WWE SHOCKED At Big Show Joining AEW - Backstage Reaction

Backstage news on WWE and AEW's reaction to Paul 'Big Show' Wight jumping ship.

Big Show Vince McMahon
WWE

Yesterday's news that All Elite Wrestling had signed Paul Wight to a long-term deal seems to have caught the WWE locker-room off-guard.

Per Fightful Select, several WWE talents had no clue that the former Big Show was on his way out of the company. Minimal goodbyes were exchanged between the departing legend and other roster members.

WWE officials were aware that as of this month, Show would no longer be available for any kind of role, with his contract expiring sometime after a guest appearance on the 4 January Raw Legends Night special.

Advertisement

Wight's profile was moved to the alumni section of WWE.com on 19 February.

One source, however, had an inclination that Wight was on the verge of a significant career move following the former Show's contract expiring, Wight selling his house, and the cancellation of his Netflix series, The Big Show Show, which WWE Studios co-produced.

Advertisement

AEW wrestlers were seemingly just as surprised as their WWE cohorts, as several didn't know the big man was coming in at all. Those that Fightful spoke to are said to be excited about the possibility of working with the veteran.

Wight will debut on next week's episode of Dynamite.

Advertisement

Watch Next


Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.