Paul Wight Recalls Humiliating Segment With Randy Orton Prior To WWE Departure

Paul Wight started off his career as The Giant in WCW, but then he made a new name for himself as The Big Show in WWE. He spent two decades in WWE and took part in numerous storylines before parting ways with the company. He’s now part of the AEW family, but that doesn’t mean he always had a great time in WWE. It appears that Wight recalled a humiliating segment he had with Randy Orton prior to his WWE departure.

Paul Wight eventually decided to take his skills elsewhere and made his way to AEW back in 2021. His departure was a shocker for many, but Wight’s insignificant role in WWE before his exit made fans realize why he decided to leave WWE.

This was on full display during RAW Legends Night back in 2021, where he was humiliated by Randy Orton in a backstage segment, which made it evident where he was on WWE’s totem pole.

While speaking to Inside The Ropes, Paul Wight recalled how WWE used him during the final stage of his run in the company, including the aforementioned humiliating Randy Orton segment. Wyatt described the entire experience as ‘humbling’ and made it clear he still had what it takes to compete in the ring and not retire.

“Personally, it was frustrating. That was one of the big battles that I had with Vince. He’s an innovator. He’s brilliant. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met in my life. He understands the human dynamic. I didn’t want to be in that legends role. I kept teasing him, ‘Hey, quit trying to put me in… I am not ready to be in the retirement home. Quit shoving me there.’

That’s something that WWE has always done too. They will use every tool available to promote something that they’re promoting. Everything’s on the table with them. I understand that that role was setting up what it was setting up. But it was a little bit of a humbling experience to sit on the stage and get berated for the work that you’ve done.

But that’s part of what you sign a contract for. You sign a contract and you get paid to check your ego at the door. If you don’t want check your ego anymore then you can leave.

One of the things (is) I’ve always done is everything in WWE I was ever asked for. I signed a check. This is a job. It’s fun job. It’s a great job. It’s a job, It’s your

Boss, sometimes your boss is gonna make you do things that you don’t like. Like people would ask me all the time. I’d have to catch these small tiny commuter planes where I was like wearing the airplane. They’re like, ‘How do you do it?’

“I’m like, ‘Well, I got a choice. I can either do it or I can stay home and not go to work.’ You make those sacrifices to be a part of something that you love doing.

I’m a guy that is used to wrestling four-five nights a week year-round. To not be able to say goodbye to that yet. I think as a talent you have to reach a place in your mind where you’re willing to say goodbye to the fans and goodbye to the guys that you wrestle with. The gals that you tour with. You have to be able to say goodbye to them when you have peace in your heart and I just didn’t have that peace. I wanted to compete. I didn’t care what I was doing, I just wanted to compete.”

Paul Wight has not competed in a match since March of last year. In fact, Wight also recently stated that he has years left in his pro wrestling career. We will have to wait and see when Wight will be able to compete in AEW once again.

What’s your take on what Paul Wight said? Do you think he should have stayed in WWE? Sound off in the comments!