Big Show ready for Backlash
By ALEX RISTIC -- SLAM! Wrestling
Shane McMahon and The Big Show in happier times.
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Backlash is one of the more aptly titled Pay-Per-Views that the WWF puts
on. It connects directly with the fallout of Wrestlemania as well as the subsequent story lines told afterward.
Chris Benoit continuing his feud with Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho his with
William Regal. Christian getting involved with Matt Hardy as part of the
triple-threat European title match, X-Factor settling a grudge with the
Dudley Boys. All of these matches have to do with some sort of payback.
There are some oddities though. The Big Show isn't really mad at Shane
McMahon, yet the two will square off in Last Man Standing Match this
Sunday. As a matter of fact, it's poppa Vince McMahon that has
a beef with his son - the Show is just along for the ride.
So, what can one expect when the giant and the prodigal son lock horns?
"I plan on going out with Shane, giving 110 per cent, the best that I
can give," stated Paul Wight in a media conference call with SLAM! Wrestling. "Hopefully for the fans, they'll enjoy it, hopefully they'll appreciate it. Whatever transpires after that, we'll just roll onto the next thing."
The problem with this match-up, however, is that it appears to be a
catch-22. While Show is a behemoth with tremendous power, and Shane McMahon
has been known for some intriguing high-spots (not to mention taking
insane bumps) it doesn't look like it can benefit the Show in any way. If
he wins, well, he's the pro wrestler, he should win. He won't impress
too many people with a victory. And if he loses, it's much worse,
because it could totally take any steam out of his character making it
look like he's an ineffective "goof".
"I think people get wrapped up in that crap too much," says Show of the
situation. "Losing one match does not make or break your friggin' career.
Jake "The Snake" (Roberts), my God, he was a tremendous athlete and one
of the most popular guys ever and he hardly won a match. I don't think
it's about winning or losing. I think it's about the performance you
give. Sometimes you can go out and give a fantastic performance and
still go out and lose, and still be respected. That's the biggest thing
I've learned. Our business is entertainment. There's some legitimacy to
what you're saying - I know what you're saying - 'Will it be detrimental
to my career?' I don't think so. Obviously, the WWF is going to protect
me, The Big Show, my character as best they can. I'm just looking
forward to putting on a good match."
Continuing on, Show states there isn't too much he's concerned with as
it relates to the match's finish. Although, he knows he's in for a
potentially crazy ride with Shane-O-Mac.
"To tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about who wins, who
loses, or what's going on. The only thing I'm worried about is what's
going to land on top of me or what am I going to fall through (laughs).
Knowing my luck, Shane will drop an elbow off the top of the Sears Tower
and I have to lay there on the sidewalk to catch him."
Although Paul Wight has been wrestling for about 5 years now in some
ways he's still new as the WCW was possibly not the best environment
for him to get his start in the business. Pushed too quickly, Show didn't
have much time to get down certain basics. And it's ironic that not only
is he still feeling his way around but he's also locking up with a
non-wrestler.
The Big Show pounds on Triple H at a SkyDome house show in 1999. (Toronto Sun photo by Veronica Henri)
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Then there's the flipside. Show will be surrounded by experienced
wrestlers at Backlash so he can watch the goings-on from backstage and
possibly learn a thing or two. Not to mention that he's a fan and he
gets to check out some matches he's interested in seeing.
"The main event I would love to see just because I love watching those
four guys work - Taker, Kane, Austin and HHH. Now that Austin's a heel,
he's just so energetic and a lot of old school comes out of him; just
the little things that I love seeing and learning from and watching.
That I'm very excited to see."
Before departing Show lists another match he is looking forward to.
"I'm also very excited to see Angle's match with Benoit. Those two can
just flat out 'go'. Kurt Angle deserves so much respect because he's such
a tremendously nice human being, number one, he's the most humble and nicest
guy you've ever met in your life but he's such a hard working guy in
the ring. I watch some of the stuff that Chris and Kurt do - going for
stuff, the different reversals - it's just fascinating. I couldn't
wrestle that fast if I had a rocket tied to my back. The only time I
move that fast is, maybe, when I'm trying to get to the breakfast table
(laughs)."
SLAM! Wrestling will have another interview with the Big Show posted in
a couple of weeks in which he talks about his WCW days, his demotion to
Ohio Valley Wrestling and the recent controversy that stemmed from
viewers misconstruing comments he made on television toward Kaientai.
