Paul Wight has addressed his future as an in-ring competitor in AEW, noting that there is a ‘short window left’ for him.
Previously known as The Big Show in WWE, Paul Wight signed with AEW in 2021, serving as a commentator and in-ring star.
Since signing with AEW, White has competed a limited number of times, with his last televised match taking place in November 2023.
In a recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Wight reflected on his current health and what his future holds in AEW, saying:
“I’m feeling real good. I think my main thing now is I understand there’s a short window left, and listen, I’m not in any way, shape or form delusional that I’m going to go out and compete for championships and pull the wagon, those days are done.
“Also, in fairness to the younger talent that’s digging and striving now, they don’t need to see my ass every week, taking up TV time and ring time.
“There’s nothing I can do that’s going to make my career any bigger or better. All I can do is enjoy some of the last years that I have under contract with AEW, and hopefully have some fun with some of the younger talent, and teach them some of the lessons that have been passed down to me, and just, you know, have a little bit of fun.
“I’m in a really good spot. I got a good boss that believes in me, supports me, and gives me an opportunity to be a part of the business.”
While the window may be short, Wight wouldn’t put a date on when he plans to retire, going on to explain:
“It’s funny, with wrestling, I think for me to get back in the ring and compete, I’m going to have to be a certain level. I’ll never be what I was. Got two fake knees and two hips. The proprioception is different.
“The connection between your joints is different. You feel different as an athlete, so I have to accept what am I now, and does that enhance the product that I’m doing? Sure, I’m smart enough and old enough.
“There are certain things that I can do that will still give a little kickback to nostalgia, will still look like a big, dangerous giant that is my character and teach. But at the same time, if it looks like, oh, put a bullet in (him), well, I’m not going to do that.
“So that’s what all this hard work now is, okay, what’s the one thing that I can really control? That’s conditioning and weight. I don’t need to be 500 pounds anymore. I need to be about 350.”
A WWE Grand Slam Champion, Wight made infrequent in-ring appearances during his final year in the company, with his AEW focus being more on his commentary role than on in-ring action.
Putting On A Big Show
Billed at around 7ft in height and weight, at his heaviest, 537lb (according to the interview with Van Vliet), Paul Wight was always going to a spectacle to witness.
Contract expiry in March 2007 aside and return early the following year aside, The Big Show was a fixture in WWE from 1999 until his eventual (and second) departure in 2021.
A prominent player on screen, White would hold multiple championships and be involved in high profile feuds, but it would be creative frustrations that would play into his final departure.
Clearly aware that he is no longer in the position he once was physically, Wight continues to be quite the presence, even at a leaner target of 350lbs, with the potential to share his knowledge built over a multi-decade career with a new generation of big men stars.
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