Big Show Leaves WWE After 22 Years, Signs with AEW

The Big Show, the popular WWE superstar who has been with the sports entertainment giant for 22 years, has surprised the wrestling world by signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and will be going by his legal name Paul Wight.

AEW announced the news in a press release saying, "Wight will have an extensive role within AEW, and on top of his return to the ring, he will serve as a commentator on AEW’s newest show, AEW Dark: Elevation." AEW's current programming lineup includes AEW Dynamite, which aires on TNT on Wednesdays at 8 PM ET, and AEW Dark, which aires on AEW's YouTube channel every Tuesday at 7 PM ET. AEW Dark: Elevation will air on AEW's YouTube channel on Mondays at 7 PM ET.

In a statement on the long-term deal, Wight said, "It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years. AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless."

AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan said in a statement, "Paul Wight is one of the most recognizable and impressive professional athletes in the world. He wanted to come to AEW because he believes that we’re the best promotion in wrestling, and we believe that he has a lot to offer us, both in the ring as a wrestler, and also outside the ring as a commentator, host and ambassador for AEW."

Khan added,  "Paul is one of the most experienced stars in all of wrestling, and he’s eager to work with our diverse roster. He can benefit and guide our young talent with his mentorship, and his expert commentary on AEW Dark: Elevation will educate and entertain our fans, and also educate the younger wrestlers on the roster. Furthermore, Paul enters AEW as a licensed wrestler, and he’s very much looking forward to studying our talent firsthand from the commentary desk in preparation for his return to the ring!"