship title match. For this, he was thrown out of the nWo on December 30. He fought against the nWo along with Sting and Luger, winning the WCW World Tag Team Championship twice. The Giant began a feud with nWo member Kevin Nash, who constantly dodged the Giant, including no-showing their scheduled match at Starrcade in December 1997. At Souled Out in January 1998, the two finally met in the ring, with Nash accidentally injuring the Giant's neck when he botched his signature jackknife powerbomb. The botch was worked into a storyline, according to which Nash had intentionally dropped the Giant on his head in order to break his neck.[31][32]

Wight in April 1999

When Nash left the nWo and formed his own stable, the nWo Wolfpac, the Giant re-joined the original nWo to oppose Nash and his allies. While back with the nWo, the Giant won two more WCW World Tag Team Championships, once with Sting as an unwilling partner (as the match was signed before the Giant returned to the nWo) and once with Scott Hall. In the interim between those two reigns, he lost his half of the titles to Sting in a singles match where only the winner would remain champion and could choose a new partner. On the October 12, 1998 episode of Nitro, Bill Goldberg defeated the Giant in a no-disqualification match. In a show of strength, Goldberg executed a delayed vertical suplex before executing the Jackhammer on the Giant.[33][34][35] After the nWo Hollywood and nWo Wolfpac stables merged again in January 1999, Hogan declared that there was only room for one "giant" in the group, forcing Giant and Nash to wrestle for that spot. On the January 11, 1999 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, Nash defeated Giant following a run-in by Scott Hall and Eric Bischoff. The Giant was then attacked by the entire nWo; this marked Wight's final appearance in WCW. On the "Building An Army" episode of the Monday Night War feature from the WWE Network, Wight stated that he was making a fraction of what the main eventers were making and his salary was not increased after he requested it be by Eric Bischoff; as a result, Wight allowed his WCW contract to expire on February 8, 1999, his 27th birthday.

World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment (1999–2007)

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WWF Champion (1999–2003)

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Wight signed a ten-year contract with the World Wrestling Federation in the midst of the promotion's "Attitude Era". He debuted on February 14, 1999 under the name "Paul Wight" at St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House, establishing himself as a member of Vince McMahon's villainous stable, the Corporation. During McMahon's cage match against Stone Cold Steve Austin, Wight tore through the canvas from underneath the ring and attacked Austin, establishing himself as a heel. After he threw Austin into the side of the cage, the cage broke, causing Austin to fall outside to the floor, resulting in Austin winning the match. Wight served as McMahon's enforcer and was renamed Big Show.[2][36]

At WrestleMania XV on March 28, he faced Mankind for the right to referee the main event between Austin and The Corporation's WWF Champion The Rock. Big Show incapacitated Mankind and was disqualified. After the match, McMahon slapped him, so he punched McMahon, turning face and leaving The Corporation.[37] He lost to Mankind in a Boiler Room Brawl at Backlash on April 25.[38] They eventually formed a stable with Test and Ken Shamrock known as The Union, who fought against the Corporation and later The Corporate Ministry.[39] At Fully Loaded on July 25, Big Show defeated Kane.[40] He turned heel again by teaming with The Undertaker; they won the WWF Tag Team Championship from Kane and X-Pac at SummerSlam on August 22, but lost them to Mankind and The Rock the following week on Raw is War.[41][42] They regained the titles in a Buried Alive match on the September 9 episode of SmackDown!, before losing them again on the September 20 episode of Raw is War.[43][44]

Big Show entering the arena on the SmackDown! entranceway in October 1999

After The Undertaker was sidelined with injuries, Big Show turned face once again and began a feud with the Big Boss Man around the death of Big Show's father (in reality, Wight's father had died years before).[36] During his feud, they taped a segment where Big Boss Man invaded the funeral and used a chain to steal the coffin.[45] At Survivor Series on November 14, Big Show replaced Austin in a triple threat match against The Rock and WWF Champion Triple H after he was (kayfabe) run over by a car, winning the WWF Championship.[46] Big Show retained the title at Armageddon on December 12 against Big Boss Man, before losing it to Triple H on the January 3, 2000 episode of Raw is War.[47][2] Big Show was the last man eliminated in the Royal Rumble match on January 23 by The Rock.[48] They started a storyline where Big Show turned heel once again by producing a videotape that showed The Rock's feet striking the ground first, leading to a match with The Rock at No Way Out on February 27, with the WrestleMania title shot on the line, which Big Show won.[2][49] The Rock was desperate to reclaim his title shot and eventually agreed to a match with Big Show on the March 13 episode of Raw – if he won, the WrestleMania title match would become a triple threat match, and if he lost, he would retire from the WWF. Shane McMahon, now actively supporting Big Show's bid to become champion, appointed himself as the special guest referee, however, The Rock defeated Big Show when Vince assaulted Shane and donned the referee shirt, personally making the three count. On the March 20 episode of Raw, Triple H defended the title against The Rock and Big Show on the condition that the match would not take place at WrestleMania 2000 on April 2, pinning Big Show. Linda McMahon stated this match would not occur at WrestleMania as Triple H would defend the title there in a fatal four-way elimination match with Mick Foley as the fourth man, but Big Show was the first man eliminated from the match.[50][51]

Big Show turned face again and took on a comical gimmick where he began mimicking other wrestlers, lampooning Rikishi as Showkishi, The Berzerker as Shonan the Barbarian and Val Venis as The Big Showbowski.[36] He defeated Kurt Angle at Backlash on April 30 dressed like Hulk Hogan as the Showster.[52] Shane voiced his disapproval of Big Show's antics, leading to a Falls Count Anywhere match at Judgment Day on May 21, which Big Show lost.[53] He returned two months later, apparently intending to gain revenge on Shane. Instead, he turned heel again and attacked The Undertaker and sided with Shane once more, forming a short-lived stable known as "The Conspiracy" with Shane, Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle and Edge and Christian. After The Undertaker threw Big Show off a stage through a table on the August 7 episode of Raw is War, he was removed from WWF television for the remainder of the year and sent to the WWF's developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling, to lose weight and improve his cardiovascular fitness.[36][54]

Big Show made a surprise return as the 23rd entrant in the Royal Rumble match on January 21, 2001, but was immediately eliminated by The Rock.[55] He won the WWF Hardcore Championship from Raven at No Way Out on February 25, but lost it back to him on the March 19 episode of Raw is War.[56][57] Big Show lost to Kane in a triple threat match for the title also involving Raven at WrestleMania X-Seven on April 1.[58] He lost to Shane McMahon, the on-screen owner of WCW, in a Last Man Standing match at Backlash on April 29.[59] Big Show then turned face and, throughout The Invasion, remained loyal to the WWF. At Invasion on July 22, he teamed with Albert and Billy Gunn in a loss to Chris Kanyon, Hugh Morrus and Shawn Stasiak.[60] He was also part of the victorious Team WWF at Survivor Series on November 18.[61]

After WrestleMania X8, on March 17, 2002, Big Show was drafted to the Raw brand.[2] On the April 22 episode of Raw, Big Show turned heel again when he chokeslammed Stone Cold Steve Austin during a tag team match against X-Pac and Scott Hall, joining the nWo in the process.[62] At Judgment Day on May 19, Big Show and Ric Flair lost to Austin in a handicap match.[63] After the stable disbanded due to Kevin Nash getting injured, Big Show achieved little success on Raw, notably losing to Booker T in a No Disqualification match at Vengeance on July 21.[64]

Big Show entering the ring in September 2002

In October, Big Show was traded to the SmackDown! brand, immediately challenging Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, which he won at Survivor Series on November 17, ending Lesnar's undefeated streak with help from Paul Heyman.[65] He lost the title to Angle at Armageddon on December 15.[66] At Royal Rumble on January 19, 2003, Big Show lost a Royal Rumble qualifying match to Lesnar.[67] He then began feuding with The Undertaker after Big Show threw him off the stage, injuring his neck.[68] Big Show lost to The Undertaker on February 23 at No Way Out and teamed with A-Train in a loss to Undertaker at WrestleMania XIX on March 30.[69][70] After defeating Rey Mysterio on April 27 at Backlash,[71] Big Show renewed his feud with Lesnar, but failed to win the WWE Championship in a stretcher match at Judgment Day on May 18.[72] In a title rematch on the June 12 episode of SmackDown!, Lesnar superplexed Big Show off the ropes and the ring imploded.[73] On the June 26 episode of SmackDown!, Big Show, Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas defeated Mr. America (a disguised Hulk Hogan), Lesnar and Angle when Big Show pinned Mr. America, which was Hogan's last appearance as Mr. America.[74] He again failed to win the title in a triple threat match at Vengeance on July 27.[75]

United States Champion (2003–2005)

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Big Show as United States Champion in the ring with Brock Lesnar in February 2004

At No Mercy on October 19, Big Show defeated Eddie Guerrero for the WWE United States Championship.[76] He was a part of Lesnar's team at Survivor Series on November 16, but was eliminated by John Cena.[77] He was the last man eliminated by Chris Benoit at the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2004 and failed to win a triple threat match for a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania XX at No Way Out on February 15.[78][79] At WrestleMania on March 14, Big Show lost the United States Championship to Cena.[80]

On the April 15 episode of SmackDown!, Big Show promised to quit if he lost to Guerrero that night, which he did, and, believing that Torrie Wilson had laughed at him for losing, upended her car and threatened to throw her off a ledge. SmackDown! General Manager Angle ascended the ledge to try to talk some reason into Big Show, but he chokeslammed Angle off the ledge, (kayfabe) concussing him, breaking his leg and causing the back of Angle's head to bleed.[81] He was not seen or mentioned on television for months as he underwent knee surgery.[2] In August, Big Show was reinstated by new general manager Theodore Long as he interfered during a lumberjack match between Guerrero and Angle on the September 9 episode of SmackDown!.[82] Big Show had a choice to face either Guerrero or Angle at No Mercy on October 3, choosing to fight Angle, turning face in the process. Big Show defeated Angle at No Mercy.[83] In the weeks before the match, he claimed to have "lost his dignity" when Angle tranquilized him in the middle of the ring using a dart gun and shaved his head on the fifth anniversary episode of SmackDown!.[2] At Armageddon on December 12, he defeated Angle, Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns in a handicap match.[84]

Big Show about to chokeslam JBL in January 2005

Big Show unsuccessfully challenged John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) for the WWE Championship in a triple threat match involving Angle at Royal Rumble on January 30, 2005, and in a barbed wire steel cage match at No Way Out on February 20.[85][86] At WrestleMania 21 on April 3, Big Show faced Sumo Grand Champion Akebono in a worked sumo match. In the weeks preceding the match, Big Show pushed over a jeep driven to the ring by Luther Reigns to show that he was capable of moving the marginally heavier Akebono.[87][88] Big Show lost to Akebono at WrestleMania 21.[89] Big Show subsequently feuded with Carlito and his bodyguard, Matt Morgan, losing to Carlito at Judgment Day on May 22 after Morgan interfered.[90]

On the June 27 episode of Raw, Big Show was drafted to the Raw brand in the 2005 WWE draft lottery, defeating Gene Snitsky in a tag team match, which turned into a singles match when both men's partners brawled backstage.[91] They continued feuding over the next few weeks in singles and tag team matches on Raw.[92][93][94][95][96] At Unforgiven on September 18, Big Show defeated Snitsky.[97] On the September 26 episode of Raw, Big Show defeated Snitsky again in a Street Fight to end their feud.[98]

Teaming with Kane (2005–2006)

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On the October 17 episode of Raw, Big Show defeated Edge and was entered in an online opinion poll, with the winner of the poll facing John Cena and Kurt Angle in a Triple Threat match for the WWE Championship at Taboo Tuesday on November 1.[99] The poll was won by Shawn Michaels, meaning that the other two wrestlers competed for the World Tag Team Championship. At Taboo Tuesday, Big Show teamed with Kane to defeat Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch for the World Tag Team Championship.[100] They successfully defended the titles against Cade and Murdoch in a hardcore match on the November 7 episode of Raw.[101]

In the weeks preceding Survivor Series on November 27, Big Show became involved in the rivalry between the Raw and SmackDown! brands. Big Show and Kane invaded the November 11 episode of SmackDown! and, along with Edge, attacked and inadvertently injured Batista.[102] On the November 21 episode of Raw, Big Show and Kane "injured" Batista by delivering a double chokeslam onto the windshield of a car.[103] At Survivor Series, Big Show, Kane, Carlito, Chris Masters and team captain Michaels represented Raw in a match with Team SmackDown! (JBL, Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton and Batista). Big Show was eliminated by Mysterio and Team SmackDown! won the match, with Orton being the sole survivor.[104] Following the event, Big Show and Kane began feuding with WWE Tag Team Champions Mysterio and Batista, leading to a tag team match at Armageddon on December 18, which Big Show and Kane won.[105][106][107][108]

The week prior on Raw, Big Show lost a qualifying match for a shot at the WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match at New Year's Revolution on January 8, 2006 to Michaels by disqualification after Triple H hit Michaels with a chair, intentionally costing Big Show the match and the title shot. In retaliation, Big Show cost Triple H his qualifying match with Kane later that evening.[109] At New Year's Revolution, Triple H defeated Big Show after striking him in the head with his sledgehammer and a Pedigree.[110]

Big Show and Kane next feuded with Masters and Carlito, who they defeated to retain the World Tag Team Championship on April 2 at WrestleMania 22.[111][112][113] The following night on Raw, Big Show and Kane lost the championship to Spirit Squad members Kenny and Mikey following copious interference from the other members of the Spirit Squad.[114] They faced Spirit Squad members Johnny and Nicky in a rematch one week later, but lost via disqualification after Kane "snapped" and left the ring to attack the other members of the Spirit Squad.[115] The ensuing feud between Kane and Big Show culminated in a match at Backlash on April 30 that ended in a no contest.[116]

ECW World Heavyweight Champion (2006–2007)

[edit]
Big Show as the ECW World Heavyweight Champion in July 2006

At WWE vs. ECW Head-to-Head on June 7, Big Show joined the newly debuted ECW brand as he removed his Raw shirt to reveal an ECW shirt during a twenty-man battle royal including members of the Raw and SmackDown! rosters against members of the ECW roster, which he won by last eliminating Randy Orton.[117] Big Show then appeared at ECW One Night Stand on June 11, attacking Tajiri, Super Crazy and The Full Blooded Italians after their tag team match.[118]

On the July 4 episode of ECW, Big Show defeated Rob Van Dam to win the ECW World Heavyweight Championship with the assistance of ECW's Representative Paul Heyman, who declined to make the three-count for Van Dam after he performed the Five Star Frog Splash on Big Show. Heyman then instructed Big Show to chokeslam Van Dam onto a chair before making the three-count so Big Show won the title, making him the first non-ECW Original to hold it. The fans almost rioted when Big Show won the title, throwing drinks and empty cups into the ring as Heyman and Big Show celebrated, turning heel in the process. The victory made him the first ever professional wrestler to hold the WWE Championship, WCW World Heavyweight Championship and ECW World Heavyweight Championship.[119][120][121] He made his first successful defense against Ric Flair on the July 11 episode of ECW.[121] Big Show lost to The Undertaker at The Great American Bash on July 23 in the first ever Punjabi Prison match, replacing The Great Khali, who was removed by SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long and replaced with Big Show as punishment for an attack on The Undertaker shortly before the match.[122] He defeated Kane to retain the now renamed ECW World Championship two nights later on ECW.[123] He also had a brief feud with Sabu, whom he defeated at SummerSlam on August 20 to retain the ECW World Championship.[123][124][125] Also at SummerSlam, Big Show was one of the "resources" used by Vince and Shane McMahon in their match against D-Generation X (DX). He teamed with Vince and Shane against Triple H and Shawn Michaels in a 3-on-2 handicap Hell in a Cell match at Unforgiven on September 17, which was won by DX. During the match, DX shoved Vince's head up Big Show's buttocks in a mockery of Vince's Kiss My Ass Club.[126]

At Cyber Sunday on November 5, Big Show faced John Cena and King Booker in a Champion of Champions match, with the fans voting for Booker's World Heavyweight Championship to be on the line. He lost the match when King Booker pinned Cena following interference from Kevin Federline, who was beginning a feud with Cena.[127] At Survivor Series on November 26, Big Show competed in the traditional 10-man Survivor Series tag team match, but was the last man pinned by Cena.[128] He then began a feud with Bobby Lashley, who left SmackDown! to join the ECW brand to participate in the Extreme Elimination Chamber match for the ECW World Championship at December to Dismember on December 3, where Big Show lost the title to Lashley.[129] Following an unsuccessful rematch two nights later on ECW, Big Show took time off to heal from injuries.[2][130] On March 8, 2007, it was announced that Big Show's WWE contract had expired.[131]

Memphis Wrestling (2007)

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Wight replaced Jerry Lawler when the WWE withdrew him from a match with former nWo partner Hulk Hogan at PMG Clash of Legends on April 27, 2007. Introduced as Paul "The Great" Wight, he stated that "Big Show" was his slave name and he did not want to be owned anymore.[132] Wight lost the match to Hogan.[2]

Return to WWE (2008–2021)

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Unified WWE Tag Team Champion (2008–2010)

[edit]

On February 17, 2008, at No Way Out, a much slimmer looking Big Show made his return to WWE television, attempting to attack Rey Mysterio after his World Heavyweight Championship match with Edge but got into a physical confrontation with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. after Mayweather came from the crowd to challenge Big Show. The confrontation ended with Mayweather breaking Big Show's nose with a punching combination.[133] Big Show lost to Mayweather at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30 by knockout after a shot to the jaw with brass knuckles.[134] He then turned face in a feud with The Great Khali, defeating him at Backlash on April 27.[135][136]

At One Night Stand on June 1, Big Show defeated CM Punk, John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero and Tommy Dreamer in a Singapore Cane match to become the number one contender for the ECW Championship at Night of Champions on June 29. During the bout, he received a black eye and deep gash along the eyebrow, which required stitches after Morrison swung a Singapore cane to his knee, which caused Big Show to fall with the steps. As he fell, the steps accidentally moved to the right, which hit Big Show in the eye.[137][138] He failed to win the title in a triple threat match at Night of Champions after champion Mark Henry pinned Kane.[139]

Big Show was then assigned to the SmackDown brand, where he turned heel by siding with Vickie Guerrero in her ongoing feud with The Undertaker, attacking him at Unforgiven on September 7.[140][141] He defeated The Undertaker by knockout at No Mercy on October 5.[142] However, Big Show lost to The Undertaker in a fan-voted Last Man Standing match at Cyber Sunday on October 26 and a casket match at Survivor Series on November 23.[143][144] On the December 5 episode of SmackDown, Big Show lost to The Undertaker in a steel cage match to end their feud.[145] At No Way Out on February 15, 2009, Big Show competed in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, but was eliminated by Triple H.[146]

Big Show arguing with referee Scott Armstrong at a live event in June 2009

In March, it was revealed by John Cena that the Big Show was having secret relations with Guerrero.[147][148] At WrestleMania 25 on April 5, Big Show was involved in a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship, which was won by Cena.[149] On April 13, Big Show was drafted to the Raw brand as a part of the 2009 WWE draft.[150] At Backlash on April 26, he interfered in Cena and Edge's Last Man Standing match for the title, throwing Cena into a spotlight, resulting in Edge winning the title and Cena being seriously injured.[151] Big Show lost to Cena at Judgment Day on May 17 and at Extreme Rules on June 7 in a submission match,[152][153] before defeating him on the June 22 episode of Raw to end the feud.[154]

Big Show and Chris Jericho, known as Jeri-Show, as the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions in September 2009

At Night of Champions on July 26, Big Show was introduced as Chris Jericho's new tag team partner due to Edge needing time off to tend to an injury. Together, Jeri-Show successfully defended the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship against The Legacy.[155] They successfully defended the titles against Cryme Tyme at SummerSlam on August 23, MVP and Mark Henry at Breaking Point on September 13 and Rey Mysterio and Batista at Hell in a Cell on October 4.[156][157][158] At Bragging Rights on October 25, Big Show represented Team Raw, but betrayed and attacked his teammates, which led to Team SmackDown winning so that he could receive an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship.[159] At Survivor Series on November 22, he failed to win the title in a triple threat match against The Undertaker and Jericho.[160] Jeri-Show lost the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 13 to D-Generation X (DX) in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match.[161] As a member of the SmackDown roster, Jericho could only appear on Raw as a champion, so DX intentionally disqualified themselves in a rematch to force Jericho off the show.[162] On the January 4, 2010 episode of Raw, DX again defeated Jeri-Show, ending their team.[163]

On the February 8 episode of Raw, Big Show regained the titles from DX with his new tag team partner The Miz in a triple threat tag team elimination match also involving the Straight Edge Society (CM Punk and Luke Gallows).[164] On February 16, he and Miz successfully defended the titles against Yoshi Tatsu and Goldust on the final episode of ECW.[165] On the March 1 episode of Raw, Big Show and The Miz defeated DX in their rematch.[166] At WrestleMania XXVI on March 28, they retained the titles against John Morrison and R-Truth.[167] At Extreme Rules on April 25, ShoMiz competed in a tag team gauntlet match where the team that beat them would earn a title match the next night on Raw. In the gauntlet, ShoMiz defeated Morrison and R-Truth and MVP and Henry, before losing to The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd).[168] On the April 26 episode of Raw, they lost the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship to The Hart Dynasty.

Championship pursuits and reunion with Kane (2010–2011)

[edit]

Following the match, Big Show attacked The Miz with a knockout punch and hugged Theodore Long, turning face in the process. Later in the night, as part of the 2010 WWE draft, Big Show was drafted back to the SmackDown brand.[169][170] Four days later on SmackDown, he was named the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship and began feuding with champion Jack Swagger.[171][172][173] Big Show defeated Swagger via disqualification at Over the Limit on May 23, but did not win the title.[174] With this victory, he qualified for a fatal four-way match for the World Heavyweight Championship at Fatal 4-Way on June 20, but lost as Rey Mysterio won the title.[175][176] On the following episode of SmackDown, Swagger debuted his new ankle lock finishing move and applied it on Big Show, injuring his ankle.[177] He then feuded with Punk and his Straight Edge Society, unmasking Punk to reveal his bald head on the July 16 episode of SmackDown.[178] He failed to win the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match at Money in the Bank on July 18.[179] Big Show next unmasked the mysterious masked member of the SES, who was revealed as Joey Mercury.[180] Big Show defeated the SES in a 3-on-1 handicap match at SummerSlam on August 15 and Punk at Night of Champions on September 19.[181][182] At Bragging Rights on October 24, Big Show was the captain of Team SmackDown; despite being counted out with Sheamus, his team was victorious.[183] He was on Mysterio's team at Survivor Series on November 21, where he and Mysterio won as the remaining survivors.[184]

Big Show at Tribute to Troops in December 2010

On the January 7, 2011 episode of SmackDown, Big Show lost a fatal four-way match to determine the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship due to interference by former Nexus leader Wade Barrett.[185] The next week, he defeated Barrett via disqualification when former Nexus members Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel attacked him. Ezekiel Jackson then appeared to help him, but instead attacked Big Show.[186] Barrett, Slater, Gabriel and Jackson formed the Corre and continued to assault Big Show in the following weeks.[187][188][189] At Elimination Chamber on February 20, he participated in an Elimination Chamber match for the title, eliminating Barrett before being eliminated by Kane.[190]

The following month, Big Show reunited with Kane to fight the Corre, teaming with Santino Marella and Kingston to defeat them at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3.[191][192][193] On the April 22 episode of SmackDown, the duo defeated Corre members Gabriel and Slater to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.[194] Big Show was drafted back to the Raw brand as a part of the 2011 WWE draft.[195] He and Kane then started feuding with the New Nexus, successfully defending the titles against Barrett and Jackson at Extreme Rules on May 1 and Punk and Mason Ryan at Over the Limit on May 22,[196][197] before losing them the next night on Raw to Michael McGillicutty and David Otunga. Big Show was sidelined with an injury after being run over by Alberto Del Rio's car, driven by his ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez.[198] He returned during a match between Kane and Del Rio, attacking Del Rio and Rodriguez.[199]

Big Show then began feuding with Mark Henry after he attacked and injured him on the June 17 episode of SmackDown, as Big Show's frustrations and anger towards Del Rio was redirected unintentionally to Henry.[200] At Capitol Punishment on June 19, Henry retaliated by attacking Big Show during his match and attacking him with the World's Strongest Slam through an announce table, causing Big Show to lose to Del Rio by knockout.[201] Henry did the same thing on Kane through the broadcast table the next night on Raw after their arm wrestling match, and again on the June 27 episode of Raw when Henry broke the cage door during the steel cage match between Big Show and Del Rio, allowing Del Rio to escape. He then attacked Big Show with the cage door, breaking the cage viciously.[202][203] On July 17, at Money in the Bank, Henry defeated Big Show. After the match, Henry fractured Big Show's fibula, keeping him out of action for almost three months.[204][205]

World Heavyweight Champion (2011–2013)

[edit]

On the October 7 episode of SmackDown, Big Show returned and became the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship after attacking Henry and chokeslamming him through the broadcast table.[206] At Vengeance on October 23, Big Show fought Henry to a no contest after the ring collapsed following a superplex from Henry.[207] He won a title rematch by disqualification when Henry hit Big Show with a low blow on November 20 at Survivor Series, after which he crushed Henry's ankle with a chair.[208] At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 18, Big Show defeated Henry for the title in a chairs match. Afterwards, Henry knocked Big Show out with a DDT onto a chair and Daniel Bryan immediately cashed his Money in the Bank contract on Big Show to win the title, giving Big Show the shortest-ever World Heavyweight Championship reign at 45 seconds.[209] On the January 6, 2012 episode of SmackDown, Bryan retained his title against Big Show by disqualification when he goaded Henry into attacking him.[210] The next week on SmackDown, Big Show's rematch for the title, contested under no disqualification, no countout rules, ended in a no contest after he accidentally crashed into and injured AJ (Bryan's storyline girlfriend) at ringside.[211] At Royal Rumble on January 29, 2012, Big Show faced Bryan and Henry in a triple threat steel cage match for the World Heavyweight Championship, but Bryan escaped the steel cage to retain his title.[212] At Elimination Chamber on February 19, Big Show was the second man eliminated in the titular match for the World Heavyweight Championship by Cody Rhodes.[213]

Big Show after winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania XXVIII in April 2012

In the following weeks, Big Show began a feud with Rhodes, who highlighted Big Show's embarrassing moments in previous WrestleManias, causing Big Show to lose matches in the process.[214] At WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1, Big Show defeated Rhodes to win the Intercontinental Championship, becoming the twenty-fourth wrestler to win the Triple Crown Championship and the twelfth Grand Slam Champion in the WWE; he is the most recent wrestler to complete the original Grand Slam format.[215] Big Show then began highlighting embarrassing moments in Rhodes' career.[216][217] He lost the Intercontinental Championship back to Rhodes on April 29 at Extreme Rules in a tables match.[218] In a rematch on the May 7 episode of Raw SuperShow, he defeated Rhodes via countout after Rhodes walked out on the match.[219] The following week, Big Show was fired by Raw and SmackDown General Manager John Laurinaitis for making fun of his voice.[220]

At Over the Limit on May 20, Big Show seemingly appeared to help John Cena in his match against Laurinaitis; instead, he knocked out Cena, allowing Laurinaitis to pin Cena and turning heel.[221] The following night on Raw SuperShow, Big Show explained that his actions were of necessity to keep his job in the WWE, therefore resulting in Laurinaitis re-signing him to an "ironclad contract with a big fat bonus", also stating that nobody showed him any sympathy when he got fired.[222] Due to the terms of his contract, he attacked Cena and other wrestlers over the following weeks.[223][224] On the June 11 episode of Raw SuperShow, he accidentally knocked out Vince McMahon after he decided that Laurinatis would be fired if Big Show lost to Cena in a steel cage match at No Way Out on June 17,[225] which he did, thus per stipulation, Laurinaitis was fired.[226] At Money in the Bank on July 15, Big Show competed in the WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match, which Cena won.[227] On July 23, at Raw 1000, Big Show attacked Cena during his WWE Championship match against CM Punk, causing a disqualification.[228] The following week on Raw, a WWE Championship number one contender's match between Big Show and Cena ended in a no contest due to interference from Punk. Raw General Manager AJ Lee inserted both Big Show and Cena in the championship match at SummerSlam on August 19, but Punk retained the title.[229][230]

Big Show as World Heavyweight Champion in November 2012

The following month, Big Show defeated Randy Orton to become the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.[231][232] At Hell in a Cell on October 28, Big Show defeated Sheamus to win his second World Heavyweight Championship.[233] On November 18, at Survivor Series, he lost a title rematch to Sheamus by disqualification, but retained the title. After the match, Sheamus attacked Big Show and repeatedly hit him with a chair.[234] At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 16, Big Show defeated Sheamus in a chairs match to retain the championship.[235] On the December 28 episode of SmackDown, Big Show defended his title against Alberto Del Rio, however, the match ended in a no-contest after Sheamus interfered and attacked Big Show.[236] Three days later on Raw, Big Show defended the title against Del Rio's ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez, defeating him via disqualification after Del Rio attacked Big Show from behind.[237] On the January 11 episode of SmackDown, Big Show lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Del Rio in a Last Man Standing match, ending his reign at 72 days.[238] He failed to regain the title from Del Rio in another Last Man Standing match on January 27 at Royal Rumble and on February 17 at Elimination Chamber.[239][240]

In March, Big Show began feuding with The Shield and aligned himself with Orton and Sheamus.[241][242][243] On the March 15 episode of SmackDown, Orton and Sheamus were allowed to pick a third partner to face the Shield in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania 29 and originally chose Ryback.[244] However, three days later on Raw, Ryback was booked in another match at the event, leaving the spot open. Later that night, Big Show saved the two from an attack by The Shield and was immediately recruited as their partner.[245][246] At WrestleMania on April 7, Big Show, Orton and Sheamus lost to The Shield, after which Big Show knocked out both Orton and Sheamus.[247] The following night on Raw, Orton and Sheamus faced off in a match to earn a match with Big Show, however, the match ended in a no contest after Big Show interfered.[248] Big Show was then defeated by Orton and Sheamus in two handicap matches on SmackDown and Raw.[249][250] On May 19, at Extreme Rules, Big Show lost to Orton in an Extreme Rules match.[251]

The Authority (2013–2016)

[edit]

After a hiatus, Big Show made his televised return to WWE as a face on the August 12 episode of Raw, saving Henry and Rob Van Dam from an attack by The Shield.[252] They defeated the Shield in a six-man tag team match on the August 16 episode of SmackDown.[253] After speaking out against COO Triple H on the following Raw, Big Show was placed into and lost a three-on-one handicap tornado tag team match against The Shield.[254] The Authority (Triple H and Stephanie McMahon) subsequently claimed Big Show was broke, and in order to save his job, forced him to knock out his friends including Daniel Bryan, Dusty Rhodes and The Miz.[255][256][257][258] At Battleground on October 6, he interfered in the WWE Championship match between Bryan and Orton (who was allied with the Authority), knocking out both of them, ending the match in a no contest.[259] He then faced Orton for the WWE Championship in a losing effort on November 24 at Survivor Series.[260]

At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 15, Big Show and Rey Mysterio unsuccessfully challenged Cody Rhodes and Goldust for the WWE Tag Team Championship in a four-way match also involving RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel) and The Real Americans (Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger).[261] He subsequently started a feud with Brock Lesnar, but lost to him at Royal Rumble on January 26.[262][263][264] On April 6, Big Show participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX, being the last person eliminated by Cesaro.[265] In September, he feuded with Rusev, which ended in a submission loss for Big Show on October 26 at Hell in a Cell.[266][267]

Big Show won the André the Giant Memorial Trophy in March 2015, by winning the namesake battle royal during the WrestleMania 31 Kickoff Show

On November 23, at Survivor Series, Big Show turned heel when he joined the Authority after knocking out John Cena, causing him to be eliminated from the Survivor Series elimination match against the Authority.[268] On December 14, Big Show defeated Erick Rowan in a stairs match at Tables, Ladders, and Chairs.[269] Later in the event, Big Show attacked Cena during his tables match with Seth Rollins, but was stopped by Roman Reigns.[270] On January 25, 2015, at the Royal Rumble, Big Show entered the Royal Rumble match at number 29, eliminating five wrestlers before being eliminated by the eventual winner Reigns.[271] At Fastlane on February 22, Big Show, Rollins and Kane defeated Dolph Ziggler, Rowan and Ryback.[272] Big Show went on to win the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31 on March 29.[273] At Extreme Rules on April 26, Big Show lost to Reigns in a Last Man Standing match.[274]

After a brief hiatus, Big Show returned on the June 1 episode of Raw, where he knocked out The Miz and confronted Intercontinental Champion Ryback.[275] At Money in the Bank on June 14, he defeated Ryback in a title match by disqualification after The Miz attacked him.[276] He failed to win the title in a triple threat match at SummerSlam on August 23 and on the August 31 episode of Raw following a distraction from The Miz.[277][278] On the November 9 episode of Raw, Big Show entered a 16-man tournament to crown a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but lost to Reigns in the first round.[279]

Big Show in April 2016

On the January 28, 2016 episode of SmackDown, Big Show turned face by helping Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho fend off The Wyatt Family, whom he, Kane and Ryback defeated on February 21 at Fastlane, but lost to in a rematch the next night on Raw.[280][281][282] At WrestleMania 32 on April 3, Big Show participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal; he faced off with Shaquille O'Neal, but they were eliminated simultaneously by several wrestlers.[283] Big Show and Kane's feud with the Wyatt Family ended when they defeated Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan on the April 19 episode of Main Event.[284]

Sporadic appearances (2016–2021)

[edit]
Big Show facing Braun Strowman in a cage match in September 2017

Big Show was drafted to Raw as part of the 2016 WWE draft.[285] At Royal Rumble on January 29, 2017, he entered at number 9, but was eliminated by Strowman.[286] After defeating Rusev on March 5 at Fastlane,[287] he was again eliminated by Strowman in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 on April 2.[288] Two weeks later on Raw, Big Show fought Strowman to a no contest after the ring collapsed when Strowman superplexed him.[289] Big Show next feuded with Big Cass, but lost to him at SummerSlam on August 20.[290][291] On the September 4 episode of Raw, Big Show lost to Strowman in a steel cage match, after which he was thrown through the cage by Strowman.[292] This was done to write Big Show off television as he required hip surgery.[293] His next appearance was on April 6, 2018, when he inducted his long-time friend and rival Mark Henry into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2018.[294]

Big Show returned on the October 9 episode of SmackDown, where he lost to Randy Orton.[295] The following week, on the 1000th episode of SmackDown, Big Show formed a short-lived alliance with The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) by helping them defeat The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, turning heel in the process.[296] This alliance ended on the November 27 episode of SmackDown, after Big Show performed a KO Punch on Cesaro backstage.[297] Following this, Big Show was written off television due to a hamstring injury.[298] He was inactive in 2019.

On the January 6, 2020 episode of Raw, Big Show returned from injury over a year later as a face, teaming with Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe to defeat Seth Rollins and AOP via disqualification.[299] In a match filmed after WrestleMania 36 ended, which aired on the April 6 episode of Raw, Big Show briefly reverted to a heel after insulting and challenging newly crowned WWE Champion Drew McIntyre for his title in a losing effort.[300] Big Show turned face again by helping The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders fend off the group of ninjas led by Akira Tozawa on the June 15 episode of Raw.[301] He last wrestled in an unsanctioned match against Orton on the July 20 episode of Raw.[302] On November 22, he appeared at Survivor Series during The Undertaker's retirement ceremony.[303]

On January 4, 2021, Wight made his final WWE appearance on the Legends Night edition of Raw.[304] Wight and WWE parted ways the following month after it was reported the two sides were unable to agree to financial terms on a new contract.[305] Wight also cited "creative frustrations" and lack of ideas as reasons for his exit.[306]

All Elite Wrestling (2021–present)

[edit]

On February 24, 2021, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced that Big Show, under his real name, Paul Wight, had signed with the company and would be providing commentary alongside Tony Schiavone for their new YouTube series AEW Dark: Elevation, which premiered on March 15. It was also confirmed that while commentary for Elevation would be his initial role, he would also compete as an in-ring performer.[307] He debuted on the March 3 episode of AEW Dynamite titled The Crossroads and announced he had a "big scoop" that AEW would sign "a Hall of Fame worthy talent that is a huge surprise and a huge asset" at Revolution four days later, which was revealed to be Christian Cage.[308][309] He had his first match in AEW on September 5, defeating Q. T. Marshall at All Out.[310]

On the November 1, 2023 episode of Dynamite, Wight made his return to television, where he was announced as a part of Jericho and Kenny Omega's tag team to face The Don Callis Family in a four-on-four Street Fight. He appeared on the stage and knocked out Kyle Fletcher.[311] On the November 15 episode of Dynamite, Wight's team defeated The Don Callis Family.[312] After a year long absence, Wight returned on November 23, 2024 at Full Gear, where he joined the commentary team for the match between Marshall and "Big Boom" A.J..[313]

Reception and legacy

[edit]

Wight has often been compared to André the Giant throughout his career due to both suffering from acromegaly and having a similar overall body structure to André.[314] Unlike André, who was content with his fate, Wight had surgery of the pituitary gland to halt his condition. The similarities led to WCW billing him as André's son early in his career (despite no biological relation) and WWE involving him in similar angles as André. Wight has also stated that many older fans in the Southern United States (where Wight is from and where André made his home in the United States) not aware of kayfabe have often told Wight during autograph sessions how much they "loved his father when he wrestled", even though Wight's biological father was a mechanic.[315] Wight would also outlive André, who died at age 46.

Wight is also well known for his frequent turns between face and heel throughout his career, to the point it has become a running gag among wrestling fans. Wrestling sites have estimated that through 2018 Wight has made approximately 34 turns since his WCW debut in 1995, four of those alone coming during his first year with the WWF.[316][317] Wight himself acknowledged that while the frequent turns may have hurt his legacy and his mystique, he was also honored with the fact that he can play both roles well and fit in wherever he is needed to put younger talent over.[318]

Other media

[edit]

Big Show has been featured in infomercials for Stacker 2 with former NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Scott Wimmer, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Elliott Sadler, retired crew chief turned Fox Sports broadcaster Jeff Hammond, and 2002, 2005, and 2011 Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart. In addition, Wight appeared on the "Thong Song" remix music video by Sisqó and Foxy Brown. Wight was featured on the game show Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, winning $15,000 for his chosen charity, United Service Organizations. He is the only contestant to appear on two versions of the game show in two different countries. On March 31, 2012, Big Show won the first-ever Slime Wrestling World Championship at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, defeating The Miz after throwing him into a tub of slime. In 2018, The Big Show appeared in the Wizards of the Coast's Dungeons & Dragons stream "Stream of Many Eyes Day Three - Jocks Machina" alongside Joe Manganiello, Travis Willingham, cross fit athlete Ron Mathews, and Mike Mearls as Dungeon Master.[319]

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1996 Reggie's Prayer Mr. Portola
1996 Jingle All The Way Huge Santa
1998 McCinsey's Island Little Snow Flake
1998 The Waterboy Captain Insano
2006 Little Hercules in 3-D Marduk
2010 MacGruber Brick Hughes
2010 Knucklehead Walter Krunk
2015 Vendetta Victor Abbott
2016 Countdown Big Show Uncredited
2017 The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania! Big Show (voice)
2019 Fighting with My Family Big Show
2024 No Time to Spy: A Loud House Movie Ham Hand (voice)
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1994 Thunder in Paradise Uncredited
1997 Figure It Out Himself
1999 Cousin Skeeter "Skeeter's Suplex" (Season 1, Episode 17)
1999 Shasta McNasty Himself "Pilot"/"Brothers Out Land" (Season 1, Episode 1)
1999 The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling Himself Documentary
2000 The Cindy Margolis Show Himself "Big Show" (Season 1, Episode 4)
2001 The Weakest Link Himself Episode: WWF Edition
2000 Saturday Night Live Himself Episode: "The Rock / AC/DC"
2002 TV Total Himself April 29
2002 One on One Miles Episode: "Is It Safe?"
2003–2004 Hollywood Squares Himself 10 episodes
2004 Player$ Himself Episode: "Barenaked Players"
2004 10 Things Every Guy Should Experience Himself Season 1, Episode 2
2004 MADtv Himself March 13 (Season 9, Episode 18)
2004 Star Trek: Enterprise Orion Slaver #1 Episode: "Borderland"
2005–2007 Hogan Knows Best Himself Regular appearances
2005 Late Night with Conan O'Brien Himself
2006 Video on Trial Himself December 17 (Season 2, Episode 12)
2007 Hannity & Colmes Big Show July 2
2008 Rome Is Burning Himself February 26
2009 VH1 Top 20 Countdown Himself Host (March 7)
2009 Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Himself Australian version
2009 Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Himself American syndicated version
2009 E:60 Big Show Episode: "Lord of the Ring"
2009 The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
2009 Dinner: Impossible Himself Episode: "WWE: A Mission on the Mat"
2010 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Himself Episode: "Suggs Family"
2010 Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Participant June 16 (Season 2, Episode 93)
2010 Royal Pains Donald Green Episode: "Keeping the Faith"
2010 The 7PM Project Himself July 30 (Episode 264)
2011; 2015 WWE Tough Enough Big Show 2 episodes
2011; 2013 Supah Ninjas Two Ton Harley 2 episodes
2011 Kids Choice Awards Himself Stunt driver
2011 Burn Notice Griffin Black Episode: "No Good Deed"[320]
2011 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Himself April 6 (Season 19, Episode 124)
2011 American Country Awards Himself
2012 Kids Choice Awards Himself wrestler against The Miz
2012 Larry King Now Himself/Guest "WWE Superstars" (Season 1, Episode 52)
2013 Psych Big Ed Dixon Episode: "Lassie Jerky"
2014 Bonus Content "Wizard World Atlanta 2014" (Season 2, Episode 2)
2014 2014 Teen Choice Awards Himself
2016 Lip Sync Battle Himself/Guest Episode "Olivia Munn vs. Kevin Hart"
2017 Conan Himself/Guest (Season 7, Episode 63)
2017 The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Participant (Season 4, Episode 127)
2019 Happy! Big Pink Recurring role
2020 The Big Show Show Himself Main role
2020 Nickelodeon's Unfiltered Himself Episode: "Pizza In Your Game Face!"
2021 Fast & Furious Spy Racers Palindrome (voice) Recurring role
2021 Van Helsing Carnage Season 4 Episode 10
2025 Ghosts Gorm Season 4 Episode 11

Video games

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

Wight married his first wife, Melissa Piavis, in 1997.[321] They separated in 2000 and their divorce was finalized in 2002.[321] Together, they have a daughter.[321] In 2002, he married his second wife, Bess Katramados.[321]

For many years, Wight has been an active supporter of the Special Olympics, including the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey, where he participated in the opening ceremony. He was later named WWE Goodwill Ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, California.[1] Since 2018, he has served as a global ambassador for Special Olympics International.[322]

[edit]

Wight was arrested in December 1998 by the Memphis Police Department for allegedly exposing himself to a female motel employee who was the front desk clerk at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The charge though was subsequently dropped due to insufficient evidence.[323]

In March 1999, Wight was charged with assault by Robert Sawyer, who alleged that Wight had broken his jaw during the summer of 1998 in the course of an altercation at Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Uniondale, New York. Wight claimed that Sawyer had verbally abused, threatened and shoved him, and that he had responded by punching Sawyer. After three days, Judge Thomas Feinman delivered a verdict of not guilty.[324][325][326]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Big Show is a two-time World Heavyweight Champion...
...a one-time Intercontinental Champion...
...and an eight-time world tag team champion in WWE – factoring in both WWE Tag Team Championship (around right shoulder) and World Tag Team Championship (left shoulder) reigns.

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Paul Donald Wight II (born February 8, 1972), better known by his ring name Big Show, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and commentator currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name.[1] Standing 7 feet (2.13 m) tall and weighing 383 pounds (174 kg), Wight is one of the largest performers in professional wrestling history, having debuted in 1994 and amassed a career spanning over 30 years across major promotions.[2] He is particularly noted for his imposing physical presence due to acromegaly, a condition that caused excessive growth, which he managed through pituitary gland surgery in the early 1990s.[3] Wight began his wrestling career in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as "The Giant," making an immediate impact by winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in his debut match at Slamboree 1995, just weeks after signing.[3] He held the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times before leaving for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) in 1999, where he adopted the Big Show moniker and became a cornerstone of the roster for over two decades.[2] In WWE, Wight achieved unprecedented versatility, becoming the first wrestler to capture world titles in three major promotions by winning the WWF Championship twice, the World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the ECW World Heavyweight Championship once, in addition to the WCW title.[2] His WWE accolades also include the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, eight WWE/World Tag Team Championships, three Hardcore Championships, and victory in the 2015 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.[2] Beyond the ring, Wight has pursued acting, with notable roles such as Captain Insano in the 1998 film The Waterboy and appearances in television shows like Royal Pains and Psych, leveraging his distinctive size for memorable characters.[3] Since joining AEW in 2021 following his WWE release, he has primarily served as a commentator for AEW Dark: Elevation while making sporadic in-ring appearances, including a tag team match in 2022, and has expressed satisfaction with his ongoing contract as of May 2025.[1] Wight is also a committed philanthropist, serving as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics since 2014, where he has co-captained events like the Unified Relay Across America and advocated for funding on Capitol Hill.[4] Born in Aiken, South Carolina, to a family that supported his athletic pursuits in basketball and football during college, Wight resides in Odessa, Florida, and has been married to Bess Katramados since 2002, with whom he has two children from her previous marriage and one daughter together.[3]

Early life

Childhood and family

Paul Donald Wight II was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina.[5] His father worked as a mechanic at the Savannah River Site, while his mother served as a deputy with the county sheriff's department at one point.[6] As a young child, Wight lived in Maine before his family relocated to Aiken County, South Carolina, where he spent much of his upbringing.[7] The family faced financial hardships during Wight's early years, which intensified after his basketball aspirations ended; he briefly sold cars with modest success but later endured severe scarcity, subsisting on bread and toothpaste for sustenance.[7] Wight attended Millbrook Elementary School in Aiken and graduated from W. Wyman King Academy in Batesburg, South Carolina, in 1990.[8] During his attendance at Wichita State University, his father died of cancer, an event Wight later recalled as deeply humbling and stomach-wrenching, especially amid his own emerging personal challenges.[7]

Medical condition and early interests

Paul Wight was diagnosed with acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by a pituitary tumor that leads to excessive growth hormone production, during his freshman year of college at age 19, though symptoms from the tumor began around age 9.[9][10] This condition manifested as gigantism in his youth, resulting in rapid growth; by age 12, he stood at 6 feet 2 inches, reaching 6 feet 8 inches by age 14 and approximately 7 feet tall during high school.[9][10] The tumor pressed on his pituitary gland, accelerating bone and tissue growth, which contributed to his imposing physical stature but also posed significant health risks if untreated.[11] At age 19, Wight underwent successful surgery to remove the pituitary tumor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which halted further growth and mitigated the progression of acromegaly.[10][9] While the procedure prevented more severe complications like organ enlargement or diabetes, it left him with ongoing issues, including joint problems and the need for multiple hip replacements later in life due to the strain from his size and the condition's effects.[9] His family provided crucial support throughout the diagnosis and treatment process, helping him navigate the challenges of his unusual growth.[7] Wight's extraordinary height made him a natural athlete in high school at W. Wyman King Academy in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, where he excelled in basketball as a standout center, earning all-conference and all-state honors during his junior and senior years.[7][12] He also played American football but quit after a disagreement with his coach.[13] Despite interest from colleges, his basketball prospects were limited by health concerns related to acromegaly; he briefly played at Northern Oklahoma College and transferred to Wichita State University, where injuries following his surgery curtailed his career, averaging just 2.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game as a reserve in the 1991-92 season.[14][9][15] After college, Wight took on various early jobs to make ends meet, including working as a bouncer at a bar in South Carolina, where his size proved advantageous, and as a bounty hunter collecting fugitives for bail bondsmen.[16][17] He also dabbled in other roles, such as a used car salesman and a phone bank employee.[16] A lifelong wrestling fan inspired by Hulk Hogan, Wight's interest deepened when he met the wrestling icon during a charity basketball game arranged through mutual friend Danny Bonaduce; Hogan recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue professional wrestling, telling him, "You got a big dollar sign in your forehead, kid."[9][18] This encounter marked a pivotal shift from his early athletic and odd-job pursuits toward his future career.[9]

Professional wrestling career

Training and debut (1994–1995)

In 1994, Paul Wight began his professional wrestling training at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory in Paulsboro, New Jersey, where he worked under the guidance of Sharpe and fellow trainer Glenn Ruth, known in the ring as Thrasher of The Headbangers.[19] The school, renowned for developing larger performers, emphasized basic fundamentals such as mat work and positioning, though Wight's immense size—billed at 7 feet tall and over 400 pounds—posed unique challenges in adapting to standard techniques and ring movement.[20] His time there lasted approximately seven months, during which he paid $5,000 for the program and received additional informal instruction from wrestlers like Johnny Polo (later Raven), who helped refine simple holds like the collar-and-elbow tie-up.[21] Wight made his in-ring debut on December 3, 1994, wrestling as "The Giant" for the World Wrestling Association (WWA) in Clementon, New Jersey, where he lost by countout to WWA World Heavyweight Champion Bull Montana in front of a small crowd. This match marked his entry into the independent circuit, followed by additional bouts in early 1995, including appearances for the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), where he gained experience facing smaller, more agile opponents to test his power-based style.[22] These independent outings, often in regional promotions around the Northeast, allowed Wight to build ring awareness and stamina despite his novice status. Inspired by the athleticism and charisma of Hulk Hogan, whom he had admired from afar, Wight caught the attention of WCW through an introduction facilitated by actor and wrestler associate Danny Bonaduce, leading to his signing with the promotion in early 1995.[19] Prior to his full WCW integration, he honed his skills further at the WCW Power Plant training facility, preparing for a major-league push.[20]

World Championship Wrestling (1995–1999)

Paul Wight signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995, debuting as "The Giant" and billed as the kayfabe son of André the Giant. His first appearance came at Slamboree on May 21, 1995, where he interfered in the main event tag team match between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage against Ric Flair and Vader, attacking the heels to aid Hogan and establishing himself as a dominant monster heel aligned with the babyface champion.[23] The Giant's rapid push continued into a high-profile feud with Hogan over the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. In his in-ring debut at Halloween Havoc on October 29, 1995, The Giant defeated Hogan by disqualification after interference from Jimmy Hart, briefly winning the title and becoming the youngest WCW World Heavyweight Champion at age 23 before it was vacated on November 6 due to the controversial finish.[24] He reclaimed the championship legitimately on the April 22, 1996, episode of WCW Monday Nitro, defeating Ric Flair.[24] During his 109-day second reign, The Giant defended the title successfully against several opponents, including Hogan in non-title matches, before losing it to Hogan at Hog Wild on August 10, 1996.[24] His overall association with the championship spanned from late 1995 to mid-1996, marking a brief but impactful period as a top heel. Following the title loss, The Giant transitioned to midcard competition, struggling for consistent direction amid WCW's shifting storylines. The Giant's career intersected prominently with the New World Order (nWo) faction during the Monday Night Wars era. Initially positioned against the invading group, he turned heel and joined the nWo on the September 16, 1996, episode of Nitro, betraying his former Dungeon of Doom allies. However, tensions arose, leading to his expulsion from the group on December 30, 1996, after he demanded a title shot from leader Hulk Hogan.[25] In 1997 and 1998, The Giant feuded intermittently with nWo members, including a rivalry with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, before rejoining the faction in May 1998 as part of the nWo Hollywood subgroup. During this second stint, he partnered with Brian Adams to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship twice, though the alliance was short-lived due to internal conflicts.[25] By late 1998, contract negotiations soured as WCW refused to match a lucrative offer from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), prompting The Giant to walk away from the promotion in early 1999. His departure was amid the intensifying Monday Night Wars, leaving WCW without one of its physically imposing stars.[26]

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (1999–2007)

Paul Wight, performing as Big Show, made his World Wrestling Federation (WWF) debut on the February 15, 1999, episode of Raw, dramatically emerging from beneath the ring during a Steel Cage match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Vince McMahon, allowing Austin to escape and win. This shocking appearance positioned Big Show as a member of McMahon's heel faction, The Corporation, where his immense size—standing at 7 feet tall and weighing over 500 pounds—immediately established him as a dominant force. Shortly after, on February 22, 1999, he competed in his first televised match, defeating The Rock in a squash victory that highlighted his athleticism despite his stature.[27] Over the following months, Big Show engaged in high-profile feuds, including a Boiler Room Brawl against Mankind for the WWF Championship at Backlash in April 1999, which he lost, and a WWF Championship match against The Undertaker on the June 7, 1999, episode of Raw, where he delivered a chokeslam that collapsed the ring.[28][29] By late 1999, tensions within The Corporation led to Big Show's face turn at Survivor Series on November 14, 1999, when he interfered in the WWF Championship match between Triple H and The Rock, attacking Triple H and enabling The Rock to retain the title temporarily before Big Show himself entered the fray. In the main event triple threat match that followed, Big Show defeated Triple H and The Rock to capture his first WWF Championship, marking a pivotal moment in his early WWF career.[30] His 50-day reign ended at the Royal Rumble on January 23, 2000, when Triple H reclaimed the title, but Big Show's post-title feud with Big Boss Man culminated in a brutal Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania 2000, where Big Show emerged victorious by choking out his opponent with a steel chain.[31] Throughout 2000 and 2001, Big Show oscillated between face and heel alignments, forming alliances like the Natural Limits stable with Shane McMahon and feuding with wrestlers such as Eddie Guerrero and Test, while also participating in the Invasion storyline as part of the Alliance before turning on them at Survivor Series 2001.[32] In 2002, following a brief hiatus due to injury, Big Show returned as a heel and quickly ascended to main-event status on the SmackDown brand after the WWF-WCW/ECW brand split. On November 17, 2002, at Survivor Series, he defeated Brock Lesnar in a no-disqualification match to win his second WWF Championship (later renamed WWE Championship), aided by interference from Paul Heyman, ending Lesnar's 504-day reign.[33] His 28-day title run concluded when Kurt Angle defeated him at Armageddon on December 15, 2002.[31] Big Show's tenure included notable feuds, such as a rivalry with The Undertaker leading to a body bag match at WrestleMania XIX in 2003, where he was carried out on a stretcher after a brutal assault. Later that year, on October 19, 2003, at No Mercy, Big Show defeated Eddie Guerrero to win the newly revived United States Championship, holding it for 98 days until losing it to John Cena at WrestleMania XX on March 14, 2004.[34][35] By 2005, Big Show transitioned to the Raw brand and formed an unlikely powerhouse tag team with Kane, capitalizing on their combined size and strength. At Taboo Tuesday on October 25, 2005, fan votes selected Big Show and Kane to challenge Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, defeating them to win the World Tag Team Championship. The duo held the titles for 76 days before dropping them to Edge and Randy Orton on the January 9, 2006, episode of Raw. Their partnership highlighted Big Show's versatility beyond singles competition. In mid-2006, Big Show was drafted to the revived ECW brand, where he quickly rose to prominence by defeating Rey Mysterio for a shot at the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. On July 4, 2006, during an episode of ECW on Sci Fi, he defeated Rob Van Dam to win the ECW Championship, beginning a 152-day reign marked by his portrayal as an unstoppable monster heel.[36][37] Big Show's ECW run featured intense feuds, including a high-stakes Punjabi Prison match against The Undertaker at The Great American Bash on July 23, 2006, which he lost via disqualification due to interference from The Great Khali, sparking a rivalry with the Punjabi giant.[38] This led to multiple confrontations with Khali throughout late 2006 and early 2007, emphasizing clashes between two of WWE's largest competitors, culminating in Big Show retaining his title against Khali in non-title matches. He also crossed paths with Batista during inter-brand conflicts, including a tag team clash at Survivor Series 2005 where Big Show and Kane represented Raw against SmackDown's Batista and others in a five-on-five elimination match. Big Show's aggressive style and interference in key matches solidified his heel persona. His ECW Championship reign ended on December 3, 2006, when he lost to Bobby Lashley at December to Dismember in an Extreme Elimination Chamber match. Following this, Big Show took time off for storyline reasons involving personal turmoil and injuries. In early 2007, amid ongoing feuds and brand dynamics, Wight's WWE contract expired on March 8, 2007, leading to his departure from the company after an eight-year tenure that saw him win multiple world titles and establish himself as a cornerstone of WWE's giant archetype.[39]

Independent promotions (2007–2008)

Following the expiration of his WWE contract in March 2007, Paul Wight ventured briefly into independent professional wrestling.[39] Wight debuted in this phase on April 27, 2007, at Memphis Wrestling's PMG Clash of Legends event held at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.[40] Billed as Paul "The Great" Wight and portraying a heel character who rejected his prior "Big Show" moniker as a "slave name," he replaced Jerry Lawler—who had been withdrawn by WWE due to contractual conflicts—in the main event against Hulk Hogan.[41] The match, promoted as a clash of wrestling legends, drew significant local attention and featured Wight executing moves like the chokeslam before Hogan secured victory via pinfall with his signature leg drop after approximately 12 minutes.[42] This appearance marked Wight's sole documented independent bout during the period, constrained by the lingering effects of his WWE non-compete clause and his emphasis on health recovery.[43] Having lost considerable weight and quit smoking since leaving WWE, Wight prioritized physical rehabilitation and explored opportunities outside wrestling, including intensive training for a professional boxing career starting in early 2007.[39][9] These efforts reflected a transitional phase aimed at testing personal limits without major television exposure, amid house shows and one-off events that remained minimal due to his focus on non-wrestling pursuits.[9]

Return to WWE (2008–2021)

Big Show made his return to WWE television at No Way Out on February 17, 2008, emerging after the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship to attack Rey Mysterio, prompting professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.—seated at ringside as Mysterio's friend—to intervene with punches that legitimately broke Big Show's nose.[44] The incident escalated into a high-profile feud, culminating at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30, 2008, where Mayweather defeated Big Show in a no holds barred match via knockout after using steel chair shots to the head.[45] Following the event, Big Show shifted to the SmackDown brand, engaging in prominent feuds with The Undertaker over the World Heavyweight Championship and later aligning temporarily with Vladimir Kozlov in pursuit of tag team opportunities. In 2009, Big Show was drafted to the Raw brand and formed an unlikely partnership with Chris Jericho, dubbed "Jeri-Show," which propelled them to victory in the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions on July 26, 2009, defeating Legacy members Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.[46] The duo defended the titles successfully against teams like Cryme Tyme at SummerSlam and Mark Henry & Montel Vontavious Porter at Breaking Point, holding the championships until losing them to D-Generation X in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 13, 2009.[47] This run highlighted Big Show's versatility in tag team competition, blending his power with Jericho's technical prowess. Big Show reunited with longtime ally Kane in late 2010 for tag team pursuits, initially clashing with teams like The Nexus before capturing the World Tag Team Championship on November 1, 2010, at a pay-per-view event by defeating Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater of The Corre—though the reign was short-lived amid ongoing rivalries. The partnership continued into 2011, where they won the WWE Tag Team Championship on April 22 by defeating Gabriel and Slater again on SmackDown, defending against challengers including The Miz & R-Truth and later The Shield in multi-man matches that emphasized their dominance as a big-man tandem.[48] Feuds with The Miz extended into singles competition, with Big Show overpowering the WWE Champion in non-title bouts on Raw episodes throughout 2011, showcasing his role as a top heel enforcer. Big Show's individual pursuits peaked in 2012 when he won the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus in a Chairs Match at Hell in a Cell on October 28, marking his first reign with the title after a brutal feud involving interference and high-stakes brawls.[49] The reign lasted 72 days, during which he defended against challengers like Sheamus in a rematch at Survivor Series and Daniel Bryan in tag and multi-man scenarios, but ended on January 8, 2013, when Alberto Del Rio defeated him in a Last Man Standing match on SmackDown.[50] This period solidified Big Show's status as a credible main event threat on SmackDown. From 2013 to 2016, Big Show became deeply involved in The Authority storyline, initially serving as the group's corporate enforcer under Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, notably knocking out Daniel Bryan on their orders at SummerSlam 2013 despite personal reservations, which led to his on-screen "firing."[51] He turned face in 2014, rebelling against The Authority by attacking members like Seth Rollins and Kane, culminating in a high-profile "fight" with Triple H that played into his real-life boxing aspirations; the arc extended into 2015 with feuds against Roman Reigns, including a Last Man Standing loss at Extreme Rules.[52] By 2016, his role diminished to sporadic enforcer appearances amid Authority dominance. Big Show transitioned to a part-time schedule from 2016 onward, making intermittent Royal Rumble entries—such as in 2017 where he was eliminated early by several competitors—and participating in international tours, including a high-profile event in Brazil in 2019 that drew massive crowds.[53] His final WWE run featured a brief feud with Randy Orton in mid-2020, culminating in a loss to Orton in an unsanctioned match on the July 20, 2020, episode of Raw—his final WWE in-ring performance before his contract expired in April 2021.[54]

All Elite Wrestling (2021–present)

In January 2021, Paul Wight signed a multi-year contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), marking his departure from WWE after over two decades.[55] He made his in-ring debut for the promotion on the March 3, 2021, episode of Dynamite, performing under his real name and aligning with the babyface roster, including early interactions supporting figures like Cody Rhodes during high-profile segments.[56][57] Wight's initial appearances emphasized his role as a veteran presence, quickly transitioning into feuds that showcased his power-based style against younger competitors. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Wight engaged in notable rivalries, including a dominant victory over Brian Cage on an episode of Dynamite and a heated feud with QT Marshall that culminated in a one-sided win at All Out in September 2021, where Wight overpowered Marshall and his associates in a multi-man showcase.[58][59] He also participated in tag team action, briefly teaming with allies in multi-person matches, though health issues limited his in-ring activity. These bouts highlighted Wight's mentorship dynamic, as he used his experience to elevate opponents while protecting his recovering body from prior joint replacements. Wight's in-ring activity was hampered by ongoing injuries, including a shoulder issue that required surgery in January 2024 following his last match on the Jericho Cruise on January 29, 2024, sidelining him from competition.[60] Despite this, he evolved into a behind-the-scenes mentor, occasionally appearing as a hype man for emerging talents. In 2025, Wight confirmed his contract extension with AEW in May, denying rumors of a potential WWE return and expressing satisfaction with the company's direction under Tony Khan.[61][62] He returned to television as a special guest commentator during the Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show in November 2024, calling a match involving QT Marshall, and faced a verbal challenge from Powerhouse Hobbs in June 2025, who advocated for a dream matchup that ultimately did not materialize due to Wight's health limitations.[63][64] This shift allowed Wight to contribute non-physically, praising Hobbs as a believable powerhouse and future star in interviews.[65] As of November 2025, Wight continues as a behind-the-scenes mentor and occasional commentator for AEW, with no in-ring appearances since his January 2024 surgery recovery, while making guest spots at independent events.[66][67]

Wrestling style and persona

In-ring style and signature moves

Paul Wight, known professionally as Big Show, employs a power-based wrestling style that leverages his immense size—standing at 7 feet tall and weighing approximately 383 pounds—to dominate opponents through overwhelming strength and intimidation.[2] His approach emphasizes brute force maneuvers, such as chokeslams and knockout punches, while incorporating surprising elements of agility like clotheslines, allowing him to execute moves that belie his frame despite the physical demands of his condition.[2] This style has been described as leaving a "crater-sized impression" in the ring, focusing on raw power to control match pace rather than speed or technical finesse.[2] Among his signature moves, the Chokeslam—often called the Showstopper—stands out as a hallmark, where Wight lifts an opponent by the throat before slamming them to the mat, a technique that underscores his ability to manhandle foes effortlessly.[2] The KO Punch, also known as the WMD (Weapon of Mass Destruction), delivers a devastating right-hand strike to the jaw, clocked at forces up to 1,809 pounds per square inch, capable of "knocking out" opponents with its sheer impact.[68] Complementing these is the Colossal Clutch, a crushing bearhug that squeezes opponents in a vise-like grip, draining their energy through sustained pressure.[2] Early in his career during the 1990s, Wight demonstrated greater athleticism, incorporating dynamic elements like dropkicks and flying clotheslines, which highlighted his stamina and versatility beyond pure power.[69] Wight's style evolved over time, shifting from the more agile displays of his WCW days in the mid-1990s to a brawling, striking-oriented approach in later years, prioritizing endurance and impactful strikes like powerbombs over high-risk maneuvers.[70] This adaptation stems from his acromegaly, a pituitary gland disorder diagnosed in his college years that caused excessive growth and long-term health challenges, including joint issues; he underwent successful transsphenoidal surgery in 1991 to halt its progression, but post-2000s, he reduced high-flying moves to mitigate injury risks associated with his size and condition.[71][10] Wight's in-ring persona and technique draw clear influences from Andre the Giant, another acromegaly-afflicted wrestler whose legacy of giant dominance shaped Wight's training emphasis on stamina and power over speed, positioning him as a modern successor to such legendary big men.[2][72]

Character development and nicknames

Paul Wight debuted in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995 as "The Giant," portrayed as the son of André the Giant and an unstoppable force designed to dominate the roster with his immense size and power.[73] This monster heel persona emphasized his role as a destructive antagonist, initially aligned with the Dungeon of Doom stable before evolving through alliances and betrayals, including a stint with the New World Order (nWo) in 1996.[73] Throughout his WCW tenure until 1999, The Giant's character remained focused on physical intimidation, using moves like the chokeslam to reinforce his image as an indomitable giant, though he occasionally shifted between heel and face alignments based on storyline needs.[73] Upon joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) in 1999, Wight transitioned to the ring name "Big Show," initially introduced as part of Vince McMahon's Corporation faction under the short-lived "Titan, the Corporate Giant" billing before settling on the enduring "Big Show" moniker suggested by Shane McMahon.[74] This early persona positioned him as a heel enforcer for the corporate authority, but he quickly turned face after clashing with Mankind at WrestleMania XV, marking the first of numerous alignments that highlighted his versatility as a towering antagonist or sympathetic powerhouse.[74] In the early 2000s, Big Show's character incorporated comedic elements, particularly during his tag team run with Kane from 2001–2002 and 2005–2006, where they portrayed bumbling yet dominant partners in humorous segments involving mismatched attire and slapstick antics, providing comic relief amid their pursuit of tag team gold.[75] Feuds with smaller stars like Rey Mysterio in 2006 further blended comedy with contrast, as Big Show's giant frame was juxtaposed against agile underdogs, occasionally featuring lighthearted dancing or exaggerated mannerisms to humanize his otherwise imposing presence.[76] By the 2010s, Big Show's gimmick evolved toward a more serious authority figure, often embedded in WWE's corporate structure, such as his 2014–2015 storyline against The Authority where he rebelled against heel executives after initially enforcing their agenda.[51] Nicknames like "The World's Largest Athlete" became staples to underscore his physical dominance during main event pushes, including his 2012 World Heavyweight Championship reign where he was billed as a relentless "Main Event Monster."[77] Upon departing WWE in 2021, Wight signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name, Paul Wight, adopting a mature, no-nonsense commentator and occasional in-ring veteran persona that shed the exaggerated gigantism for a more grounded, experienced authority role.[78]

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon debuting in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as The Giant in 1995, Paul Wight received widespread praise from critics for his remarkable athleticism relative to his imposing 7-foot frame and over 350-pound build, including the ability to execute advanced maneuvers such as moonsaults and dropkicks that showcased agility uncommon among wrestlers of his size.[79] His high-profile feud with Hulk Hogan, which saw him capture the WCW World Heavyweight Championship via disqualification at Halloween Havoc 1995, drew significant viewership with a 0.60 buyrate and bolstered WCW's dominance in the early Monday Night Wars ratings battle against WWF.[80] This period marked Wight as a breakout star, earning him Pro Wrestling Illustrated's (PWI) Rookie of the Year and Wrestler of the Year awards in 1996, along with a No. 2 ranking in the PWI 500 that year.[81] During his WWE tenure in the 2000s, critical reception became more mixed, with reviewers commending Wight's versatility in tag team competition where he adapted effectively to diverse partners and won multiple championships, including the World Tag Team Championship with Chris Jericho in 2009—an effort recognized with a Slammy Award for Tag Team of the Year.[82] However, he faced criticism for repetitive booking that featured over 30 face-to-heel turns, rendering his character predictable and diminishing fan engagement, compounded by perceptions of declining physical condition due to significant weight gain.[83] Wrestling Observer Newsletter match ratings from this era averaged approximately 2.5 stars, reflecting solid but unremarkable performances, with notable lows such as a ¼-star tables match against Cody Rhodes at Extreme Rules 2012.[84] In the 2010s and 2020s, Wight was generally appreciated by critics and fans as a dependable veteran who provided reliability in both WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), leveraging his experience for mentoring roles and occasional high-impact appearances, including a return in a dark match on AEW Collision in November 2023 following knee replacement surgery, though his later career was increasingly marked by injury proneness, including five hip surgeries by 2020 and multiple knee procedures in 2023-2024 that sidelined him for extended periods.[85][86] By mid-2024, he reported being pain-free after replacements of both knees and hips.[87] Fan sentiment remained polarized, with some polls and reviews highlighting his longevity and charisma as assets, while others noted waning crowd reactions to his returns and a shift toward non-wrestling contributions like commentary in AEW.[83] His 2011 Slammy Award for the "Holy $#!& Moment of the Year" for collapsing the ring on Mark Henry underscored occasional moments of praised spectacle amid the critiques.[88]

Impact on professional wrestling

Paul Wight, known professionally as Big Show, played a pivotal role in redefining the portrayal of giant wrestlers in professional wrestling by pioneering a modern archetype that combined immense physical power with surprising agility, charisma, and versatility. Debuting in WCW in 1995 as The Giant, Wight demonstrated athleticism uncommon for performers of his size, including the ability to execute high-flying maneuvers early in his career, which elevated the expectations for big men beyond mere dominance. This blend of attributes set a template for subsequent giants, influencing wrestlers like Braun Strowman, who has publicly referred to Wight as his "wrestling dad" for the guidance and paternal treatment he received during their time together in WWE.[89][10] Wight's high-profile defection from WCW to the WWF in early 1999 was a significant moment in the Monday Night Wars, contributing to the WWF's momentum during a period when its ratings nearly doubled and WCW began its sharp decline in viewership and revenue. As one of WCW's top main event stars, his departure—part of a broader talent raid that included Chris Jericho—deprived WCW of a key attraction and bolstered the WWF's push into the Attitude Era, where Wight quickly captured the WWF Championship in his debut storyline. This jump underscored the intensifying competition between promotions and helped shift industry power toward the WWF, ultimately leading to WCW's acquisition in 2001.[90][91] Over a career spanning more than 25 years, from his 1995 WCW debut to his ongoing role in AEW as of 2025, Wight exemplified remarkable longevity in an industry known for its physical toll, remaining active and relevant across multiple promotions while adapting to evolving styles. His endurance record includes a 21-year tenure in WWE alone, during which he mentored emerging talent, sharing insights on performance and character work drawn from his vast experience. Upon joining AEW in 2021, Wight was specifically recruited to guide younger wrestlers through his mentorship, further extending his influence on the next generation.[92][93][94] Wight's involvement in celebrity crossover matches significantly boosted wrestling's mainstream visibility, drawing non-traditional audiences to the sport through high-profile events. His 2008 WrestleMania XXIV bout against undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather, which ended in a knockout victory for the celebrity, generated substantial media coverage beyond wrestling circles and was praised as one of the most successful celebrity appearances at the event. Similarly, his interactions with figures like Shaquille O'Neal in exhibition-style confrontations highlighted wrestling's appeal to sports and entertainment icons, helping to elevate the industry's cultural footprint during the 2000s.[89][95][96]

Other media

Film and television roles

Paul Wight, known professionally as Big Show, began exploring acting opportunities in the mid-1990s, leveraging his imposing physical presence for comedic and antagonistic roles in films and television. His debut film appearance came in the holiday comedy Jingle All the Way (1996), where he portrayed the brutish Huge Santa, a mall Santa involved in a chaotic brawl, highlighting his ability to blend physicality with humor.[97] This cameo, filmed during his early wrestling career as The Giant, marked his entry into Hollywood, capitalizing on his 7-foot stature for memorable, larger-than-life characters. In 1998, Wight reprised a similar oversized persona in the Adam Sandler comedy The Waterboy, playing the unhinged Captain Insano, a football coach alter ego that showcased his comedic timing through exaggerated rage and physical dominance on the field.[98] The role, a brief but iconic appearance, further established him in action-comedy fare, drawing on his wrestling background for athletic stunts. Following this, Wight took on supporting parts in action-oriented projects, such as the bodyguard Brick Hughes in the satirical action film MacGruber (2010), where he engaged in over-the-top fight scenes emphasizing his size against the protagonist.[99] He also led the WWE Studios comedy Knucklehead (2010) as the gentle giant Walter, a wrestler on a road trip, blending heartfelt moments with slapstick humor centered on his physique.[100] On television, Wight made guest appearances that often featured him in authoritative or intimidating roles suited to his build. In the sci-fi series Star Trek: Enterprise (2004), he appeared as an Orion Slave Trader in the episode "Borderland," using his presence to convey menace in a brief but visually striking auction scene. He followed with a guest appearance as Donald on Royal Pains (2010), where his character provided comic relief through bungled schemes and physical confrontations. Additional guest spots included Big Ed Dixon on Psych (2013), adding supernatural humor, and the thug Griffin Black on Burn Notice (2011), delivering action-heavy intimidation. Wight also made cameos in WWE-produced reality series like Total Divas (2013–2019), appearing as himself in family-oriented segments that occasionally intersected with scripted elements. Post-2010, as his full-time wrestling commitments shifted, Wight transitioned toward more prominent acting projects, starring in the Netflix family comedy series The Big Show Show (2020), where he played a fictionalized version of himself as a retired wrestler navigating suburban life with his family. The series, which ran for one season in 2020 followed by a Christmas special, emphasized comedic scenarios rooted in his size and persona, such as oversized home mishaps and protective father dynamics. In 2025, Wight continued this trajectory with a guest role as the Viking ghost Gorm on the CBS sitcom Ghosts, portraying a boisterous historical figure in comedic ensemble scenes that played on his stature for physical gags and historical absurdity. These later roles reflect a growing focus on acting amid reduced in-ring activity, with his wrestling fame providing a foundation for typecast yet versatile opportunities in humor and action genres.

Video games and voice work

Paul Wight, known professionally as Big Show, has been a recurring playable character in numerous professional wrestling video games, reflecting his long career across promotions. His earliest appearance was as The Giant in the 1998 Nintendo 64 title WCW/nWo Revenge, where he was depicted with exaggerated size and power moves like the chokeslam, emphasizing his role as a dominant force in WCW.[101] Following his debut in WWE, Wight featured as Big Show starting with WWF SmackDown! in 2000, and continued through the SmackDown vs. Raw series and into the WWE 2K franchise up to WWE 2K20, often with customizable movesets incorporating his signature chokeslam and WMD knockout punch. He also remains playable in WWE 2K Mobile as of 2025.[102] In these games, his character evolved from early realistic giant physics—such as slower movement but immense strength and collision impacts—to more refined animations in later entries, including downloadable content packs for alternate attires and entrances.[103] After departing WWE in 2021, Wight made his debut as Paul Wight in the 2023 game AEW: Fight Forever, appearing on the Legends roster with updated attire and entrance animations tailored to his AEW run, unlockable via the Road to Elite mode by achieving specific match objectives like count-out victories.[104] This marked his first playable role in a non-WWE wrestling title since his WCW days, maintaining his giant persona with moves reflecting his in-ring style.[105] In addition to gameplay portrayals, Wight has provided voice work for his character in several titles. He voiced Big Show in WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw (2004) and WWE Crush Hour (2003), contributing to cutscenes and commentary lines that highlighted his booming presence.[106] Beyond video games, Wight lent his voice to animated projects, including voicing himself as Big Show in the 2014 direct-to-video film Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery, where he appeared alongside other WWE wrestlers in a crossover mystery plot.[107] These roles underscore his versatility in media, often drawing on his physical stature for comedic or authoritative effect.[108]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Paul Wight, known professionally as Big Show, was first married to Melissa Ann Piavis on February 14, 1997.[109] The couple separated in 2000 and finalized their divorce on February 6, 2002.[110] They share one daughter, Cierra Wight, born on November 28, 1998.[110] Wight gained custody of Cierra following the divorce, integrating her into his subsequent family life.[111] In 2002, Wight married Bess Katramados, with whom he has two children: son Jett Wight, born on June 19, 2007, and daughter Cash Wight, born on December 8, 2010.[112][110] The family forms a blended household, with Cierra maintaining a close relationship with her half-siblings and stepmother, as depicted in Wight's personal portrayals of domestic life.[111] This dynamic has been central to Wight's post-retirement focus on parenting, balancing his career demands with family responsibilities. Originally from Aiken, South Carolina, where he was born to Paul Wight Sr., a mechanic, and his mother, a sheriff's deputy, Wight relocated his family to Florida during his early WWE tenure to align with the promotion's operations.[6] His father, Paul Wight Sr., passed away in February 2016.[113] The family resides in Odessa, Florida, a move that supported his wrestling schedule while providing a stable environment for his children.[114] Wight has shared glimpses of his family life through public platforms, notably in the Netflix sitcom The Big Show Show (2020–2021), which fictionalizes his experiences as a retired wrestler navigating life with his wife and three daughters in Florida.[115] The series highlights blended family interactions and everyday challenges, drawing from Wight's real-life home dynamics and receiving praise for its authentic portrayal of familial support.[116]

Health issues and philanthropy

Paul Wight has managed the long-term effects of acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by a pituitary gland tumor that led to excessive growth hormone production, through surgical intervention. Diagnosed during his college years, he underwent transsphenoidal surgery in 1991 to remove the tumor, which halted further progression of the condition.[71] Despite this, the disorder contributed to ongoing joint deterioration due to his size and the physical demands of professional wrestling. Wight has faced multiple orthopedic challenges, including hip resurfacing surgery in 2017 to address severe arthritis, performed by specialists at Hospital for Special Surgery. He later underwent bilateral knee replacement surgery in August 2022, necessitated by crushed bone and chronic pain from years of high-impact matches and his 7-foot, over-300-pound frame. These procedures have improved his mobility, with Wight reporting pain-free knees by 2024, though they have limited his in-ring activity. As of November 2025, Wight is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he has made recent television appearances, including at All In 2025, while primarily serving in non-wrestling roles and expressing interest in a potential in-ring return.[117][118][119][120][121] In 2007, while with WWE, Wight was suspended for 30 days under the company's Talent Wellness Program for a violation involving prohibited substances, part of a broader group of 10 wrestlers disciplined amid heightened scrutiny following a steroid scandal. This suspension preceded his temporary release from WWE later that year, after which he briefly competed in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling before returning to WWE in 2008.[122] Wight has been a prominent philanthropist, particularly supporting causes related to children and individuals with disabilities. He has served as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics since 2018, building on his involvement since the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, where he acted as a co-captain and WWE Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, he advocates for inclusion, participates in events to inspire athletes with intellectual disabilities, and promotes anti-bullying initiatives like Special Olympics' Unified Sports program.[123][4][124] Wight has also actively supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, attending events such as the 2013 Superstars of Hope gala honoring the organization and granting wishes to children with critical illnesses throughout his WWE tenure. His charitable work extends to broader WWE community outreach, where he emphasized the emotional impact of fulfilling wishes during his two decades with the company. Family has played a key role in his recovery and motivation for these efforts.[125][126] In 1999, Paul Wight, known professionally as Big Show, faced assault charges stemming from an incident at a Marriott Hotel bar in Uniondale, New York, the previous year. A fan named Robert Sawyer, who had been heckling Wight, allegedly pushed him, prompting Wight to punch Sawyer in self-defense, resulting in a broken jaw for Sawyer. Wight was acquitted of third-degree assault on March 10, 1999, by Nassau County District Court Judge Thomas Feinman, who ruled the action justified based on evidence including witness testimony and video footage.[127] In June 2009, SoBe Entertainment International filed a $2 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against Wight, his wife Bess, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in Miami federal court. The promoters claimed they had advanced Wight over $1 million for a house purchase and $84,000 monthly payments to develop his career as a professional boxer, including a promotional tour and fights, but Wight allegedly backed out after WWE objected to the side venture. The suit accused Wight of conspiring with WWE to void the agreement and sought damages for lost investments; the case appears to have been resolved privately without a public trial outcome.[128] Wight was again involved in litigation in April 2013 when former WWE producer Andrew Green sued him and WWE in New York state court for assault, battery, negligence, and emotional distress. Green alleged that during a post-match WWE.com interview on January 27, 2013, after Wight's loss to Alberto Del Rio, Wight—frustrated in character—grabbed Green by the collar and throat, applying a prolonged chokehold that caused vocal cord damage, lost wages, and medical expenses exceeding $1 million. WWE defended the suit by arguing the incident was a scripted wrestling angle with Green's consent as producer, but a judge denied their motion to dismiss in September 2013, allowing the case to proceed; it was ultimately settled out of court in 2015.[129] Throughout the 2020s, rumors circulated regarding Wight's contract negotiations between WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), particularly after his 2021 departure from WWE due to failed renewal talks, but no formal disputes or lawsuits arose from these matters.[130]

Championships and accomplishments

Major championships

Big Show, whose real name is Paul Wight, achieved significant success as a world heavyweight champion across multiple promotions, becoming a seven-time world champion in total. His first world title victory came early in his career, marking him as a dominant force in professional wrestling. Wight's reigns were characterized by his imposing physical presence, often leading to high-profile matches against top competitors. He is notable for being the only wrestler to hold all three major WWE world titles—the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, and ECW World Heavyweight Championship—as well as the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.[2]

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Wight debuted as The Giant in WCW and quickly rose to prominence by capturing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice. His first reign began on October 29, 1995, at Halloween Havoc, where he defeated Hulk Hogan by disqualification in a controversial finish that nonetheless resulted in a title change; this short reign lasted 28 days until he lost to Randy Savage on November 26, 1995, at World War 3.[50] His second and more substantial reign started on April 22, 1996, on an episode of WCW Monday Nitro, defeating Ric Flair to win the title, and ended on August 10, 1996, at Hog Wild when he was pinned by Hulk Hogan; this period spanned 110 days with multiple successful defenses on television and pay-per-view, including victories over challengers like Savage and Flair.[50] Across both reigns, Wight held the title for a combined 138 days, and at 23 years old during his initial victory, he remains the youngest WCW World Heavyweight Champion in history.[131]

WWF/WWE Championship

Wight won the WWF Championship (later renamed WWE Championship) on two occasions during his early tenure with the promotion. His debut reign occurred on November 14, 1999, at Survivor Series, defeating Triple H in a triple threat match also involving The Rock, and lasted 50 days until he dropped the title to Triple H on January 3, 2000, on RAW, during which he made 3 successful defenses.[132] The second reign came on November 17, 2002, at Survivor Series, beating Brock Lesnar via disqualification, holding it for 28 days with 4 defenses before losing to Kurt Angle at Armageddon.[132] These reigns totaled 78 days and highlighted Wight's transition to a main event star in WWF/WWE, often intertwined with brief feuds emphasizing his giant stature against established powerhouses.[50]

ECW World Heavyweight Championship

Upon WWE's revival of ECW in 2006, Wight captured the ECW World Heavyweight Championship on July 4, 2006, defeating Rob Van Dam on the premiere episode of ECW on Sci Fi with interference from ECW representative Paul Heyman.[50] He held the title for 152 days, defending it successfully against challengers including Van Dam and Sabu in hardcore-style matches that showcased his adaptability to the brand's intense environment, before losing to Bobby Lashley on December 3, 2006, at December to Dismember.[50] This reign solidified Wight's versatility across wrestling styles and contributed to his status as a multi-promotional champion.[2]

World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)

Wight won the World Heavyweight Championship twice in WWE. His first reign, albeit brief, occurred on December 18, 2011, at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, defeating Mark Henry, but lasted less than one day after Daniel Bryan cashed in his Money in the Bank contract immediately following the match.[50] His second reign began on October 28, 2012, at Hell in a Cell, where he defeated Sheamus in a brutal last man standing match stipulation.[50] The 72-day title run ended on January 8, 2013, on an episode of SmackDown, when Alberto Del Rio cashed in his Money in the Bank contract following a no-disqualification loss to Del Rio earlier that night.[50] During this period, Wight engaged in defenses that built on his established rivalries, emphasizing his role as a formidable heel champion on SmackDown.[2]

Other achievements and awards

In addition to his world title successes, Big Show captured the WWE United States Championship once, holding the title from October 19, 2003, to March 14, 2004, for a duration of 147 days.[35] During this reign, he defended the championship sparingly, with his most notable bout coming at WrestleMania XX, where he lost the title to John Cena in a high-profile match that elevated Cena's status. Big Show also won the WWE Intercontinental Championship once, from April 1, 2012, to April 29, 2012, for 28 days, defeating Cody Rhodes on the WrestleMania XXVIII pre-show.[50] He captured the WWF Hardcore Championship three times: February 25 to March 19, 2001 (22 days); May 21 to May 28, 2001 (7 days); and July 12, 2002 (<1 day).[50] Big Show achieved significant success in tag team competition, securing the WWE World Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions, including eight reigns in total across WWF/WWE. His partnerships included short reigns with The Undertaker in 1999, a 153-day reign with Kane from November 1, 2005, to April 3, 2006, the "Jeri-Show" unification with Chris Jericho from July 26, 2009, to December 13, 2009 (140 days), with The Miz from February 8, 2010, to April 26, 2010 (77 days), and reunions with Kane in 2011 (34 days).[133] Earlier in his career, while performing as The Giant in WCW, he won the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times: a 1-day reign with Lex Luger on February 23, 1997; 28 days with Sting from May 17, 1998, to June 14, 1998; and 97 days with Scott Hall from July 20, 1998, to October 25, 1998, often amid nWo storylines.[50] Big Show has received multiple Slammy Awards, WWE's annual fan-voted honors recognizing standout performances. He won Tag Team of the Year in 2009 with Chris Jericho for their dominant run as Jeri-Show. In 2011, he shared the Holy Shit Moment of the Year for the ring collapse with Mark Henry. In 2012, he won the Shocking Moment of the Year for knocking out John Cena.[134] In recognition of his early impact, Pro Wrestling Illustrated named him Wrestler of the Year in 1996 as The Giant, highlighting his rapid rise to prominence in WCW.[135]

References

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