Former WWE Champion Paul Wight is now all elite.
In perhaps the most shocking signing of 2021 thus far, the man formerly known as The Big Show has officially signed a long-term contract with All Elite Wrestling. Wight is set to wrestle on AEW, though the veteran will also be a mouthpiece on commentary for AEW’s newest show on YouTube, AEW Dark: Elevation.
Elevation will air on Mondays at 7pm Eastern time, with AEW Dark retaining its 7pm Tuesday time slot. Elevation will focus on showcasing the top and rising talents of AEW. In a press release, AEW complimented the new promotion and his opportunity to work there:
“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years,” Wight said in a press release. “AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”
AEW CEO Tony Khan also spoke on Paul Wight’s signing to AEW, citing the veteran’s name and value as the main source for signing the former WWE and WCW star:
“Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW.”
“Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster,” added Khan. “He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!”
According to PWInsider, Show left WWE because he was unable to come to terms on a new deal financially. Wight’s contract expired last month and the company put him on the alumni page on Feb. 19.
Wight was with the WWE for over two decades, and managed to win numerous championships including the United States, Intercontinental, and World Heavyweight titles. The 49-year-old’s career seemed to be slowing down in recent years as he was used sparingly on WWE television, with his last match being against Randy Orton on July 20, 2020. At the moment, there’s no word on when Wight will make his in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling.