Paul Wight: Wrestling's Giants and the Art of Storytelling



by NOMAN RASOOL

Paul Wight: Wrestling's Giants and the Art of Storytelling
Paul Wight: Wrestling's Giants and the Art of Storytelling © Cultaholic Wrestling/YouTube

Paul Wight, a seasoned professional wrestler with titles both in AEW and WWE, recently sat down with The Tempest to discuss the evolving roles of giants in the wrestling industry. While Wight acknowledges the place for athleticism and match prowess, he passionately argues that today's giants should emphasize ring psychology over mere match quality.

Wight strongly believes that the climax of a wrestling bout should resonate the loudest with the audience: the finish. "The finish should be the emotional culmination of the narrative you're weaving in the ring," Wight remarks.

"While some younger wrestlers get hung up on individual moves, the real essence is making those moves serve the overarching story. The aim should always be for the finale to elicit the loudest cheers or gasps." Wight's perspective on giant wrestlers is straightforward: they are spectacles.

In his words, "Giants are not meant to consistently deliver five-star matches. Instead, their sheer presence should make the audience sit up and take notice." As attractions, giants have the power to captivate the audience with their sheer size, making them feel awe, fear, or camaraderie.

A successful giant will invoke these deep-seated emotions rooted in human evolution and our collective experiences of intimidation and overcoming adversity.

Giants, Safety, and Storytelling

Safety is another cornerstone of Wight's philosophy, especially for giants sharing the ring with smaller talent.

"When you're a giant in the ring, you must prioritize safety. With mutual trust, a smaller wrestler can craft a David versus Goliath narrative that's both compelling and convincing," he opines. This dynamic taps into universally understood psychology and enriches the viewing experience.

While Wight delves into the nuanced role of giants in wrestling, he also humorously reflects on his numerous heel turns throughout his illustrious career. To sum it up, Paul Wight’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the wrestling world.

He sheds light on the importance of storytelling and the unique role giants play in bringing those stories to life, emphasizing the balance of spectacle, safety, and psychology.

Paul Wight