Paul White, better known by his ring name Big Show, is one of the most successful and popular professional wrestlers of all time. He is also one of the largest, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing over 400 pounds. His immense size and strength have earned him the nickname “The World’s Largest Athlete”.
But is Paul White related to another legendary giant of the wrestling world, André the Giant? This rumor has been circulating for decades, ever since White debuted in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995 as The Giant. He was initially billed as “the son of André the Giant”, a claim that was later dropped and revealed to be a lie.
So, what is the truth behind this rumor? Is there any biological or familial connection between Paul White and André the Giant? Or is it just a marketing gimmick to capitalize on the legacy of one of the most beloved wrestlers in history?
The Origin of the Rumor
The rumor that Paul White is related to André the Giant can be traced back to his early days in WCW. He was discovered by Hulk Hogan, who was impressed by his size and resemblance to André. Hogan convinced WCW owner Ted Turner to sign White and give him a huge push as a main event star
White was given the ring name The Giant and was introduced as “the son of André the Giant”. He was also given a similar attire and moveset to André, such as the choke slam and the bear hug. He was portrayed as a heel (villain) who wanted to avenge his father’s death by destroying Hogan, who had famously defeated André at WrestleMania III in 1987
The storyline was based on the fact that André had passed away in 1993 due to complications from acromegaly, a condition that causes excessive growth hormone production and leads to gigantism. White also suffers from acromegaly, which explains his large frame and facial features
However, the storyline was soon dropped and White turned face (hero) after joining forces with Hogan against the New World Order (NWO), a group of wrestlers who had betrayed WCW and formed their own faction. White also changed his ring name to simply The Giant and stopped using any references to André
The Reality of the Relationship
The reality is that Paul White is not related to André the Giant in any way, shape or form. They are not biologically or legally related, nor do they share any common ancestry or heritage. They are simply two individuals who happen to have a similar medical condition that affects their physical appearance and stature.
White himself has confirmed this many times in interviews and documentaries. He has stated that he never met André in person, nor did he have any contact with his family or estate. He has also expressed his respect and admiration for André, calling him “the greatest big man ever” and “a pioneer for guys like me”.
White has also revealed that he was not comfortable with the storyline that claimed he was André’s son, as he felt it was disrespectful to André’s memory and legacy. He said that he agreed to do it only because he was new in the business and wanted to please Hogan and Turner, who were his mentors at the time. He said that he regretted doing it and wished he had done things differently.
White has also clarified that he does not consider himself a successor or an imitator of André, but rather a unique performer who has his own style and personality. He said that he does not try to copy André’s moves or mannerisms, but rather pays homage to him by using some of his signature moves as a tribute. He said that he hopes to honor André’s legacy by being a good ambassador for wrestling and a positive role model for fans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul White is not related to André the Giant, despite the rumors that have been circulating for years. They are two separate individuals who have nothing in common except for their acromegaly condition and their wrestling careers. They have never met or interacted with each other, nor do they have any family ties or connections.
The rumor originated from a storyline in WCW that claimed White was André’s son, but this was later dropped and exposed as a lie. White himself has denied any relationship with André and has expressed his regret for participating in the storyline. He has also shown his respect and admiration for André, calling him an inspiration and a legend.
Therefore, there is no truth behind the rumor that Paul White is related to André the Giant. It is just a myth that has been perpetuated by fans and media over the years. It is time to put this rumor to rest and appreciate both men for their individual achievements and contributions to wrestling history.
