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Why did The Big Show leave WWE and sign for AEW?

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The Big Show became the latest star to join AEW but why did he leave WWE?

AEW made another big signing by grabbing hold of The Big Show, a former WWE Champion and someone who is a bit of a legend in the wrestling business.

Show, called Paul Wight by AEW possibly due to trademark issues, had featured on Raw recently during Legends Night.

However, this signing by AEW caught a few off guard. Show seemed set to remain in WWE but now has jumped ship.

AEW confirmed via a press release that Wight would feature in the ring and also have the role of a commentator on a new show.

AEW Dark: Elevation becomes the third show of the week for AEW after Dynamite and Dark. Wight also had some great words for the rising promotion in the press release:

“It’s been amazing to watch what AEW has built in just a couple of years.

“AEW Dark is an incredible platform to hone the skills of up-and-coming wrestlers, but I also love that established AEW talent can build out their personalities and showcase themselves in new ways on Dark. It’s no exaggeration when they say that AEW is boundless.”

Tony Khan also posted a tribute to Wight and the former WWE star was congratulated by many for joining the company.

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The Big Show is one of the most recognizable stars in wrestling history. He won titles in WCW and WWE but this is a big move for Show.

It will be interesting to see how things work out for him. Many former WWE stars have joined AEW since the company was brought up by Tony Khan.

However, there is more to the story it seems as all was not well between Show and WWE.

Big Show with World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton during the WWE Smackdown Live Tour at Westridge Park Tennis Stadium on July 08, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Why did The Big Show leave WWE?

Wight had appeared on Raw Legends Night on 4 January. However, PWInsider (h/t Wrestling Inc) brought up his WWE contract and how he was not happy with it.

The report claims that The Big Show’s WWE contract ran out and the pair were unable to come to terms over a new one.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L) stares down wrestlers Chris Jericho and Big Show during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather was a special guest host during the broadcast. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

That left Wight a little upset with the situation with his contract. Big Show had been with WWE for a long time but it seems that his release was only confirmed last week as he was placed in the WWE Alumni section.

Wight has now signed a long-term deal with AEW and these are interesting times for the brand. AEW has grown from having PPVs to having a regular TV show and now is set to have three shows per week.

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!

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