| Full Name | Paul Donald Wight Jr. |
| Ring Name | Big Show |
| Birthday | February 8, 1972 (Age 51) |
| Net Worth | $20 Million |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
Active since 1995, Big Show is a seven-time world champion in WWE, known for his massive size and surprising agility. Let‘s take a closer look at his larger than life career.
Early Life and Basketball Career
Born in South Carolina in 1972, Paul Wight showed athletic potential from an early age, growing to 6′2′′ by age 12. In high school, he excelled at basketball, eventually earning a basketball scholarship to Wichita State University in 1991. There, the 7‘1" Wight helped lead his team to the NCAA Final Four in 1994.
Despite success on the court, Wight dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler. After college, he began intensive training to transition from basketball to the squared circle.
Dominance in WCW (1995-1999)
In 1995, Wight signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), debuting as "The Giant" and quickly defeating Hulk Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Title. This shocking title win established The Giant as a force to be reckoned with.
Over the next four years, The Giant engaged in memorable feuds with Sting, Lex Luger, Kevin Nash, and Randy Savage. He won the World Heavyweight Championship two more times, having classic matches with Ric Flair and Hollywood Hogan.
But by 1999, WCW was struggling financially and creatively. The Giant requested his release to make a move that would alter the wrestling landscape.
Enduring WWE Success (1999-Present)
In February 1999, Paul Wight shocked the wrestling world by appearing on WWE Raw and introducing himself as "Big Show." He made an immediate impact by aligning with Vince McMahon and winning the WWE Championship at Survivor Series 1999.
Over the next two decades, Big Show became one of WWE‘s most popular larger-than-life attractions. He turned heads with athletic maneuvers like top-rope suplexes that defied logic for a 500-pounder. As a lifelong fan, I‘m continually amazed by his agility.
Big Show has been involved in countless major storylines and matches during his WWE tenure, including:
- His domination as the Unholy Alliance with The Undertaker
- Classic battles against Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle
- Comedy segments with The Miz as ShoMiz
- Winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31
With two WWE Championships, two World Heavyweight Championships, and one ECW Championship, Big Show is the only superstar to hold WWE, WCW, and ECW world titles. He transitioned to a veteran role in recent years, having his final match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 36.
Signature Moves
- Chokeslam – Big Show‘s devastating choke lift and slam, finishing off many opponents.
- Knockout Punch – His powerful right-hand knockout blow.
- Spear – A surprising quick spear to take down foes.
- Final Cut – His spinout powerbomb.
Fun Facts About Big Show
- Big Show made his acting debut as a gentle giant in 1996‘s Jingle All The Way.
- He was an avid basketball fan and player at Wichita State University.
- Big Show is the only wrestler to have won the WWE Royal Rumble match and the WCW World War 3 battle royal match.
- WWE announcers often call him "A mountain of a man" or "The World‘s Largest Athlete."
- Big Show is a 15-time world tag team champion, holding titles with partners like The Miz, Kane, Chris Jericho and more.
- Outside WWE, he has appeared on TV shows like Psych and starred in movies like Knucklehead.
Big Show‘s Career Timeline
Image credit: everydaypower.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Show
When is Big Show‘s birthday?
Big Show was born on February 8, 1972, making him 51 currently.
What is Big Show‘s real name?
His real name is Paul Donald Wight Jr. He adopted the ring name "Big Show" when joining WWE in 1999.
What was Big Show‘s height and weight at his peak?
Big Show was billed as standing over 7 feet tall and weighing around 500 pounds during his wrestling career.
How much is Big Show worth?
Big Show has an estimated net worth of $20 million, due to his long WWE career and outside projects.
The Giant‘s Lasting Legacy
For over 25 years, Big Show has entertained millions of fans with his feats of strength and athletic versatility. His massive size and presence inspired awe, while his charm and comedic timing brought humor to his performances.
Very few big men in wrestling history can compare to Big Show‘s unique combination of mobility, power, and longevity. Though his in-ring career has concluded, his legacy as one of WWE‘s most popular giants will live on forever. Big Show remains, quite simply, larger than life.