Melissa Ann Piavis is perhaps best known for her previous marriage to renowned wrestling superstar, Paul Wight, more popularly known by his ring name – The Big Show.
This article delves into Piavis’s life, exploring her background, her relationship with the wrestling legend, and her life post-divorce.
Melissa Ann Piavis: Early Days & Personal Life
Melissa Ann Piavis was born on May 30, 1966, in Greece, making her a proud Greek by nationality and of white ethnicity. Details about her early life and family remain elusive, but we know that she is a product of Sprayberry High School in Georgia, USA.
Melissa and Paul Wight’s love story began in 1995 with Wight’s WCW contract. Their personal bond flourished alongside their professional journey.
Two years of dating led them to a heartfelt decision on Valentine’s Day in 1997. With love surrounding them, they exchanged vows, starting a new chapter together.
Parenthood
On November 28, 1998, Melissa and Paul welcomed their first and only child, a daughter named Cierra Wight.
As of today, Cierra is 23 years old and a graduate of Palm Harbor High School. She later attended the University of West Florida, where she earned a degree in graphic design.
The Wrestling Priority: The Demise of Their Marriage
Despite the joy brought by their daughter’s birth, the couple’s relationship hit rocky ground. Paul Wight’s commitment to his wrestling career, it seemed, overshadowed his dedication to his domestic life.
A pivotal moment came on their second marriage anniversary when Wight made his mainstream wrestling debut. The event led to disagreements and ultimately the dissolution of their union.
Divorce and Life After
On February 6, 2002, Melissa and Paul officially ended their marriage. Speculations were rife about the reasons behind their divorce, with some insinuating that Paul was having an affair with his then-soon-to-be second wife, Bess Katramados. Others suggested that his commitment to his wrestling career was the primary cause of their split.
Just days after finalizing his divorce from Melissa, Paul Wight found love again and married Bess Katramados. The couple has two children, making Cierra a big sister to two siblings.
Since her divorce from Paul in 2002, Melissa has maintained a low public profile. She is believed to be living in Florida, and while there are no confirmed reports of her remarrying or being in a romantic relationship, it’s clear that she prefers a life away from the media’s glare.
Big Show: The Man Melissa Once Called Husband
Paul Donald Wight II, better known as Big Show, is a celebrated American professional wrestler and actor currently associated with the RAW brand of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He made his wrestling debut in 1994 and was later officially signed by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name, The Giant.
Big Show is a seven-time WWE world champion and an 11-time World Tag Team Champion. He is also the only wrestler to have held WWE, World Heavyweight, ECW, and WCW championships. As of 2023, Big Show has a whopping net worth of $16 million.
In Conclusion
Melissa Ann Piavis may be best known as the former wife of The Big Show, but she is indeed a woman with her own identity, living her life away from the limelight. While her ex-husband continues to make waves in the wrestling and entertainment industry, Melissa chooses to lead a quieter, private life, away from the media’s scrutiny.
Despite the ups and downs of her past, she remains a significant part of Paul Wight’s life as the mother of their daughter, Cierra.