Paul Donald Wight II (born February 8, 1972) is an American professional wrestler and actor signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Known as The Giant in WCW (1995–1999) and Big Show in WWF/WWE (1999–2021), he is a seven-time world champion and the only wrestler to hold WCW, WWF/WWE, WWE World Heavyweight, and ECW World Heavyweight Championships.
He won 23 total titles, including 11 world tag team championships. Outside wrestling, he acted in Jingle All the Way, The Waterboy, Star Trek: Enterprise, Psych, Burn Notice, Knucklehead, and The Big Show Show.
RELATED: Lee Trevino Net Worth: The Riches of the Golf Legend
Table of Contents
Big Show Net Worth
Big Show has a net worth of $9 million. Known for his work in WWF/WWE and WCW, he began wrestling in 1994. In WCW, he was nicknamed The Giant and promoted as Andre the Giant’s son. Like Andre, Wight has acromegaly, a condition causing abnormal growth.
Unlike Andre, who died at 46 without treatment, Wight underwent surgery to stop its progression. His massive stature and wrestling talent helped him gain fame and success in the professional wrestling world.
Early life
Paul Wight was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina, with acromegaly, causing rapid growth. By age 12, he was 6 ft 2 in and 220 lbs. He played basketball and football at Wyman King Academy, quitting football after freshman year and joining cheerleading.
He attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College, then Wichita State University (1991-1992), and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1992-1993), playing college basketball. After graduating, he worked as a bouncer, bounty hunter, and in other jobs.
Career
Paul Wight paid $5,000 to train at Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory, receiving minimal training. He debuted on December 3, 1994, losing to Frank Finnegan at a WWA show. After being rejected by WWF scout Bob Collins for inexperience, Wight made an audition tape given to Mike Chioda, who sent it to Pat Patterson, who initially ignored it.
Wight met Danny Bonaduce while working at a karaoke company, who introduced him to Hulk Hogan. Hogan recommended him to WCW VP Eric Bischoff, leading to Wight’s WCW contract.
Personal life
Paul Wight married his first wife, Melissa Piavis, in 1997; they separated in 2000 and divorced in 2002, sharing one daughter. In 2002, he married his second wife, Bess Katramados.
Wight has been a dedicated supporter of the Special Olympics, participating in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony in New Jersey. He was named WWE Goodwill Ambassador for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles and has served as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics since 2018.
Does The Big Show show have LGBTQ?
The Big Show Show includes mild LGBTQ representation. One character mentions having two moms, and an episode features a star from a popular Netflix makeover program.
The guest is effeminate and attempts to make over Big Show and his wife, though his homosexuality is not directly addressed. The show also includes some language, with characters occasionally taking the Lord’s name in vain.
Conclusion
Big Show’s journey from a wrestler grappling with a physical condition to becoming a wrestling icon and successful actor showcases his resilience and versatility. His net worth of $16 million is a testament to his success in both the wrestling and entertainment industries.
RELATED: Elsa Jean Net Worth: Understanding the Earnings of the Adult Film Star
FAQs about Big Show Net Worth
- What is Big Show’s real name?
His real name is Paul Donald Wight II. - How did Big Show start his wrestling career?
He began his wrestling career in WCW after meeting Hulk Hogan. - What condition did Big Show have?
He suffers from acromegaly, which contributed to his height. - What are some of Big Show’s notable film roles?
He appeared in “The Waterboy” and “Knucklehead.” - What is Big Show’s most significant source of income?
His primary source of income has been his wrestling career in WWE.
