Paul Wight, better known as The Big Show, has detailed the original plans for a high-profile WrestleMania match.
The World’s Largest Athlete faced legendary boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather in 2008 at WrestleMania 24. Billed as a true David vs. Goliath battle, the one-on-one encounter was the match that had the largest outside appeal given Mayweather’s fame in the boxing world and beyond.
Although the match is arguably Wight’s most famous on The Grandest Stage, there were plans to go in a different direction. While speaking with Gareth A. Davies, the former World Champion stated that he was originally set to team with Mayweather to take on Batista and Rey Mysterio, but plans were changed due to injury:
“That angle came about, but originally that was supposed to be a tag [match]. It was supposed to be Floyd Mayweather and I against Batista and Rey Mysterio. In the events leading up before we launched that angle, Rey and Dave both got hurt. I think Dave tore a bicep or a lat and Rey did something. So then it was brought to me, ‘Hey, would you consider working Floyd in a singles match?’ I’m like, ‘At WrestleMania?’ At the time, he’s the hottest boxer on the planet. Absolutely, 100%, I’m in, whatever we need to do.”
Big Show also spoke about the build-up in Las Vegas, where Mayweather broke Wight’s nose as part of the press conference. Wight added that the nose break was legitimate and warned Mayweather to get moving after the punch connected:
“So we went to the show in Vegas to kick off the angle. I said ‘I’ll get back down on one knee, and Floyd can break my nose.’ […] I said, ‘Don’t shove it thugh the back of my head, but just tap it, but when you do, run!’”
What Happened When The Big Show Wrestled Floyd Mayweather At WrestleMania 24?
To get around the fact that Mayweather was not a pro wrestler, the match was turned into a No DQ bout. Mayweather used his agility to avoid Show’s early attacks, but was eventually caught by the former WWE Champion. Mayweather’s entourage also got involved, but were dispatched by the gigantic wrestler. The end of the match saw Mayweather pick up the win after he punched Big Show with brass knuckles.
