Paul Wight is well aware that he has had far more heel and face turns than perhaps any professional wrestler in history.
Speaking to “Tempest of Wrestle Talk, who was representing Fightful” Wight reflected on the trajectory of his career, which he feels bears a resemblance to car racing. He explained,
“I’ve had more turns than NASCAR. I remember some of the key ones. Seems like every time we did a brand, I would tear my shirt off, and I’d be on the other brand. That seems like that turned into a rib. RAW to SmackDown or SmackDown to RAW and all that crap. I think one of the better turns was the turn on Cena. That was a good one. Sometimes, I would turn, and I remember being at the gorilla position, and my joke with Vince was, ‘Am I smiling or not?’ ‘Cause I didn’t know. We were working so much. ‘Am I smiling or not?’ He’d be like, ‘Smile! Big smile!’ ‘Okay, I’m a good guy.’ ‘No smile.’ ‘Okay, I’m a bad guy, got it.’
“Sometimes, you just gotta go with the flow and be versatile. It kept me employed for a long time because I was able to be the heel that an upcoming babyface had to beat to move on to the next level. Then when I was a babyface, I was the one that could help an upcoming heel get some heat. For me, it kept me employed and kept me working, kept me in the game.”
Wight added that he feels it has been easier to be a heel than a face given his size which he believes makes sense from a “psychological standpoint.”
Despite his many turns, the veteran Wight has remained a babyface since joining AEW in 2021.
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Paul Wight Reflects on His Many Heel and Face Turns in Wrestling Career
Paul Wight, better known as the Big Show, is no stranger to switching between being a hero and a villain in the world of professional wrestling. In fact, he believes he may hold the record for the most heel and face turns in the history of the sport. Recently, Wight sat down with Tempest of Wrestle Talk, representing Fightful, to discuss his career trajectory and the constant changes in his character.
Comparing his career to car racing, Wight explained that his numerous turns were akin to changing lanes on a racetrack. He recalled tearing off his shirt and switching brands every time a new brand was introduced, which eventually became somewhat of a running joke. Whether it was moving from RAW to SmackDown or vice versa, Wight found himself adapting to new roles frequently.
One of the standout turns in his career, according to Wight, was his betrayal of John Cena. This particular storyline resonated with fans and showcased Wight’s ability to captivate audiences as both a hero and a villain. However, amidst the constant changes, Wight often found himself unsure of how to portray his character. He would joke with Vince McMahon at the gorilla position, asking whether he should be smiling or not, as the hectic schedule left him little time to keep track of his character’s alignment.
Despite the challenges, Wight embraced the versatility required of him in the wrestling industry. He recognized that being able to seamlessly transition between roles kept him employed and relevant for a long time. As a heel, he would serve as the formidable opponent that upcoming babyfaces had to conquer to advance in their careers. Conversely, as a face, he would help upcoming heels generate heat and establish themselves as formidable adversaries. Wight’s adaptability allowed him to remain an integral part of the wrestling world.
Interestingly, Wight noted that he found it easier to portray a heel rather than a face, attributing this to his imposing size. From a psychological standpoint, it made sense for someone of his stature to be seen as a villain. However, despite his many turns, Wight has remained a babyface since joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021.
Wight’s ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling has undoubtedly contributed to his longevity in the industry. His willingness to embrace different roles and adapt to new storylines has kept him employed and allowed him to make significant contributions to the wrestling world.
For fans of Paul Wight and professional wrestling, staying updated with the latest news is crucial. Websites like eWrestlingNews.com provide comprehensive coverage of all things wrestling, ensuring fans are always in the know. Additionally, following their social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook allows fans to stay connected and engaged with the wrestling community.
In conclusion, Paul Wight’s career is a testament to the importance of versatility and adaptability in professional wrestling. His many heel and face turns have not only kept him employed but have also allowed him to contribute to the success of other wrestlers. As he continues his journey in AEW, fans eagerly anticipate what new twists and turns await the Big Show.