Bess Katramados may not be famous, but she’s the heart and soul behind wrestling star Big Show. Her husband, Paul Wight, is known for his huge size and big personality in the ring. Bess, though, lives a quieter life, and that’s how she likes it.
She’s not just his wife, she’s his biggest fan, a loving mom, and a strong woman with a story all her own. From growing up in a small town in Illinois to raising a family with a wrestling legend, Bess’s life is full of love and strength.
Early Life: Growing Up in Illinois
Bess Katramados was born on July 13, 1973, in a cozy corner of Illinois. Picture a classic Midwestern town with tree-lined streets and neighbors who know each other by name. That’s where Bess spent her childhood. Her family was tight-knit, grounded in faith, and full of love.
They went to church on Sundays, shared big meals, and spent evenings on the porch talking about life.
A Shy Kid with Big Dreams
As a little girl, Bess was quiet but curious. She loved flipping through magazines, enchanted by the glamorous women on the pages. Even then, she dreamed of being a model, imagining herself in front of a camera. But she wasn’t the loud, outgoing type.
Friends remember her as the one who listened more than she spoke, always with a warm smile. School wasn’t her favorite place, she found books and tests a bit dull. But she shone in art classes, sketching designs and dreaming up outfits.
Family Roots and Values
Bess’s parents taught her to work hard and stay humble. Her dad was a mechanic, always tinkering with cars in the garage, while her mom worked as a nurse, coming home with stories about helping people. They showed Bess the importance of kindness and sticking by your loved ones.
She was especially close to her grandparents, who lived nearby. Her grandma taught her how to bake pies, and those moments in the kitchen left a lasting mark. Even now, Bess loves whipping up a cherry pie for family gatherings.
Find Her Spark
By high school, Bess started to come out of her shell. She joined the cheerleading squad, not because she craved attention, but because she loved being part of a team. Her long legs and bright smile caught people’s eyes, and soon, friends were nudging her to try modeling.
At first, she laughed it off as modeling seemed like a far-off dream for a girl from Illinois. But the idea stuck, and by her senior year, she was ready to chase it.
Modeling Days: Chasing a Glamorous Life
After high school, Bess didn’t waste time. She packed a suitcase and moved to New York City, the heart of the modeling world. It was a big leap for a small-town girl, but she was determined. The city was loud and fast, nothing like home, yet Bess found her footing. She signed with a small agency and started going to auditions.
First Steps in Fashion
Modeling wasn’t all glitz and glamour. Bess spent long days waiting in casting calls, clutching her portfolio. She landed gigs here and there, local ads, catalog shoots, and runway shows for up-and-coming designers.
Her height, about 5 feet 8 inches, and her natural poise made her stand out. She wasn’t a supermodel, but she worked hard and booked enough jobs to pay her rent.
Learn the Ropes
The industry taught Bess a lot. She learned how to walk in sky-high heels, pose for hours without blinking, and handle rejection with a smile. Off the runway, she soaked up the city’s energy.
She’d wander through Central Park or grab coffee with other models, swapping stories about crazy shoots or tough clients. Those days shaped her, giving her confidence and a knack for staying calm under pressure.
A Pivot to Fitness
As her 20s rolled on, Bess noticed the modeling world changing. New faces came in, and the hustle started to wear her down. Around this time, she got into fitness, partly to stay in shape for shoots but also because she loved how it made her feel.
She started taking classes to become a personal trainer, figuring it could be a backup plan. Little did she know, this move would change her life in ways she never imagined.
Meet Big Show: A Love Story Begins
In the late 1990s, Bess’s world collided with a giant, literally. Paul Wight, known to wrestling fans as Big Show, was already a star in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). At 7 feet tall and over 400 pounds, he was hard to miss. Their meeting wasn’t a fairy-tale moment with violins playing. It was real, messy, and perfect in its own way.
A Chance Encounter
Bess was at a party in New York, dragged along by a friend who knew some wrestling folks. She wasn’t into the scene, but she went for the free drinks and good music. Paul was there, towering over the crowd, laughing loudly with his buddies.
Bess caught his eye from across the room. She wasn’t fazed by his size or fame. She just saw a guy with a big heart and an even bigger smile. They got to talking, and sparks flew.
Build a Connection
At the time, Paul was married to his first wife, Melissa Piavis. Things weren’t going well, and he was struggling. Bess wasn’t looking to stir up trouble; she just liked being around him. They started as friends, grabbing coffee or chatting about life.
Paul loved how Bess listened without judging. She had a way of making him feel grounded, like he could be himself, not just “Big Show.” Over time, their friendship turned into something more.
Fall in Love
By 2001, Paul’s marriage was over. He and Bess grew closer, and soon, they were head over heels. She admired his drive, how he pushed through injuries and long tours to chase his dreams. He adored her warmth, how she could light up a room without trying.
They were different. Her quiet and thoughtful, him loud and larger-than-life, but they fit. In early 2002, just days after Paul’s divorce was final, he proposed. Bess said yes, and on February 11, 2002, they tied the knot in a small, heartfelt ceremony.
Marriage and Family: Build a Life Together
Marriage to a wrestling superstar isn’t easy. Paul’s job kept him on the road for weeks at a time, performing in packed arenas or filming TV spots. Bess knew what she was signing up for, and she embraced it. Their love became the foundation of a family that’s weathered fame, injuries, and everything in between.
Settle Down in Florida
After their wedding, Bess and Paul moved to Florida, first to Odessa and later to Miami. They bought a big house with palm trees and a pool, perfect for raising kids and hosting barbecues.
Bess made it a home, filling it with cozy touches like family photos and her grandma’s pie recipes. She wanted a place where Paul could relax after tours, and where their kids could grow up feeling safe.
Becoming a Mom
Bess and Paul welcomed two children: a daughter and a son. They’ve kept their names private, wanting to give them a normal childhood away from the spotlight. Bess also became a stepmom to Cierra, Paul’s daughter from his first marriage.
Blending families isn’t always smooth, but Bess handled it with grace. She treated Cierra like her own, cheering at her school events and helping with homework. Today, Cierra’s grown, and the younger kids are teenagers, keeping Bess busy with carpools and soccer games.
Support Paul’s Career
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Bess wasn’t just a wife; she was Paul’s rock. Wrestling took a toll on his body—hip surgeries, knee issues, and a condition called acromegaly that caused him to grow rapidly as a kid. Bess was there through it all, helping him recover and stay fit.
She used her training background to design workouts for him, focusing on strength and flexibility. When Paul joined WWE in 1999 and later All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021, Bess traveled with him when she could, cheering from the sidelines. Fans might not see her on TV, but Paul always said she was his biggest supporter.
Balance Fame and Privacy
Being married to Big Show meant dealing with fans, paparazzi, and rumors. Bess chose to stay out of the spotlight. She doesn’t have Instagram or Twitter, preferring to keep her life offline.
When Paul starred in “The Big Show Show,” a Netflix sitcom about their family, Bess stayed behind the scenes. The show was fiction, with actors playing her and the kids, but it captured the love and chaos of their home. Bess liked it that way. She’d rather live her life than perform it for cameras.
Life Beyond Wrestling: Fitness, Faith, and Giving Back
As Paul’s wrestling career slowed down, Bess found new ways to shine. She didn’t need fame to feel fulfilled; she poured her heart into her family and passions. Her days are full, but she makes time for what matters most.
Stay Fit and Healthy
Fitness is still a big part of Bess’s life. She works out most days, mixing yoga, weight training, and long walks. It’s not about looking like a model anymore, it’s about feeling strong and keeping up with her kids. She also helps Paul stay active, especially after injuries.
They’ll hit the gym together or go for swims in their pool. Bess loves cooking healthy meals, like grilled chicken salads or smoothies packed with fruit. Her kitchen’s always stocked with fresh veggies, though she’ll sneak in a slice of pie now and then.
A Woman of Faith
Faith has always guided Bess. She grew up going to church, and those values stuck. She prays daily, finding comfort in quiet moments of reflection. When life gets tough, like when Paul had surgery or the kids hit rough patches.
She leans on her belief that things will work out. Bess and Paul sometimes volunteer at their church, helping with food drives or youth programs. It’s their way of giving back to a community that’s supported them.
Quiet Acts of Kindness
Bess isn’t one to brag, but she’s got a big heart. She and Paul support charities, especially ones for kids and veterans. They’ve donated to groups like Make-A-Wish and Wounded Warrior Project, often without fanfare.
Bess also helps out locally, like organizing school fundraisers or dropping off meals for neighbors in need. To her, it’s not about getting credit, it’s about making someone’s day a little brighter.
