Speaking to the media ahead of AEW Revolution, AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes went into detail about the signing of Paul Wight, formerly known as The Big Show, and what role he’s going to play within the company.
Wight made his on-screen debut for AEW on the March 3rd episode of Dynamite, where in an interview with Tony Schiavone he would promise that a “Hall of Fame worthy talent” is going to sign with the company at Revolution.
As well as potentially competing in the ring it has already been confirmed that Wight will join Schiavone on commentary on AEW’s new show AEW Dark: Elevation. This latest addition to AEW’s programming will premiere on YouTube on March 15th.
Cody Rhodes previously worked with Wight in the WWE, where the two faced each other at WrestleMania 28 for the Intercontinental Championship. Rhodes explained that Wight was a big part of his career and that the Paul Wight that AEW is getting is highly motivated.
“Paul Wight is a big part of my career. We were involved in a WrestleMania together, and that will always bond you in a unique way,” Rhodes noted. “The Paul Wight that AEW is getting is extremely extremely motivated. I can tell you there wasn’t a long negotiation process simply because he wants to be here. He wants to be here in a different capacity as far as announcing and commentary goes with Elevation.
The American Nightmare went on to add that Wight definitely has more matches left in the tank, but that he’s more excited about the influence he will have on the younger talent in the AEW locker room.
“I do think there is a match, or two, or three or four, and that’s just me personally because I know he’s still able to go at a high level, but from a management standpoint, I’m most excited about him just being in our locker room and being seen because we have so many young people who are now all of a sudden famous. Nobody knew who Britt Baker, Sammy Guevara, MJF or Ricky Starks really were a few years ago, and now they are emerging on cable and across Warner Media.
“They’re the future of wrestling. They’re all very important to me, and someone like Paul, not unlike how Sting has been, is really good to keep people grounded, to keep things in perspective. Paul Wight has more to give, and he’s going to give it. He’s going to give it to AEW, so I’m very excited to see that.”
Rhodes further outlined what fans can expect from Elevation and how it will differ from AEW’s existing programming.
To give you a little spoiler potentially on AEW: Elevation, it’s going to be similar to Dark, but there should be more of a focus on, potentially, individuals who are part of our roster, and Tony Schiavone is the one who is spearheading that. I think you’re going to see one-to-one pieces, some sit-down interviews.
“You’re going to see more character insight, not unlike you see with American Ninja Warrior or even Go Big Show where he learn a lot more, hopefully, about why these wrestlers are stepping into the ring, why these men and women are competing, what this means to them and their place in AEW. So I think that and a few other items of course the biggest item being Paul Wight will separate AEW Dark: Elevation from it’s predecessor AEW Dark.”
Elsewhere in the media call, the former TNT Champion responded to rumours of NXT moving to Tuesday nights via a question from Inside The Ropes‘ very own Kenny McIntosh.
H/t to Wrestling Inc for the transcription.
AEW Revolution takes place on March 7th, and is available via Fite TV for viewers outside the United States.