Paul Wight Talks Sting, AEW, Australia

Phid McAwesome of Downunder the Ring spoke with Paul Wight in Brisbane, Australia, on behalf of Fightful to promote AEW’s Grand Slam at Suncorp Stadium, which will be held on February 15th, 2025.

“Tall” Paul jokes about being called a "legend," interpreting it as a polite way of saying he is old. 

Wight said when he began his career, he went from looking like Jason Momoa [Aquaman] in WCW days with his long hair to now with his current look of Shrek {Green Ogre]. Phid mentioned that when his son was an 11-year-old at the time, he took him to his first wrestling event in Auckland, New Zealand, and he noted that his son was excited to see Paul wrestle. Wight believes he wrestled against The Usos at that event. Wight would then praise the former multiple-time WWE Tag Team champions. Paul mentioned their professionalism, and they took care of him. He also added that he never had a hard night with them.

Phid mentioned that Wight has worked for three major companies: WCW, WWE, and AEW. He asked Wight about AEW being at the forefront of being the biggest challenger since WCW and asked what his experience has been like with the company. Tall Paul said AEW has been exciting. He said there's a lot going on. He mentioned his previous company [WWE] was an incredible machine to work for and that they have talented people who know the ins and outs. Wight added, “It was a big, well-oiled machine.”

Wight told Phid that going to AEW gave him an incredible opportunity. He said they are building something new and that there's authenticity that comes out of AEW that he appreciates at this stage of his career. Wight said he loves the excitement, the hustle, and the drive he sees in the eyes of younger talent.

Wight discovered that Australia did not have Chick-fil-A and said that was a money investment opportunity.

The former two-time WCW World Champion told Phid, “When you love the business, you want to see the business do well, not only your company, but the entire business to do well. Because that's [more] opportunity for the talent.”

Wight also mentioned that someone can work for one company, and if things don't go well, they can try again at another company.

The conversation shifts to video games, notably "Destiny" and "Baldur's Gate 3." Wight talks about his love for "Destiny," a game he played extensively during recovery from his multiple surgeries, including hip and knee replacements. He recently started playing "Baldur's Gate 3," which he finds incredibly fun and addictive. Wight compared it to playing D&D [Dungeons & Dragons]. Wight mentioned that he brought his Steamdeck and has been playing while traveling. 

Wight also mentioned he is in a Dungeons and Dragons group with some pretty successful people but would not name-drop.

Phid would ask Wight about making a return to the ring. Wight said, “God, I hope so. Because Tony Khan paid me a shit ton of money to get in the ring, and so far, I haven't done shit.”

Phid mentions how Will Hobbs took Wight out of action. Wight, however, shares his respect for Hobbs. He says Hobbs is willing to learn and improve. He adds that Will is among the nicest and most humble human beings.

Wight added that he believes giving talent and honest feedback is important but doesn't mean you have to tear them down and point out everything they do wrong.

Wight discussed mentoring Satnam Singh and encouraging him to develop a meaner and more aggressive character. He explained that a big wrestler needs to create a lack of empathy and generate intense reactions from the audience to succeed as a “Giant.”

Wight would tie in a story about The Undertaker when speaking about his approach to mentoring young talent. He said, “Sometimes they're looking for that atta boy and a pat on the back. I don't do atta boys, and I don't pat you on the back.” Wight said that most know when they go to him about business, he’s going to be just as brutal and hard to them as The Undertaker was to him when he started.

Wight said he once went to The Undertaker for an “atta boy” [a piece of encouragement or congratulation] and said The Undertaker told him to “Take three weeks off and quit.”

The star of Knucklehead spoke about the magic of wrestling, emphasizing its ability to engage the audience emotionally. He also mentioned the storytelling in wrestling, especially in one-on-one matches, and how it pulls the audience in. Wight would add that we know that there's a predetermined outcome. He said he is not embarrassed because it’s a sport with competition, training, and dedication.

Phid mentions Sting’s retirement. Paul says he has deep respect and admiration for Sting. He notes how Sting was incredibly kind, unlike some older wrestlers who were for themselves. Wight says Sting was always supportive and approachable and never had to go through that with Sting.

He shared a story from his early career, where Sting taught him a lesson about the playful "ribs” that his colleagues could do.

He said shortly after winning the WCW World title. Sting approached him at an airport and asked him what he was doing with the WCW Championship title. Wight told Sting that Hulk Hogan wanted him to wear the belt through the airport so people would know Wight was the champ. Wight said he wore the title, thinking he was doing the right thing. Wight said Sting told him to put the title in the bag. You look like an idiot, and he is ribbing you.

The conversation delves into Captain Insano. Wight says he hopes Captain Insano returns to wrestling soon, pending recovery from Insano’s recent knee surgery. Wight hopes Captain Insano can compete in Brisbane at AEW Grand Slam.

In closing, Wight said he wants to deliver an impressive performance when he returns. He hopes to have a final run similar to Sting's and eventually retire on a high note. He credits Tony Khan for allowing him the time needed to prepare properly.

You can follow “Tall” Paul on social media at @PaulWight on X and Instagram. 

You can check out Phid’s interview with Paul Wight at the link below when it goes live Thursday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD1hxJHuvRg

Interview filmed by Buddy Watson.

Downunder The Ring is Pro wrestling from the perspective of Australian Pro Wrestler, The Warship, and a lifelong fan and award-winning podcaster Phid McAwesome.

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