Wrestling legend opens up on legacy, mentoring, and Captain Insano
Summary
– Paul Wight said he still plans to wrestle again after surgeries, rehab, and weight loss
– Wight praised AEW for giving talent freedom and letting younger wrestlers grow through experience
– He also discussed Captain Insano, The Waterboy, and the possibility of doing more with the character
Paul Wight is not ready to close the book on his wrestling career.
During an interview promoting AEW Beach Break in Clearwater, Wight opened up about his health, his role in AEW, his wrestling legacy, and why he still wants to get back in the ring.
Wight said his recent weight loss has come from staying active, tracking calories, and keeping his intake lower than his daily burn. He explained that injuries made training difficult for a long time, but he is now moving better and working toward another in-ring run.
The former Big Show revealed he has undergone 11 surgeries in 7 years, including a knee replacement after his last match. He said the process has involved rebuilding strength, balance, and the mind-muscle connection needed to perform again.
Wight made it clear that he did not go through all of that work to look better. He said he still has plans, including wrestling, films, television, and more.
AEW appealed to Wight because Tony Khan gave him the chance to compete. Wight said he is not interested in being only an office figure or producer, because his value comes from being in the ring with younger talent and helping them learn in real time.
He praised AEW’s locker room for being more community-driven than the wrestling environment he entered decades ago. Wight said today’s wrestlers take better care of their bodies and have more support through trainers, doctors, and healthier routines.
Wight also said AEW gives talent space to find their own voice. He pointed to names such as MJF, Mark Briscoe, Kyle Fletcher, and others as examples of performers who benefit from authentic promos and creative freedom.
The veteran also talked about helping larger wrestlers understand presence, specifically mentioning Satnam Singh. Wight compared the advice he gives today to lessons he learned from names like The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and Andre the Giant.
Wight credited The Undertaker as one of the most important mentors of his career. He said Undertaker taught him locker-room etiquette, business lessons, and tough love, which he now passes on to younger wrestlers.
The conversation also touched on The Waterboy and Captain Insano. Wight said the character has been a gift and joked that if Adam Sandler called, he would show up for whatever was needed.
Wight said Captain Insano is different from Paul Wight, The Giant, or Big Show. He described the character as high-energy and said the weight loss and cardio work are part of getting ready for that kind of presentation.
For now, Wight sounds focused on staying active, helping AEW talent, and preparing for what comes next. After more than 30 years in wrestling, he still wants to be part of the action rather than talk about the past.
