Paul Wight is looking to make the most positive impact he can with his in-ring return in All Elite Wrestling.
Paul Wight recently spoke with WrestleZone and talked about still having the itch to resume his in-ring career. During a recent promo for AEW’s September 22 event in New York, Wight teased dusting off his wrestling gear and told Mark Henry he might have to wrestle on that show. Wight has been open about being in AEW to work as a broadcaster and wrestler, telling WrestleZone in a past interview that being in AEW has only increased his desire to wrestle again. Now, Wight tells WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard that the itch to step back in the ring is still there, and now it’s just about figuring out how to make his return.
“The itch is definitely there. One of the things that Tony Khan and I talked about was really taking my years of experience for decades, over four decades of competing all over the world with some of the biggest stars that Vince has ever seen, and [figuring out] how do I apply that in the AEW environment? How do I introduce myself to the AEW environment? Because I’ve been around a long time, I’m also the new kid in town,” he explained, “and my thing wasn’t to come in right away and start taking up TV time away from the younger talent that really needs this time.
“I mean, sure, come in and help. Sure, come in and create some storylines for our fans to enjoy, but also being the most positive impact that I could make for AEW. I wanted to compete, and that was one of the reasons for making a change from WWE to AEW, I still want to be able to compete. And with me starting out in the commentary role,” Wight said, “it really gave me a chance to really study our AEW product study our AEW talent to become familiar with them.
“So when I do start putting on my boots, real soon,” he noted, “I already kind of have an idea of all the talents that I’m working with and what goals that they’re trying to achieve individually. And then I can hopefully take some of my experiences, some of my presence, and help build on that.”
Wight said commentary is definitely something he’s always been interested in, but he also sees that being his full-time gig in the future. Right now, Wight says he still has the desire to work in the ring with some of the younger talent and sees a good opportunity to pass on what he knows that way.
“There’s sorts of stuff on timing and presence and just things that you pick up over time that the easiest way to pass it along as a pass along in the rain, under real showtime conditions. So, for me, I’m definitely looking forward to [working] now that I built that relationship. I think with some of the guys and gals backstage, if they know that I am there to help that I’m not just there taking up a lot of cash and a lot of TV time in there to help make the product better,” he explained, “I think we’re going to have a lot more fun here in the next few weeks, real soon.
“So right now, believe it or not, I’m 49 years old, and I have zero complaints in the world. I mean, I’m working for a great company. I’m working for a boss that doesn’t micromanage me. I get a chance to be part of the huge Fast and Furious franchise with Spy Racers that’s going great with Netflix and a lot more opportunities to picking up, so everything in life happens for a reason. So you move forward, and you make positive choices, and hopefully, you get positive outcomes, so right now everything, to steal a Fast and Furious term, everything’s firing on all cylinders.”
While his in-ring return has not been confirmed yet, Wight looks like he’s in line for a showdown with QT Marshall and The Factory, who attacked Tony Schiavone’s son on Dynamite this week. The Factory looked like they might do further damage, but Wight showed up and chokeslammed Aaron Solo and chased them off. Check out full results from this week’s episode of Dynamite at this link.
You mess with @tonyschiavone24 and his family, you deal with his #AEWDarkElevation broadcast partner, @PaulWight. #TheFactory found out the hard way.
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on @tntdrama! pic.twitter.com/0IgUXzPgpl
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 12, 2021
