Paul Wight wants to give back to today’s generation of talents.
At the age of 54, Paul Wight (also known as The Big Show) knows that his time in the wrestling spotlight is closer to its end. Still, he intends to make the most of it, however long it lasts.
While appearing on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Wight addressed his plans for the remaining time on his All Elite Wrestling contract.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Wight Contemplates Potential In-Ring Return
When asked about a potential timeframe for his in-ring retirement, Wight noted that he’d first have to consider the effects of him wrestling again to begin with.
“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,” he said. “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.”
According to Wight, if he were compete again, his main focus would center on controlling what he can: his conditioning and weight. For years, he performed at a weight closer to 500 pounds. Given his state and age in the present day, though, Wight believes he’d be better served with one around 350.
Currently, Wight serves an ambassador, commentator, and part-time in-ring performer for AEW. He last wrested in January 2024 as a part of the Jericho Cruise festivities.
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