When you think of pro wrestling legends, names like Big Show come to mind immediately. But behind the big names and bright lights, there are people who hold it all together. For Paul Wight, famously known as Big Show, that person is his wife, Bess Katramados. While her husband’s career has taken him around the world and into millions of living rooms, Bess has stayed grounded, focused, and away from the headlines—exactly how she prefers it.
Her story isn’t about fame or red carpets. It’s about quiet strength, sacrifice, and a commitment to family that has stood strong for over two decades.
Early Life: Midwest Roots and Modeling Dreams
Bess Katramados was born on July 13, 1973, in Illinois, where she grew up in a Christian household. Raised with traditional values and a strong sense of family, she attended Lutheran High School. She wasn’t particularly drawn to academics, but her interest in modeling developed during her final school years.
With hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and a height of 5’8”, she had the classic features that fit perfectly in the world of fashion. After high school, Bess began modeling locally, eventually working with various small agencies. It wasn’t the type of modeling career that makes tabloid headlines, but it was steady and built on passion.
Meeting Big Show and a New Chapter
Bess’s life changed forever when she met Paul Wight, better known as Big Show, one of the most dominant and recognizable figures in pro wrestling history. The two reportedly connected soon after Paul’s divorce from his first wife, Melissa Ann Piavis, was finalized in early 2002.
On February 11, 2002, just days after that divorce, Bess and Paul got married. It was the beginning of a relationship that would quietly outlast many in the spotlight.
Life as a Wife and Mother
After marrying Big Show, Bess stepped away from modeling and focused entirely on family life. The couple has two children together—Jett Wight, born in 2007, and Cash Wight, born in 2010. In addition, Bess is stepmother to Cierra Wight, Paul’s daughter from his previous marriage.
Contrary to some online rumors, all of Paul’s children are his biological children, not adopted.
The family lives in Miami, Florida, in a luxurious 9,500-square-foot mansion. Purchased in 2007 for approximately $3.7 million, the house includes six bedrooms, a media room, a pool and spa, and plenty of space for privacy and relaxation.
Supporting Big Show’s Career from the Shadows
Bess didn’t just become a stay-at-home mom. She also became a trainer, motivator, and personal wellness guide for her husband. With her background in fitness and modeling, she helped Big Show maintain his health through the physically demanding years of wrestling and later into his acting career.
Over the years, Paul’s career took him from WWE to AEW and even into television with his Netflix show, The Big Show Show, in 2020. Through it all, Bess remained his rock. She didn’t chase headlines or appear on screen, but her support behind the scenes made much of his success possible.
A Life of Financial Independence
Before marrying Big Show, Bess had already earned income from her modeling gigs. Today, her net worth is estimated at around $3 million, while her husband is worth around $20 million. Even though she stepped away from her modeling work, her financial foundation didn’t rely entirely on her husband’s success.
Together, they’ve built a life of comfort, but you won’t find them flaunting it on social media.
A Rare Example of Privacy in a Digital Age
In today’s world, where nearly every celebrity or their spouse is active online, Bess Katramados is an exception. She has no known public Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook accounts.
Her decision to stay offline has allowed her children to grow up with a level of privacy that many celebrity families struggle to maintain. While Big Show has millions of followers, Bess remains behind the scenes, a firm believer in keeping family life off the internet.
This low-profile approach has helped the couple steer clear of drama and controversy for over 20 years. That’s practically unheard of in both the wrestling world and the entertainment industry.
The Bond That Endures
With their anniversary passing the 22-year mark, Bess and Big Show have proved that lasting love in the spotlight is still possible. Their relationship hasn’t been about flashy headlines but about mutual respect, shared goals, and keeping a tight family bond.
They’ve avoided scandals, kept their personal lives personal, and created a home that balances success with values.
Final Thoughts
Bess Katramados may not walk red carpets or give interviews, but her impact is undeniable. She left a modeling career to focus on raising a family, supporting one of wrestling’s biggest stars, and creating a life grounded in privacy and purpose.
Her strength isn’t in social media posts or magazine covers—it’s in quiet moments, steady dedication, and a clear sense of who she is. In many ways, she’s the exact kind of partner every superstar needs.
While Big Show might get the standing ovations, Bess is the one behind the curtain making sure the show goes on—day in, day out, for over two decades and counting.