Paul Wight Was Surprised By Large Paycheck from Sisqo’s ‘Thong Song’ Music Video

Paul Wight received a ton of great opportunities throughout his career, including his own Netflix television series, The Big Show Show. Those appearances outside the pro wrestling ring even included a cameo in Sisqo’s 2000 hit song The Thong Song. That was certainly an interesting experience for him.

During an appearance on The Run Home with Joel & Fletch, former WWE Superstar Paul Wight, famously known as The Big Show, reflected on a surprising and lucrative experience—his cameo appearance in Sisqo’s iconic “Thong Song” music video. What started as a simple decision to avoid extra expenses turned into an unexpected payday for the wrestling giant.

“That was an interesting afternoon in Baltimore. I was at the building early because I was too cheap to get a day hotel room since we were driving home that night. I was like, ‘I’ll go hang out at the building. I’m not going to spend money on a hotel room for a few hours.’”

While waiting around at the venue, Paul Wight was approached by WWE agent Tony Garea, who presented him with an unusual opportunity.

“Tony Garea comes in and goes, ‘There’s a group doing a video, and they’re offering pretty good cash. It’s over at the park. Are you interested in doing it?’” Wight recalled. Without hesitation, he agreed, thinking, “Why not?”

When Paul Wight arrived at the park, he realized he was stepping into the world of pop culture. He started off by introducing himself to Sisqo.

“It was Sisqo. I introduced myself as Big Show, Paul Wight from WWE. They sent me over and said you guys want to use a wrestler.”

“It was a good chunk of change, I’m not going to lie to you. It surprised me a little bit,” Wight admitted. “I did a lot worse for a lot less. It kind of threw me off a little. ‘How much? Really? Are you guys joking with me?’”

“All they wanted me to do was lean against this Range Rover with all these beautiful girls, and Sisqo was going to ride by on a motorcycle. All I had to do was nod at him.”

Paul Wight, who was used to the physically demanding world of professional wrestling, found the simplicity of the role almost unbelievable. He didn’t know what they wanted from him, but his job was just to look big and lean on a Range Rover that day, not “fight a bear” as he jokingly suggested.

“That’s it? I don’t have to pick anybody up or wrestle anybody? I don’t have to fight a bear?”

The entire shoot took only a couple of takes, but the payout was significant. They decided to pay him in a “big chunk of cash,” which obviously still stands out to him to this day.

“Literally, it was one or two takes. They did the first one, liked it. They did a safety (take) and said, ‘Okay, thank you,’ and they gave me an envelope with cash. It was a big chunk of cash.”

The former Big Show even offered to help clean up after the shoot, feeling like the task had been too easy for the payment he received. They told him that it was taken care of.

“‘You guys want me to pick up some trash or help put stuff away?’ — ‘Nope, that’s it.’”

After returning to the WWE event later that day, Wight shared his experience with his fellow wrestlers, who were initially indifferent about the opportunity but quickly changed their tune when they heard about the generous payout.

“I went back to the building, and all the guys were like, ‘Ah man, I would have done that.’ Yeah, after you found out how much it paid. A lot of them didn’t want to get off their ass and move.”

Paul Wight may have made a nice check for that music video, but Sisquo didn’t get as lucky when it came to making money forever on royalties from that iconic song. A Vice documentary highlighted the unraveling drama behind Sisqo’s hit song Thong Song. As it gained massive popularity, legal troubles surfaced when his lawyer informed him of a potential lawsuit from Ricky Martin, alleging that Sisqo’s song had copied elements from Livin’ La Vida Loca. Despite his team warning him to clear the sample, Sisqo believed his connection with the song’s writer, Desmond Child, would prevent any issues. However, the lawsuit proceeded, and now Child ultimately holds significant ownership of the song. Despite the challenges, Sisqo remains positive about the song, and he still performs it whenever he’s booked for a show.

We will have to see how many more times Paul Wight performs in the ring. He isn’t hanging up his giant boots just yet. Only time will tell if Tony Khan can book Sisqo for a reunion.

What’s your take on Paul Wight’s endeavors outside pro wrestling? Did you watch the Big Show Show on Netflix? Do you want to see The Big Show act more? Let us know what you think in the comments section!