10 Things We Learned From Paul Wight On Talk Is Jericho
Paul Wight on WWE frustrations, Cesaro, AEW and why Vince McMahon's promos "drove him nuts".
Paul Wight was bubbly and hopeful for the future during his recent interview with Renée Paquette on 'Oral Sessions'. The giant spoke with glee about his AEW signing, deep conversations with new boss Tony Khan over the phone and how he couldn't wait to mix it up with fresh talent like Darby Allin and others.
Wight's appearance on 'Talk Is Jericho' was a bit more reflective on the WWE days.
AEW's new man had a lot to say about subjects like scripted promos, Vince McMahon's booking and the recent state of the company's product. Whilst he didn't exactly blast both barrels at WWE like Jon Moxley did a few years ago on Chris Jericho's pod, Wight did speak freely. He's earned that right, and clearly had some things to get off his massive chest that have been bugging him for years.
WWE's system wore Paul down, and he wasn't afraid to let loose on it - Jericho, as the host, encouraged that side of things.
Wight's old tag partner and mate also revealed how he secretly tried to help the-then Big Show despite already working for a different promotion...
10. His Last Raw Was “Absolutely Horrendous”
Big Show didn't have a great time at the 4 January 2021 Raw.
Paul told Jericho that his experience on the episode was "absolutely horrendous" from start to finish. He went from getting "pie-faced" and pushed down by Randy Orton in a forced backstage segment to being spoken down to alongside other legends on the stage.
Throughout, Wight felt like a "has-been" that the company just didn't have respect for anymore. His interactions with Randy didn't even lead to anything that'd restore some lost credibility, which was worrying, and the whole night left Paul rather dejected about his future in WWE.
It's clear from listening to the man talk (between this Jericho interview and the prior one with Renée) that respect is a big thing for Wight - he craved acceptance in a promotion he says switches on the "family" lights when they feel like it. In reality, they're all business.