WWE Raw SummerSlam is bringing more than mayhem to Aiken on Saturday. It is bringing the Big Show home.
Paul Wight, known in the ring as the Big Show, grew up playing basketball and soccer in Aiken while attending Millbrook Elementary School. Having reached 6-foot-2 by the age of 12, the Big Show frequently turned heads and made news in town, becoming the 1998 WLTX Athlete of the Year.
Wight was a star basketball player at W. Wyman King Academy in Batesburg-Leesvile. He left Aiken chasing his dreams of athletic greatness, and after a chance meeting with Danny Bonaduce and Hulk Hogan, he has become a household name for WWE fans.
On Thursday, the Aiken Standard spent a few minutes on the phone reminiscing with the Big Show as he prepares to bring the action to Saturday's WWE Raw SummerSlam event at the USC Aiken Convocation Center.
The Big Show is on the bill along with Raw superstars John Cena, "The Legend Killer" Randy Orton, "The Game" Triple H and many more.
Tickets to this Saturday's mayhem are on sale at the Convocation box office. Tickets are $17, $22, 32, $42 and $52 and are available at the box office, online at www.uscatix.com or by phone at (866) 722-8877.
Aiken Standard: How often do you return to this area?
Big Show: Not as much as I'd like to. I am on the road 300 days a year and rarely have time at home. Saturday is a big day for me. My family is coming over to hang out with me. This is the first time I have wrestled in Aiken. I have a lot of history there.
AS: When did you leave Aiken?
BS: I left in the summer of 1990, I packed up my stuff and headed west to college.
AS: What are some of your favorite memories about this area?
BS: I remember going to the Ace Hardware store on Pine Log with my dad and there was a shoe store there around the corner from the gas station where I would buy Now & Laters. I played hours of basketball at the rec center on the indoor and outdoor courts. I used to go to Mr. Gatti's Pizza - they had a $3.99 all-u-can eat buffet with a Coke. I would eat there every day after playing basketball across the street. I remember hanging out in high school at the Food Lion when all of us had cars. There was a Big Star grocery store that always gave kids a cookie and when I didn't get mine I got mad.
AS: Is it true you were 6-foot-2 at the age of 12, and was it difficult being so much taller?
BS: At 12 years old I was 6'2. For me, I was used to it and so were my friends. It was people who didn't know me who would freak out.
It came in handy to have hair on my chest and to be shaving at 13 because when I needed a good summer job I was able to get one. My first job was at Master Bend Muffler. I lied about my age; at 13, I told them I was 18 and I got a good summer job making more money than my friends delivering papers.
AS: How tall were your parents?
BS: (Laughing) My Dad was about 6'4 and my mom was 5'9, but the milkman was 6'10.
AS: When did you first become interested in wrestling?
BS: I started off being a huge fan of wrestling as a kid. I always watched Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and others.
AS: What has been the highlight of your career?
BS: I have been very fortunate and seen a lot of beautiful places. I am just a humble kid from South Carolina who enjoys barbecue and I have been able to see the world. I recently wrestled in a coliseum built in 300 AD in France - wrestling in this venue where the gladiator combats were held was a real highlight. It's a part of history
Every day I wake up and I can't believe I am doing what I am doing. I love my job. I have been able to work with the best athletes in the world. It is fantastic but you do need a nomadic spirit.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to work with every great name in the industry. Arn Anderson has become one of my close confidants and mentors. He has had an incredible influence on my career. Its hard to believe he's the same guy I used to watch on TV.
AS: Do you find it hard to separate the Big Show persona from being yourself?
BS: Not at all. I am not the same Big Show you see in the ring when you see me at the grocery store buying milk. Out in the real world, I am just a big kid from South Carolina.
Blast from the Past courtesy of the Aiken Standard Historical Archives
Jan. 11, 1987
Morris substituted freely throughout the fourth quarter. He gave his fans a sneak peak at Paul Wight, a 6-8 freshman who had never played organized basketball before. Wight ended the night with four points and one blocked shot.
Monday May 19, 1986
The Aiken Classic under-14 soccer team beat Andersonville 3-0 Saturday... Goalie Paul Wight got the shut out.
Measurements -
Height: 7 feet
Weight: 441 pounds
Shoe Size: 22 EEEEE
Ring Size: 22.5
Chest: 64 inches
In the Ring -
1995 - In-ring debut with the WCW as the Giant
1995 - Won the WCW Championship defeating Hulk Hogan
1996 - Won the WCW Championship defeating Ric 'Nature Boy' Flair
1999 - Signed with WWE and won his first WWE Championship in a Triple Threat Match against Triple H and The Rock
2005 - Became the only man to ever have held and will ever hold the WWE Championship, WCW World Heavy Weight Championship and the ECW's World Title
Signature Moves:
Choke Slam
Knockout Punch
Cobra Clutch Back Breaker
Bear Hug
Head Butt
Hip Attack
Alley Oop
Want to Go?
What? WWE Raw SummerSlam
When? Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Where? USC Aiken Convocation Center
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Posted by: Troy C. On: Sunday, July 19, 2009 11:47 AM
Comment Title: about your wrestling for the WWE
I have been watching you take care of business in the ring. I have been watching the show for about 18 - 20 years. And I still like watching all of you guys wrestle on all 3 shows
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Posted by: On: Friday, July 17, 2009 1:36 PM
Comment Title:
It's entertainment and the kids will love it. Nothing wrong with bringing these guys to town, should be fun.
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Posted by: Jacob Elleby On: Friday, July 17, 2009 1:27 PM
Comment Title: Welcome Home Show
Despite the others on this comment I'm happy to see you come home!! You make me proud! Good luck sir!
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Posted by: Grateful Alumnus On: Friday, July 17, 2009 1:22 PM
Comment Title: Thanks to USCA!
Hey James B! Gotta pay for the truly cultural events some way.
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Posted by: Freddie On: Friday, July 17, 2009 1:13 PM
Comment Title:
I went to middle school in Wagener with Paul and I'm happy to see him doing well. The storyline about him being the son of Andre the Giant was so funny.
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Posted by: James B. On: Friday, July 17, 2009 11:10 AM
Comment Title: Thanks to USCA
Dear USCA, As an alumni, I am so thankful that you find the time to bring in cultural gems such as this to enrich our fine community. You truly are an institution of enlightenment and progress.
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Posted by: On: Friday, July 17, 2009 7:12 AM
Comment Title: Awesome
I love wrasslin!
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Posted by: Jaime King On: Friday, July 17, 2009 2:57 AM
Comment Title: I heard he was a horrible basketball player.
He was tall and uncoordinated.
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