Paul Wight (Fka The Big Show) Makes A Heartbreaking Retirement Confession
Paul Wight, formerly known as The Big Show in WWE, has opened up about his potential retirement.
Wight is currently recovering from multiple surgeries and is working toward his in-ring return with All Elite Wrestling. Over the years, he has had many health complications because of the physical nature of the wrestling business.
He most recently underwent back surgery in December 2025 to address lingering back issues. Before that, he had surgery in July 2024 to replace both his knees. Alongside his knees, he also had his hips replaced to combat chronic bone-on-bone arthritis.
Along with his surgeries, Paul Wight has also focused on his health, dropping from a peak of 537 pounds to 395 pounds to stay fit. He is working toward a final goal of 360 pounds as he aims to return to the AEW ring soon.
Paul Wight Wants To Have As Much As Fun He Can Before Retiring
Paul Wight has been in professional wrestling since the mid-1990s and is now in the later stages of his career. Speaking about his potential retirement with Chris Van Vliet on his Insight podcast, he admitted that he may not get a proper retirement story or a desired retirement match.
Wight added that he may not get to go out the way he wants, which he has accepted, and that his only goal now, as he nears retirement, is to have as much fun in the ring as he can.
Paul Wight said, “I know there’s a big current thing where everybody wants to write their story, which I’m so sick of hearing. Not everybody gets a story. I may not get a story. I may not get a retirement match. I’m very real about this of.”
“I have to do certain things and hold myself accountable to get to a position so that I can compete for fun. For no other reason other than I want to have fun in the ring,” he added.
Paul Wight began his wrestling journey in 1994. In 1995, he signed with World Championship Wrestling and made his pro wrestling debut on May 21 at WCW Slamboree 1995 under the ring name The Giant as a member of Kevin Sullivan’s Dungeon of Doom stable.
He made his WCW in-ring debut at Halloween Havoc 1995, where he faced Hulk Hogan for the WCW World Championship. After spending a few years in WCW, Wight signed a 10-year contract with WWE during the Attitude Era.
He made his WWE debut on February 14, 1999, at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: In Your House under the name Paul Wight. After spending some years in WWE, he joined Memphis Wrestling in 2007 for a short period and eventually returned to WWE in 2008, where he stayed until 2021.
On February 24, 2021, he signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling. He initially joined as a commentator but later started competing as an in-ring performer as well.
Also Read: Ex-WWE Star On Real-Life Confrontations With Big Show: “I Was Gonna Die”
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