Few names in professional wrestling shine brighter than Paul Wight, famously known as The Big Show. With his towering frame, unmatched strength, and decades of dominance inside the ring, Wight became a cornerstone of WWE and later AEW.
Fans around the world admire not only his wrestling skills but also his charisma and larger-than-life personality.
Let’s dive deep into Paul Wight’s biography, net worth, career journey, career earnings, endorsements, wife, career stats, achievements, & more.
Paul Wight’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Donald Wight II |
| Nickname | The Big Show |
| Birth Date | February 8, 1972 |
| Birthplace | Aiken, South Carolina, United States |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (213 cm) |
| Weight | 174 kg (383 lbs) |
| College | Wichita State University; Southern Illinois University Edwardsville |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned Professional | 1995 |
| Salary | Estimated $850,000 annually (2025) |
| Current Net Worth | Around $18 Million (2025) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Bess Katramados (m. 2002) |
| Car Collection | Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover, Dodge Challenger |
| Bike Collection | Harley-Davidson |
| Top Brands Uses | Nike, Under Armour, Monster Energy |
| Hobby | Fishing, watching sports, charity work |
| Instagram Profile | @paulwight |
Paul Donald Wight II was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina, USA. From an early age, he stood out due to his extraordinary height, a result of acromegaly, a hormonal condition.
Wight grew up in a supportive family, though his size often made him the subject of curiosity. His family always encouraged him to pursue sports.
During college, he played basketball and displayed incredible athleticism despite his size. Eventually, his physical gifts and passion for performance drew him into the world of professional wrestling.
Early Career
Paul Wight began his career in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995 under the name “The Giant.” Standing at 7 feet tall, he immediately made waves.
He quickly captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Hulk Hogan, which made him one of the fastest-rising stars in wrestling history. His early success set the stage for a career that would later define wrestling’s modern era.
Professional Career
Wight signed with WWE in 1999, where he was rebranded as The Big Show. Over the years, he became a multi-time WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, and Intercontinental Champion, making him one of the most decorated wrestlers of all time.
He engaged in iconic rivalries with legends such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Undertaker. In addition to singles competition, he thrived in tag-team matches, partnering with stars like Kane, Chris Jericho, and The Miz.
Beyond WWE, Wight transitioned to AEW in 2021, where he continued wrestling while also working as a commentator. His presence in AEW proved his lasting value in the industry.
With over 2 decades of dominance, Wight earned respect as both a performer and a mentor for younger wrestlers.
Wife
Paul Wight married Bess Katramados in 2002. Earlier, Wight was married to Melissa Ann Piavis, with whom he has a daughter.
Paul Wight’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Paul Wight has an net worth stands at approximately $18 million. His wealth comes from wrestling contracts, merchandise sales, acting roles, endorsements, and business ventures.
His transition to AEW added another steady income stream while keeping him active in the wrestling world.
Contract
Paul Wight signed a multi-year contract with AEW in 2021. The deal allowed him to wrestle part-time while serving as a commentator. Although financial details remain industry insiders suggest his AEW salary is close to his WWE earnings, estimated at $850,000 annually.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse/Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| WrestleMania 2000 | Triple H, The Rock, Mick Foley | Lost | $400,000 |
| WrestleMania 28 (2012) | Cody Rhodes | Won | $350,000 |
| WrestleMania 24 (2008) | Floyd Mayweather | Lost | $250,000 |
| AEW Debut Match (2021) | QT Marshall | Won | $200,000 |
Endorsements
- WWE Merchandise and Licensing
- AEW Brand Promotions
- Monster Energy
- Nike Apparel
- Video Games (WWE 2K series)
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Rnd | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Hulk Hogan | Win | Pinfall | 1 | 14:00 | WCW Halloween Havoc |
| 2002 | Brock Lesnar | Win | Pinfall | 1 | 09:00 | WWE Survivor Series |
| 2008 | Floyd Mayweather | Loss | KO (Punches) | 1 | 10:45 | WrestleMania 24 |
| 2012 | Cody Rhodes | Win | Pinfall | 1 | 08:20 | WrestleMania 28 |
| 2021 | QT Marshall | Win | Pinfall | 1 | 05:00 | AEW All Out |
Major Achievements
- 2× WWE Champion
- 2× World Heavyweight Champion
- 1× ECW Champion
- 3× Hardcore Champion
- 8× Tag Team Champion
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion
- Sixth Grand Slam Champion in WWE history
- Slammy Award winner
FAQs
Who is Paul Wight?
Paul Wight, also known as The Big Show, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He became famous in WWE and later joined AEW.
When was Paul Wight born?
He was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina, USA. His size and charisma made him one of wrestling’s most recognized figures.
What is Paul Wight’s height and weight?
Paul Wight stands 7 feet tall and weighs about 174 kg (383 lbs), making him one of the largest wrestlers in history.
Who is Paul Wight’s wife?
He is married to Bess Katramados since 2002, and the couple has children together.
What is Paul Wight’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Paul Wight has an net worth stands at approximately $18 million. His wealth comes from wrestling contracts, merchandise sales, acting roles, endorsements, and business ventures.
Did Paul Wight play sports before wrestling?
Yes, he played basketball in college before transitioning into professional wrestling in the mid-1990s.
What are Paul Wight’s biggest career achievements?
He is a multi-time WWE and WCW Champion, a Grand Slam Champion, and one of the few to win titles across all major wrestling brands.
Did Paul Wight ever fight a celebrity?
Yes, one of his most famous matches was against Floyd Mayweather at WrestleMania 24 in 2008.
Is Paul Wight still wrestling in 2025?
Yes, he competes occasionally in AEW while also working as a commentator and mentor.
Does Paul Wight act in movies?
Absolutely. He appeared in several films and TV shows, including The Waterboy, Jingle All the Way, and the Netflix series The Big Show Show.
