7 Shocking Updates On Paul Wight’s Career In 2025: The Big Show’s Return, Secret Surgery, And New Hollywood Role

The legendary Paul Wight, formerly known to millions as The Big Show, remains one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling, even as he navigates the later stages of his colossal career. As of December 10, 2025, the seven-time World Champion is firmly focused on a full recovery from recent health issues, confirming his commitment to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and shutting down any premature retirement rumors. His current status is a blend of commentary work, a new executive role, and an undeniable drive for one last in-ring run. Wight’s journey in AEW has been less about a full-time wrestling schedule and more about lending his immense star power and veteran experience to the promotion, particularly through his role as a commentator on *AEW Dark: Elevation* and occasional appearances on *Dynamite*. However, a series of health setbacks has kept the 7-foot giant out of the ring for extended periods, prompting fans to constantly ask: when will The Big Show wrestle again? The answer is now clearer than ever, following his candid updates about his recovery and long-term plans.

The Colossal Career: Paul Wight Biography & Professional Profile

Paul Donald Wight II is a wrestling icon whose career spans three decades across every major promotion, establishing him as the only man to have held the WCW World Heavyweight, WWF/E Championship, and ECW World Heavyweight Championship. His sheer size and surprising agility for a man of his stature have made him a perennial main event attraction and a true legend of the industry.

• Ring Names: The Big Show, The Giant, Paul Wight, Paul Bunyan
• Real Name: Paul Donald Wight II
• Date of Birth: February 8, 1972
• Place of Birth: Aiken, South Carolina, USA
• Height: 7 ft 0 in (213 cm)
• Weight (Peak): Over 500 lbs (227 kg)
• Professional Debut: October 29, 1995 (at WCW Halloween Havoc)
• Trainer: Larry Sharpe
• Current Promotion: All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
• Major Championships (7-Time World Champion):
  • WCW World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • WWF/E Championship (2 times)
  • ECW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
• Career Accolades: WWE Triple Crown Champion, WWE Grand Slam Champion

The Latest Health & AEW In-Ring Return Update (2025)

The most pressing question for fans of Paul Wight is his current health status and when he will make a full-fledged return to the ring. The former WWE Superstar has been transparent about the physical toll his career has taken, but his spirit remains unbroken.

The Recent Back Surgery and Recovery Timeline

Wight has confirmed that his recent absence from AEW television was due to necessary medical procedures. He revealed he underwent a "small back surgery" to address lingering issues. This surgery is part of a broader effort to ensure his body is structurally sound for a final, meaningful in-ring run, rather than a forced retirement. In his own words, Wight has made it clear that he is "not ready to hang up the boots yet." He is currently focusing on physical therapy and rehabilitation, aiming to regain full knee and back motion. The goal is not just to return, but to return at a level where he can perform safely and effectively, cementing his desire to wrestle again.

Confirmed Status with All Elite Wrestling

Despite his sporadic on-screen appearances, Paul Wight’s status with Tony Khan’s promotion is secure. He has repeatedly addressed fan speculation, confirming that he remains "firmly planted" in All Elite Wrestling. His current contract sees him fulfilling multiple roles, including:

1. Commentator: Primarily for the YouTube show *AEW Dark: Elevation*, providing a knowledgeable and entertaining voice.
2. Special Enforcer/Wrestler: Making occasional appearances, such as his physical involvement in the AEW Full Gear 2025 Tailgate Brawl pre-show, which was his last noted physical outing.
3. Executive Role: Wight has also taken on a new, non-wrestling executive position, being appointed to the Ring of Honor (ROH) Board of Directors, demonstrating his commitment to the broader wrestling landscape under the AEW/ROH banner.

From The Giant to Sitcom Star: Paul Wight’s Non-Wrestling Projects

Beyond the squared circle, Paul Wight has successfully transitioned into acting, leveraging his recognizable face and towering presence for major projects. This dual-career path has provided him with an outlet during his wrestling downtime and introduced him to a new generation of fans.

The Netflix Sitcom: 'The Big Show Show'

One of his most notable non-wrestling ventures was the Netflix sitcom *The Big Show Show*, which premiered in 2020. In the series, Wight played a fictionalized version of himself—a retired WWE Superstar navigating life with his wife and three daughters. The show highlighted his comedic timing and versatility, proving that the man who once claimed the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and feuded with legends like Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker could also master the family sitcom format. While the show was not renewed for a second season, it remains a significant chapter in his career, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences outside the intense world of professional wrestling.

Recent Acting and Voice Roles (2024–2025)

Wight continues to pursue acting, with a recent credit proving he is still actively involved in Hollywood. In 2024, he provided the voice for the character Ham Hand in the animated film *No Time to Spy: A Loud House Movie*. This follows a long list of minor and major film roles, confirming his status as an established actor alongside his wrestling persona. His ability to successfully pivot from the physicality of the ring to the demands of a film set is a testament to his adaptability and star power. This has allowed him to build a substantial legacy that extends far beyond the WWE and WCW World Heavyweight Championship reigns of his past.

Paul Wight’s Lasting Legacy and Future in Professional Wrestling

Paul Wight’s career is defined by longevity, versatility, and an unmatched list of accomplishments. As a WWE Triple Crown Champion and Grand Slam Champion, he has achieved everything possible in the industry.

The Final Chapter: One Last Run

The current plan for Paul Wight is to return to the ring in AEW for a final, well-executed run. He is determined to have a better ending to his in-ring career than his previous health issues allowed. Fans are eagerly anticipating a potential match against a current AEW star or a reunion with his former tag team partner, Chris Jericho, or other legends like Mark Henry. Wight’s influence is now felt in the locker room as a respected veteran, offering advice and mentorship to the younger generation of All Elite Wrestling talent. His presence, whether in the ring, on commentary, or on the ROH Board of Directors, ensures that the The Big Show legacy—a name synonymous with dominance and sheer spectacle—will continue to shape the industry for years to come. The wrestling world awaits the inevitable announcement of his final, colossal in-ring return.