The return of Paul Wight to the ring is turning heads and causing quite a buzz in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his larger than life persona and impressive athletic abilities, Wight, formerly known as Big Show, is making a comeback to the ring after a hiatus. But what’s the story behind this wrestling icon’s journey to stardom?
Returning to the ring on AEW Dynamite’s Like A Dragon Gaiden Street Fight match, Wight took some time to share his incredible journey with the folks at TMZSports.com. Sitting down with the team, Wight revealed that his path to professional wrestling may have never happened if it weren’t for former NBA star Xavier McDaniel, who convinced Wight to consider a career in wrestling.
Wight’s origin story is certainly unique. Back in the early ’90s, Paul was a center on the Wichita State basketball team. While he may not have had the same impact on the court as some of basketball’s greatest giants, his basketball career provided the stepping stone to his future in wrestling. It was during this time that McDaniel, a Wichita State alum who had gone on to become an NBA star, urged Wight to consider a career in wrestling.
Despite Wight initially pursuing a career in the NBA, McDaniel’s persistent encouragement eventually led him to explore the world of professional wrestling. “X was always pestering me, and he kept telling me I should go into wrestling. I said ‘Man, listen, I’m gonna play in the NBA. That’s what I’ve trained for since I was a kid. This is what I do,'” Wight recounted during his interview with TMZ.
According to Wight, McDaniel saw something in him that others didn’t, urging him to pursue the world of professional wrestling and even suggesting that he could be the next Andre the Giant. Wight ultimately took McDaniel’s advice and connected with wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, setting him on a path to becoming the larger-than-life persona that fans know and love today.
Now, at the age of 51, Wight is poised to step back into the wrestling ring. This move has created a great deal of excitement among fans, especially given his recent signing with AEW in 2021. This time around, Wight will be teaming up with some of the biggest names in wrestling, including Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Chris Jericho, in a highly anticipated match that is generating a lot of pre-fight buzz.
But despite his age, Wight shows no signs of slowing down. When asked about how much longer he plans to continue wrestling, Wight remained optimistic and passionate about his future in the sport. His dedication to his craft and love for entertaining fans are as strong as ever, and his continued presence in the ring is something that fans are eagerly looking forward to.
In addition to Wight’s upcoming match on Dynamite, AEW Full Gear, a highly anticipated PPV event, is set to take place this Saturday. During the interview, Wight shared his excitement for the event, previewing some of the matches he is most looking forward to. It’s clear that Wight’s passion for wrestling is as strong as ever, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the ring.
As Wight gears up for his return to the spotlight, it’s clear that his journey in professional wrestling has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his humble beginnings on the basketball court to his rise to stardom in the world of wrestling, Wight’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s passions. And as he prepares to step back into the ring, fans can expect nothing less than an unforgettable performance from this iconic wrestling legend.