Big Show

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Explore the life and career of Big Show (Paul Donald Wight II), the towering American wrestler and entertainer. From acromegaly and basketball, to WCW, WWE stardom, AEW, and acting — here is his journey, major feuds, and impact.

Introduction

Paul Donald Wight II (born February 8, 1972), better known by his ring name Big Show, is one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling. Standing at 7 ft tall, he has performed in WCW, WWE, and more recently AEW, capturing multiple world titles and memorable feuds. His career spans over three decades, marked by reinvention, dominance in the ring, and crossover into acting and commentary.

Early Life & Physical Condition

Wight was born in Aiken, South Carolina. acromegaly, which causes enlargement of bones, especially the hands, feet, and face.

As a teenager, he played basketball and American football in high school.

His physical stats are extraordinary: shoe size 22 (5E), ring size 22, chest circumference ~64 inches.

Wrestling Career

Training and Debut (1994–1995)

Wight trained at Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory, though due to Sharpe’s health limitations, his training was limited. December 3, 1994 under the World Wrestling Association (WWA) — losing by countout to Frank Finnegan.

In 1995, he signed with WCW under the ring name The Giant, where he was initially presented as a son (kayfabe) of André the Giant.

He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on occasion.

WWF/WWE Era (1999–2021)

In 1999, Wight signed a long-term contract with the WWF (later WWE). Big Show.

His tenure in WWE spanned many phases:

• He began as a heel, aligned with Vince McMahon’s “Corporation” faction, acting as an enforcer.

• Over time, he switched between face (hero) and heel (villain) roles multiple times.

• He engaged in many memorable feuds: with wrestlers like The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, John Cena, and The Rock.

• Big Show held numerous championships across categories: WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship, United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Tag Team titles, Hardcore titles, etc.

• He also took part in lighter, comedic angles (e.g. mimicking other wrestlers, humorous segments) while still maintaining his presence as a credible giant.

• In later years, as his in-ring activity slowed, he made occasional appearances, inducted peers into the Hall of Fame, and shifted toward non-wrestling roles.

Move to AEW & Later Career

In February 2021, Wight joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name, Paul Wight, initially working as a commentator.

Championships & Records

• Big Show is a seven-time world champion, combining titles across WCW, WWE, ECW, and World Heavyweight Championships.

• He is among the few wrestlers to have held all four major titles (WCW, WWE, ECW, World HW).

• He’s also a WWE Triple Crown Champion and WWE Grand Slam Champion under older and newer definitions.

• Throughout his career he held many secondary belts: Intercontinental, US, Tag Team, Hardcore, etc.

Acting & Other Ventures

Outside the ring, Big Show has appeared in films and television, leveraging his size and persona. He has played supporting roles, cameo appearances, and appeared in media outside wrestling. (His Wikipedia article lists acting credits).

He has also been involved in charitable work, including with the Special Olympics.

Personal Life & Characteristics

• Wight has been open about his medical condition (acromegaly) and how it shaped his physique and life.

• He is married (second marriage) and has a daughter from his first marriage.

• His enormous size has influenced practical challenges: for example, he leased a bus to manage travel rather than rely on cars or planes.

• He has been involved in legal issues early in his career (allegations in the late 1990s), although many were dropped or ended with acquittals.

Legacy & Influence

• A long-lived monster: Many wrestlers with huge size burn out quickly. Big Show has sustained relevance through adaptation, personality, and flexibility.

• Adaptability: He has moved between serious main event roles and comedic, character-driven segments, proving he can survive in multiple modes.

• Bridge eras: His career spans the height of WCW, the WWE Attitude Era, the PG Era, and now the modern AEW period.

• Role model for giant wrestlers: He showed future large athletes (e.g. Braun Strowman, Kane in earlier era) how to sustain a character beyond just “big guy.”

• Crossover appeal: His visibility beyond wrestling, in acting and media, helps carry the wrestling brand to broader audiences.