Walmart came to the rescue of Paul Wight’s WWE debut.
The star first appeared in the company at the St Valentine’s Day Massacre pay-per-view in February 1999.
The show took place at the height of Steve Austin and Vince McMahon‘s epic rivalry and saw the two men battle in a Steel Cage Match in the main event.
Just as the Texas Rattlesnake looked to be on the verge of victory, Wight shockingly emerged from under the ring to assist McMahon and began throwing him into the cage.
Things didn’t go as planned for the Chairman of the Board though, as Wight threw Austin a little too hard, sending him flying through the cage and to the floor, resulting in the Bionic Redneck getting the victory for “escaping” the cage.
Paul Wight’s WWE debut almost didn’t go as planned
Recalling the debut on The Wrestling Outlaws podcast, Vince Russo revealed that the decision to have him interfere in the bout came at the last minute.
Although the star was at the arena, he didn’t have any gear with him. Russo says they had to send someone to “14 Walmarts” to get suitable clothes that would fit his massive size.
“So we decided we were going to use him (Big Show) at the pay-per-view, and he’s gonna come from under the ring. Bro, he did not know he was going to be working that night.
“He didn’t have the clothes. He didn’t have the appropriate clothes. We had to send a guy out to 14 Walmarts to find black pants and a black T-shirt in his freaking size and I can’t believe the guy found it.”
Wight went on to have a successful 20-year career in the company, becoming a three-time World Champion in the process.
In 2021, the star left WWE to join AEW where he provided commentary for Dark Elevation as well as occasionally getting back in the ring.
H/T to Sportskeeda for the above transcription.