Many wrestling fans have wondered if there is a family connection between two of the biggest and most famous wrestlers of all time: Big Show and Andre the Giant. Both men are known for their enormous size, which was caused by a rare condition called acromegaly, which causes excess growth hormones. Both men also had successful careers in WWE and other promotions, winning multiple championships and accolades. But are they really related? Here is the truth behind the rumor.
The Origin of the Rumor
The rumor that Big Show is Andre the Giant’s son started in 1995, when Big Show made his debut in WCW under the ring name The Giant. He was introduced as the son of Andre the Giant, who had died two years earlier. The storyline was meant to create a feud with Hulk Hogan, who had famously faced Andre at WrestleMania III in 1987. The Giant wore a similar attire to Andre and claimed to have inherited his father’s strength and legacy. He even challenged Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Halloween Havoc 1995, which he won by disqualification.
However, the familial link was short-lived and was not mentioned much after Big Show’s debut. His connection with Andre was simply that the pair were both tall, although Big Show revealed the inspiration he took from Andre the Giant on an episode of Steve Austin’s podcast.
The Reality of the Relationship
Andre the Giant is not Big Show’s dad. While both men suffer from the same condition that caused their gigantic size (acromegaly), and both men became legendary wrestlers who held, among other titles, the WWE Championship, they are not related at all.
Andre the Giant was born in France, while Big Show grew up in South Carolina. Andre’s real name was Andre Rene Roussimoff, and he had one daughter named Robin, who was born in 1979. Big Show’s real name is Paul Wight Jr., and he is named after his father, who was not a wrestler. When Wight was young, he suffered from the same acromegaly disorder that caused Andre’s growth, but he had a tumor removed that halted the progression of the disease.
The Legacy of the Giants
Despite not being related by blood, Big Show and Andre the Giant share a bond as two of the most influential and iconic wrestlers in history. Both men have been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame: Andre in 1993 as the first ever inductee, and Big Show in 2021 as part of the Legacy Wing. Both men have also appeared in movies and TV shows, such as The Princess Bride (Andre) and The Waterboy (Big Show). Both men have also inspired generations of fans and wrestlers with their charisma, athleticism and personality.
Big Show has often paid tribute to Andre by using some of his signature moves, such as the chokeslam and the bear hug. He has also expressed his admiration and respect for Andre in interviews and documentaries. In 2018, he hosted a special on HBO called Andre the Giant, which chronicled Andre’s life and career.
Big Show and Andre the Giant may not be related by blood, but they are related by spirit. They are two giants who have left a lasting impact on wrestling and pop culture.
