How Tall Is Big Show the Wrestler? Real Height Revealed

By Sarah Miller · October 10, 2048

Big Show, the professional wrestler, is officially listed at 7 feet (213 cm) tall. This towering height made him one of the most dominant and recognizable figures in WWE and WCW history. Born Paul Donald Wight Jr., he leveraged his rare stature—due to acromegaly, a hormonal disorder—into a successful decades-long career across major wrestling promotions, television, and film.

Who Is Big Show?

Paul Wight, better known by his ring name Big Show, is a retired American professional wrestler, actor, and former basketball player. He gained fame primarily in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where his extraordinary size played a central role in his persona and in-ring dominance.

Key Career Highlights

Debuted in WCW in 1995 as "The Giant"
Moved to WWE in 1999, debuting as Big Show
Multiple-time world champion across WWE and WCW
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2025
Appeared in films and TV shows such as Jingle All the Way, Outside Shots, and NCIS: Los Angeles

How Tall Is Big Show? Official Measurements

Throughout his career, Big Show was consistently listed at 7 feet (213 cm). While exact measurements can vary slightly depending on the source or footwear, this height has been confirmed by official WWE and WCW profiles, medical records, and public documentation.

Why Is He So Tall?

Big Show's exceptional height is due to acromegaly, a condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, typically from a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. This condition led to abnormal skeletal growth, particularly noticeable in his hands, feet, and overall height. Acromegaly was diagnosed during his college basketball career, which ultimately ended due to related health complications.

Attribute	Measurement	Source
Height (barefoot)	6 ft 11 in (211 cm)	1
Height (with boots)	7 ft 0 in (213 cm)	1
Weight	383–440 lbs (174–199 kg)	1
Shoe Size	US 20 (EEE)	2
Wingspan	Approx. 84 inches (213 cm)	3

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data confirms that Big Show’s height is among the highest ever recorded in professional wrestling. While some sources list him slightly under 7 feet barefoot, his in-ring presence with boots aligns closely with the official 7-foot mark. His wingspan nearly matches his height, contributing to his imposing reach advantage in matches.

Comparisons With Other Tall Wrestlers

Big Show stands among the tallest wrestlers in history. Here’s how he compares:

André the Giant: Often cited at 7'4", though likely closer to 7'0"–7'1"
Giant Bernard (Matt Bloom): 6'9" (206 cm)
Kane (Glenn Jacobs): 6'10" (208 cm)
Talledega (wrestler): 7'1" (unverified, limited career)

While André the Giant is legendary for his size, Big Show’s medically documented height and longevity in top promotions make him one of the most credible 7-foot athletes in wrestling.

Impact of Height on His Wrestling Career

Big Show’s height gave him a unique advantage in the ring:

Visual dominance over opponents
Enhanced storytelling potential (monster heel, powerhouse babyface)
Greater reach for moves like chokeslams and spear attempts
Increased media attention and marketability

However, his size also posed challenges, including higher injury risk, mobility limitations, and long-term joint stress due to acromegaly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Show's Height

Is Big Show really 7 feet tall?

Yes, Big Show is officially recognized as 7 feet tall when wearing his wrestling boots. Medical and promotional records confirm his height at approximately 6'11" barefoot, rounding up to 7 feet for consistency in branding and presentation.

How does Big Show’s height compare to NBA players?

At 7 feet, Big Show is taller than the average NBA center (around 6'10"). He would rank among the tallest players in NBA history, comparable to legends like Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol, both listed at 7'2".

Did Big Show play basketball professionally?

No, Big Show did not play professional basketball. He played college basketball at Martin Methodist College but had to stop due to complications from acromegaly. He briefly joined the NBA’s preseason with the Philadelphia 76ers but was cut before the regular season.

Does Big Show have a medical condition affecting his height?

Yes, Big Show has acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone. This condition contributed to his extreme height and large bone structure. It was diagnosed during his early adulthood and required multiple surgeries throughout his life.

What is Big Show’s real name and birth date?

Big Show’s real name is Paul Donald Wight Jr. He was born on February 8, 1972, in Aiken, South Carolina. As of 2025, he is 53 years old and works as a commentator and analyst for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).