Paul Wight Sr. might not be a household name, but his legacy lives on through one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling and entertainment—his son, Paul Wight II, better known by his ring name “The Big Show.” While much of the spotlight has always shone on the towering athlete himself, Paul Wight Sr.’s influence played an important, albeit subtle, role in shaping the man who would dominate the wrestling world for decades.
This article explores the lesser-known story of Paul Wight Sr., alongside an in-depth look at Paul Wight II’s life—from his physical transformation and wrestling career to his acting ventures, personal relationships, and impressive fortune.
Who Was Paul Wight Sr.?
Paul Wight Sr. was the father of Paul Donald Wight II, more popularly known in the wrestling world as The Big Show. Although very little public documentation exists about his early life, career, or personal details, Paul Wight Sr. is remembered as a pivotal presence during Paul’s formative years.
Unfortunately, Paul Wight Sr. died of cancer before his son reached the peak of his wrestling career. His passing occurred before 1999, but was used in a fictional WWE storyline where Big Boss Man interrupted a staged funeral of Paul Wight Sr.—a dramatic and controversial plot device at the time. This stunt remains one of WWE’s most infamous segments.
His memory, though, lives on through his son’s enduring fame.
Who is Paul Wight?
Paul Donald Wight II, born February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina, is a multi-faceted American professional wrestler and actor. For years, he was billed as “The World’s Largest Athlete,” owing to his staggering height and massive frame. Known to millions as “The Big Show,” Wight enjoyed enormous popularity during his time with WCW, WWE, and later AEW (All Elite Wrestling).
Beyond the wrestling ring, Wight has showcased his charisma and versatility in Hollywood and TV, transforming himself from a wrestling villain to a family-friendly icon. His contributions to both sports and entertainment have earned him a lasting spot in pop culture.
Paul Wight’s Height and Medical Background
One of the most talked-about features of Paul Wight is undoubtedly his size. He stands at a jaw-dropping 7 feet (213 cm) tall and has weighed anywhere from 383 to over 500 pounds during various phases of his wrestling career.
His unusual size is due to a medical condition known as acromegaly, a disorder where the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone. Paul underwent surgery in his early 20s to halt the disorder, which fortunately stopped further complications. While the condition brought him physical challenges, it also inadvertently opened the door to his wrestling career.
Paul Wight’s Wrestling Career
Paul Wight made his professional wrestling debut in 1995 with WCW under the ring name “The Giant.” He quickly gained fame for his feuds with legendary wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan. By 1999, he transitioned to the WWF (later renamed WWE), debuting during the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Throughout his WWE career, Wight won:
- 7 World Championships
- Intercontinental and United States Titles
- Tag Team Championships
- Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (2015)
In 2021, Wight made a surprise move to AEW, taking on a commentary role and making sporadic in-ring appearances.
Paul Wight’s Film and Television Career
Outside of the ring, Paul Wight has successfully carved out a niche in Hollywood. His early roles included appearances in:
- “Jingle All the Way”
- “The Waterboy” (as Captain Insano)
- “Star Trek: Enterprise”
- “Burn Notice”
- “Royal Pains”
- “Psych”
In 2010, he starred in “Knucklehead”, a comedy film produced by WWE Studios. More recently, he played himself in the Netflix sitcom “The Big Show Show”, which further demonstrated his comedic timing and affable personality.
His IMDB profile boasts over 100 appearances, and he continues to explore new opportunities in the entertainment world.
Bess Katramados – Paul Wight’s Wife
Paul Wight has been married twice. His first wife was Melissa Ann Piavis, whom he married in 1997. The couple divorced in 2002 and share a daughter named Cierra Wight.
Later in 2002, Paul married Bess Katramados, a former model. The couple has two children together and live a relatively private family life in Tampa, Florida.
Bess Katramados has often been credited for being a grounding force in Paul’s life. Her support through his career transitions and health journeys has been well-documented, though she herself stays mostly out of the limelight.
Paul Wight’s Age and Birthday
As of 2025, Paul Wight is 53 years old. His birthday is on February 8, and despite his age, he remains active in both wrestling commentary and acting roles.
His journey from a small-town boy with a rare condition to a towering figure in entertainment is nothing short of inspirational.
Paul Wight Sr.’s Death – Fact vs Fiction
As mentioned earlier, Paul Wight Sr. died due to cancer sometime before 1999. However, WWE fans will recall the shocking storyline involving the Big Boss Man hijacking Paul Wight Sr.’s “funeral.” This storyline, while fictional, created a buzz in the wrestling world and was criticized for being tasteless by many.
Still, it inadvertently immortalized Paul Wight Sr. in WWE lore, turning a real-life tragedy into an infamous part of sports entertainment history.
Paul Wight’s Net Worth
Thanks to decades of wrestling success and entertainment ventures, Paul Wight has amassed significant wealth. His estimated net worth ranges between $16 million to $20 million, depending on sources.
Revenue streams include:
- WWE & AEW contracts
- Pay-per-view bonuses
- Film & TV royalties
- Merchandise sales
- Public appearances
Additionally, Paul Wight has made smart financial decisions over the years, ensuring a comfortable and stable post-wrestling career.
Final Thoughts
While Paul Wight Sr. remains a largely private figure, his son’s larger-than-life personality and career have brought the family name into the spotlight. From the wrestling ring to Netflix, Paul Wight has proven that success isn’t just about size—it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and heart.
As he continues to inspire generations of fans, the legacy of Paul Wight Sr. lives on in every arena his son steps into.
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