Paul Wight expresses deep appreciation for the influence of Sting.
As the legendary Sting prepares to retire at AEW Revolution on March 3, Paul Wight reflects on the profound impact “The Icon” had on him during his formative years in the wrestling industry.
Paul Wight, initially recognized as The Giant, signed with WCW less than 12 months after his wrestling debut. He was promptly propelled into the spotlight, capturing the WCW World Championship twice in the mid-’90s. At Slamboree, during his second title run, Wight was pitted against Sting. Despite being relatively inexperienced, Wight found a mentor in Sting who offered much-needed guidance.
“The challenge early in my career was that many wrestlers didn’t understand how to work with my size, and I was still learning myself,” Wight recounted to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. “Sting, on the other hand, was adept at storytelling in the ring with a ‘giant’ and made the match a gripping tale, much like the classic narrative of David versus Goliath. His patience and timing allowed the audience to rally behind him, making for an electrifying match.”
Sting’s Fundamental Wrestling Philosophy
Wight gained crucial insights from Sting, learning the art of storytelling as well as the importance of a fundamental wrestling philosophy that he adheres to even now.
“Sting ingrained in me the essence of a wrestling match, which is about making your opponent look strong and creating a captivating match,” explained Wight. “The principle is not about showing off your moves, but rather about contributing to the overall story being told in the ring. The wrestlers who focus on elevating others are the ones I hold in high regard. Sting exemplified this approach and was invaluable to my development as a professional wrestler.”
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FAQ Section
- Who is Paul Wight?
- Paul Wight, formerly known as The Giant, is a professional wrestler who competed in WCW and currently takes part in AEW. He has had multiple championships throughout his career.
- When did Paul Wight debut in professional wrestling?
- Paul Wight made his professional wrestling debut in October of 1995.
- What was the key lesson Paul Wight learned from Sting?
- The key lesson Wight learned from Sting was the importance of storytelling in wrestling and the philosophy that first one should focus on making their opponent and the match compelling, which will in turn help them get over with the audience.
- What does Paul Wight admire most about other wrestlers?
- Paul Wight respects wrestlers who work towards making their opponents look stronger and contribute to the overall match, rather than just focusing on themselves.
- Is there a video illustrating Sting’s influence on Paul Wight?
- Yes, there’s an embedded YouTube video that may showcase Sting’s impact on Paul Wight. However, the context of the video within this article is unclear.
Conclusion
In the world of professional wrestling, the guidance and influence of a veteran can shape the careers of future icons. Paul Wight’s early days were marked by such mentorship, with Sting playing a pivotal role in his formative experiences. Emphasizing storytelling and the symbiotic flow of a wrestling match, Sting imparted lessons that Wight values to this day. As Sting prepares to step away from the ring, his legacy endures, not only through his legendary bouts but also through the wrestlers like Paul Wight, whose careers he helped mold.