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In making a surprising move from WWE to AEW, The Big Show has suddenly become a hot topic of conversation in professional wrestling circles.
It was recently revealed that Paul Wight has signed a long-term deal with AEW. Not only will he wrestle for the promotion, but Wight is slated to do commentary for a brand new show — AEW Dark: Elevation.
AEW Dark: Elevation will air on Mondays at 7 p.m. ET on AEW’s YouTube channel.
Aside from his stint in Memphis Wrestling and following a succesful career in WCW, Big Show had been a WWE mainstay since 1999. However, the veteran's role was reduced to sporadic appearances in recent years.
In contrast, AEW seems to be the next big step that could revitalize his career. There are countless possibilities for Paul Wight in Tony Khan's promotion. With that in mind, let's take a look at five potential feuds for him in AEW.
#5 A feud between Paul Wight and Shaquille O'Neal will showcase AEW in a mainstream spotlight
AEW caters to the hardcore fanbase, but the promotion needs to make mainstream moves to truly compete at a larger scale in this industry.
At WWE WrestleMania 32, a future feud between Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show was teased. However, a one-on-one match never occurred between the two stars.
Shaq is set to wrestle alongside Jade Cargill in a match against Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite on March 3. Perhaps this feud could lead to an eventual confrontation between the NBA legend and Paul Wight.
On the surface, it sounds like a feud that will instantly draw criticism from viewers who dislike AEW's mainstream pursuits. In a promotion that features extremely athletic matches, is there even an audience for a feud between two aging giants?
There is a shortcut around this situation. Shaq and Wight don't really need to face each other in a one-on-one match. Perhaps a stipulation bout or a tag team match could settle their feud inside the ring. This would be an efficient way to gain mainstream attention without compromising the quality of the show.
As a result of Shaq and Wight's potential feud, AEW's other storylines will also be highlighted in front of a larger audience.
#4 Paul Wight and Darby Allin could fight to become the face of AEW on TNT
Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable names in professional wrestling, and AEW's TNT title scenario could be a good fit for him.
The TNT titleholder represents not just AEW, but the entire TNT network as well. It makes sense that a star who possesses traditional values and mainstream potential would be the ideal TNT Champion.
Darby Allin is an intriguing character, but there's a level of grittiness to him that doesn't fit the norm. On the other hand, Paul Wight has become a respected veteran over the years. Add the generational gap between Wight and Allin, and there are enough elements to book them in a feud on AEW Dynamite.
Wight's best wrestling years are behind him at this point. However, Allin is someone who could bring his unique and youthful energy to a match against the veteran.
Wight will probably debut in AEW as a babyface. But he would definitely be the heel in a potential feud against Allin. After all, The Big Show was always prone to frequent heel turns, right?
#3 Brian Cage vs. Paul Wight - A clash between the titans in AEW?
AEW boasts a number of surprisingly athletic big men on their roster. Brian Cage is a great example of that.
Cage is currently a part of Team Taz, and the group doesn't have respect for authority. The FTW Championship represents their anti-authority stance as well.
Paul Wight is set to play the role of a commentator alongside his wrestling duties. In a way, Wight has already established himself in a more official role in AEW. With their possibly differing ideologies, Cage and Wight could cross paths in the ring at some point.
Cage isn't just any normal powerhouse. His incredible strength and agility make him a fast and vicious threat at the same time. If any AEW competitors could dominate a giant like Wight, Cage has to be on the top of that list.
Big Show has taken part in several clashes against other giants in WWE. But the scope for big men in AEW seems more progressive. Not just Cage, but stars like Powerhouse Hobbs and Wardlow could also be great competitors for Wight in AEW.
#2 Paul Wight vs. Orange Cassidy might be an entertaining feud in AEW
Orange Cassidy is one of the most popular characters in AEW, and one who could also have an interesting program with Paul Wight.
The Big Show was billed like a huge threat in WWE, but there were numerous times when he was booked in silly segments. As a result, Big Show is no stranger to comedy. Cassidy has proven to be an entertaining character in a show that primarily focuses on the in-ring product. He is also great in the ring and could carry Paul Wight through an engaging match in AEW.
Interestingly, Chris Jericho had a major feud with Cassidy in AEW. Also, Jericho and Big Show had an interesting past in WWE. Could the two stars reunite against the nonchalant threat that is Cassidy?
The King of Sloth Style's enjoyable shenanigans will blend in properly with Wight's own experience with comedic storylines. Wight must put over the relatively younger star by the time their potential feud culminates in AEW. After it's over, perhaps there could even be an entertaining alliance between the two.
Cassidy's AEW run seems a little directionless after his big victory over Jericho. A non-title program with Wight will ensure his relevance on AEW Dynamite.
#1 Paul Wight's babyface run must result in a feud with AEW's ultimate heel, MJF
MJF's character tends to annoy people in AEW. A star that particularly didn't like being annoyed in WWE was The Big Show.
If or when Paul Wight and MJF cross paths, the two probably won't like each other.
MJF vs. Paul Wight could be an interesting feud for many reasons. It is always intriguing to see a cheating heel trying to escape from a massive threat. MJF will attempt to do that against Wight if they face each other. MJF's bodyguard, Wardlow, would simultaneously be associated with this storyline as well. Wardlow vs. Wight sounds like an interesting possibility as part of the story.
Moreover, MJF is currently part of Chris Jericho's Inner Circle. Wight's connection with Jericho will also come into play in a potential feud against MJF. Any member of The Inner Circle will be linked to this program, including Jake Hager (fka Jack Swagger in WWE).
Wight and MJF's opposite traits would create a bigger conflict, which is what will add more stakes to their storyline.
All the aforementioned points indicate that a feud between Wight and MJF should happen at some point in AEW.
Speaking of veterans in AEW, former WWE referee Nick Patrick recently talked about Sting wrestling at the age of 61. Do check out his thoughts in the video linked above.
