AEW's Paul Wight, the former Big Show, has opened up about his memorable WrestleMania encounter with John Cena and Edge. In a recent podcast appearance, Wight recounted the story behind their triple threat match at WrestleMania 25, which was a follow-up to their earlier match at WrestleMania 20. During this earlier match, Cena won the United States Championship, and he wanted to show his gratitude to Wight for his efforts.
Wight revealed that Cena approached him with a unique proposition: he wanted to repay Wight by giving him a prominent spot at WrestleMania 25. "I said, 'Hey, I don't have an opponent for WrestleMania. I'm pretty good at taking finishes.' And he smiled and nodded," Wight recalled. This led to the triple threat match, where Cena and Edge faced Wight. But there was a catch.
Cena had a condition for the match to happen: Wight had to lose weight. "He said, 'I need you to be under 450 pounds. Can you get under 450 for me because Edge can't lose any more weight?'" Wight humorously recalled Cena's request. Despite the weight loss, Cena couldn't execute the AA on both Wight and Edge simultaneously. However, he did manage to lift them both up and eventually pinned Wight to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
This story highlights the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the personal connections within the wrestling industry. It also showcases the strategic thinking of Cena, who wanted to create a memorable match while also ensuring Wight's participation. Wight's willingness to take on the challenge and his gratitude towards Cena demonstrate the mutual respect and camaraderie that can exist within professional wrestling.
In my opinion, this narrative adds a layer of depth to the world of professional wrestling, where personal relationships and strategic planning play a significant role. It's a fascinating insight into the industry, showing how a simple gesture of gratitude can lead to a memorable and impactful moment in the ring.