Have you heard of Paul Wight, the larger-than-life WWE superstar and actor? He’s made a big impact in the world of wrestling and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at his life and career.
Who Was Paul Wight?
Paul Wight, also known as The Big Show, was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina. The 7-foot tall giant has had an impressive career spanning over two decades in WWE. Wight began his wrestling journey in 1994 after being discovered by Hulk Hogan. His massive size and athleticism quickly made him stand out. He debuted in WWE (then WWF) in 1999 as The Big Show.
Over the years, Wight became a grand slam champion in WWE, winning the WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship, Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, Hardcore Championship, and Tag Team Championships. His feuds with superstars like The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, and John Cena are legendary.
In addition to his accomplishments in the ring, Wight has also acted in movies and TV shows like Star Trek: Enterprise, Jingle All the Way, and The Waterboy. His charisma and unique look have made him a sought-after personality in entertainment.
Family Background
Not much is publicly known about Paul Wight’s family background and early life. He was born in Aiken, South Carolina in 1972 and grew up there. Wight has kept details about his parents and siblings private. He hasn’t spoken much about his childhood in interviews. What is known is that Wight had an early growth spurt that resulted in his extraordinary height. By the age of 12, he was already 6 feet 2 inches tall. His size would later become one of his greatest assets in his wrestling career.
Despite his imposing stature, Wight was athletic growing up. He played basketball and football in high school. His basketball skills even earned him a scholarship to Wichita State University before he decided to pursue wrestling. The origin of Wight’s ring name “The Big Show” has an interesting family connection. He was originally going to be introduced in WWE as the son of André the Giant. While that storyline was nixed, the name “The Big Show” stuck as a tribute to the legendary giant.
Early Life and Childhood
Details about Paul Wight’s early life and childhood are limited, as he has chosen to keep much of that information private. However, some key details are known. Wight grew up in Aiken, South Carolina in the 1970s and 80s. Being unusually tall from a young age likely posed some challenges socially. Kids who are different sometimes face teasing or have trouble fitting in.
Yet Wight seems to have coped well and excelled in athletics. His height was an asset on the basketball court and football field in high school. He was even talented enough at basketball to earn a college scholarship. Participating in sports during his youth probably helped Wight build confidence and learn to be comfortable in his skin. The strength and coordination he developed undoubtedly laid the groundwork for his future wrestling success.
By young adulthood, Wight had reached his full height of 7 feet. He briefly attended Wichita State University on a basketball scholarship before deciding to pursue a career in wrestling. One can imagine the impression the gigantic young man must have made when he first explored the idea of becoming a pro wrestler.
Marriage and Children
Paul Wight is a family man in addition to being a wrestling superstar. He has been married twice and has three children. Wight’s first marriage was to Melissa Ann Piavis in 1997. The couple had a daughter together named Cierra. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2000 after three years.
In 2002, Wight married his second wife, Bess Katramados. The couple went on to have two children together, a son and a daughter. Their names are not publicly known, as Wight generally keeps his family life private. Despite his busy schedule and travel demands, Wight makes spending quality time with his wife and kids a priority. He has brought them to WWE events and shared photos on social media of family vacations and outings.
In 2021, there were rumours that Wight and Bess had divorced, but he has never publicly confirmed a split. Regardless, he remains devoted to parenting his three children, who are now mostly grown . Balancing fatherhood with his high-profile career isn’t always easy, but Wight seems committed to being there for his family. His children are undoubtedly proud of their larger-than-life dad.
Paul Wight Sr.’s Son: The Big Show
Many online sources and discussion forums have mentioned “Paul Wight Sr.” in connection with the famous wrestler The Big Show, whose real name is Paul Donald Wight II. The insinuation is that Paul Sr. was The Big Show’s father r. However, in biographical sources and interviews with The Big Show himself, his father is never named Paul Sr. The Big Show’s father was named Jerry Wight. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for General Motors.
Jerry supported his son’s dreams of becoming a professional athlete from a young age. Sadly, Jerry Wight passed away in 1999 from cancer. The Big Show has spoken lovingly of his father but has never referenced having a father named Paul Wight Sr.
Paul Wight Sr.’s Legacy
If Paul Wight Sr. was a real person, you would expect to find information about his life, career, and accomplishments. Even if he was not famous himself, being the father of a celebrity like The Big Show would likely prompt some level of media coverage or public record. Yet searches for “Paul Wight Sr.” come up empty in terms of credible biographical information, news articles, or even an obituary. The complete lack of verifiable facts casts doubt on whether Paul Sr. existed at all.
Some online commenters have speculated that Paul Wight Sr. could have been a stage name or alter ego, perhaps one that The Big Show used early in his career. However, there is no evidence to support this theory. The Big Show has been quite open about his life and background in shoots and interviews and has never mentioned using the name Paul Wight Sr.
Obituary and Passing
Since no legitimate sources confirm the existence of Paul Wight Sr., there are also no credible reports of his death or any published obituary. Unsourced online claims about his supposed passing should be viewed as very sceptical. Again, The Big Show’s real-life father Jerry Wight did pass away in 1999, a loss that The Big Show has discussed publicly. Jerry’s passing is a matter of public record. In contrast, the death of “Paul Wight Sr.” appears to be an unsubstantiated rumour.
Conclusion
While a mysterious “Paul Wight Sr.” is often mentioned online in connection with The Big Show, this appears to be a case of misinformation or confusion. No credible sources confirm the existence of the wrestler’s supposed father by that name. The lack of any verifiable details about Paul Sr.’s life and passing suggests that he is likely a fictional creation or internet myth.
The Big Show’s real father was named Jerry Wight, not Paul Wight Sr. It was Jerry who supported his son’s athletic ambitions from childhood. Sadly, Jerry passed away from cancer in 1999, a loss that The Big Show has openly mourned. While we may never know how the “Paul Wight Sr.” rumour began, it seems clear that this supposed father figure did not exist in The Big Show’s life. As always, it’s important to fact-check surprising claims, even when they’re oft-repeated.
