Paul Donald Wight II, better known to wrestling fans as “The Big Show,” is building a stable life with wife away from the spotlight.
He has carved out an extraordinary legacy in professional wrestling spanning over two decades.
Standing at an impressive height and weighing over 400 pounds, Wight first captivated audiences in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995, where he performed under the name “The Giant.”
His remarkable journey in professional wrestling led him to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) in 1999, where he truly became a household name.
Throughout his illustrious career, Wight has amassed an impressive collection of 23 championships, including seven world titles across different promotions.
His versatility as a performer allowed him to excel as both a fan favorite and a villain, making him one of wrestling’s most dynamic personalities.
Beyond the wrestling ring, Wight has successfully ventured into acting, appearing in various films and television shows, including his own Netflix sitcom, “The Big Show Show.”
Big Show’s Wife, Bess Katramados, Chose Family Over Fame
Behind this larger-than-life personality stands Bess Katramados, a former model who has been Wight’s rock since 2002.
Born on July 13, 1973, in Illinois, Katramados pursued a modeling career in regional circuits before meeting Wight.
Their paths crossed during a pivotal time in Wight’s life as he was navigating the end of his first marriage to Melissa Ann Piavis.
The connection between Katramados and Wight was immediate and profound, leading to their marriage on February 11, 2002, just days after Wight’s divorce was finalized.
Unlike many celebrity spouses who seek the limelight, Katramados has chosen to maintain a remarkably low profile.
After their marriage, she stepped away from her modeling career to focus on building a stable home life.
Her decision to stay out of the public eye, including avoiding social media platforms, has helped create a sense of normalcy for their family amid Wight’s high-profile career.
The couple has welcomed two children together, adding to their family including Wight’s daughter from his previous marriage.
They have made their home in Miami, Florida, where Katramados has created a nurturing environment away from the intense spotlight of professional wrestling.
Her support has been instrumental in Wight’s career transitions, including his move to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021.
Despite the demanding nature of professional wrestling, which often requires performers to be on the road for more than 200 days a year, Katramados has managed to maintain a strong family unit.
She occasionally travels with Wight during his tours, providing crucial emotional support while helping him maintain his health and fitness routines.
Through the ups and downs of professional wrestling, television appearances, and public scrutiny, Bess Katramados has remained a constant source of strength for one of wrestling’s most iconic figures.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During his high school years at Wyman King Academy, Big Show surprisingly joined the cheerleading squad as a sophomore, partly out of spite after quitting football. He later described traveling in a van with seven cheerleaders as “the greatest experience of my life.”
- Due to his extraordinary size, Big Show had to lease a bus and hire a personal driver in 2005 because regular air travel and car rentals presented too many practical challenges.
- At the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, he achieved a unique victory by winning the first-ever Slime Wrestling World Championship, defeating The Miz by throwing him into a tub of slime.
