Melissa Ann Piavis gained fame through her marriage to Big Show, a wrestling legend. But Melissa’s story is more than being his ex-wife. Her Greek-American heritage and life after their divorce add layers to her intriguing journey.
Melissa stepped into the wrestling world when she married Paul Wight, famously known as The Big Show, in 1997. Though not a wrestler, her life changed as she entered the chaotic world of WWE during its 1990s boom.
About 25% of wrestling fans are women, but Melissa experienced it differently. She had a rare behind-the-scenes view of that era. Her life intertwined with the wrestling industry, offering a glimpse into the high-stakes lives of wrestling superstars.
Who is Melissa Ann Piavis?
Born on 30 May 1966, Melissa Ann Piavis is a Greek-American personality known for her connection to the world of professional wrestling. Her father, James Piavis, played a significant role in her upbringing, instilling strong values that Melissa carried throughout her life.
Melissa’s early years were spent in a close-knit family environment. Despite being thrust into the public eye due to her marriage, she has always prioritized a low-profile lifestyle. She belongs to the white ethnicity, with her blonde hair and brown eyes being distinguishing features.
Profile Summary
| Name | Melissa Ann Piavis |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 May 1966 |
| Age | 58 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | Greek-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Famous As | Ex-wife of Big Show, celebrity spouse |
| Marriage Date | 14 February 1997 |
| Separation Date | 2000 |
| Divorce Date | 6 February 2002 |
| Children | Cierra Wight (born 28 November 1998) |
What is Melissa Ann Piavis’ Age?
Melissa is currently 58 years old. Born under the Gemini zodiac sign, her vibrant personality shone during her marriage to Big Show, whom she married at the age of 31. As of 2024, Melissa continues to live a life centered on family and privacy.
Why is Melissa Ann Piavis Famous?
Melissa Ann Piavis became famous primarily as the ex-wife of Big Show, whose real name is Paul Donald Wight II. Big Show is a celebrated figure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). The couple’s relationship was highly publicized, especially given Big Show’s stature in wrestling.
During their marriage, Melissa supported Big Show through his wrestling career, which included major achievements such as the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. Their union made headlines, particularly their Valentine’s Day wedding on 14 February 1997.
Even after their separation in 2000 and divorce in 2002, Melissa remains a recognizable name among wrestling fans and celebrity news followers.
Who is Melissa Ann Piavis’ Husband?
Melissa was married to Big Show, one of the most renowned names in professional wrestling history. Their marriage lasted from 1997 to 2002. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Cierra Wight, on 28 November 1998.
After their divorce, Big Show remarried his current wife, Bess Katramados, in 2002. He and Bess have two children, Jett Wight and Cash Wight, born on 19 June 2007 and 8 December 2010, respectively.
She chose not to remarry and has remained single, focusing her energy on raising her daughter and maintaining a private life.
Melissa Ann Piavis and Big Show’s Marriage
Melissa and Big Show’s marriage was a blend of love and challenges. The couple tied the knot in Chicago, Illinois, at the peak of Big Show’s wrestling career. However, the demands of a career in professional wrestling strained their relationship.
Their separation in 2000 marked the beginning of the end, culminating in a divorce finalized on 6 February 2002. Despite the split, they maintained a civil relationship for the sake of their daughter, Cierra Wight.
Melissa Ann Piavis and Big Show’s Family
Children
Melissa shares a daughter, Cierra Wight, with Big Show. Cierra, born in Tampa, Florida, on 28 November 1998, has largely stayed out of the public eye. She enjoys a private life, supported by her mother’s protective approach.
Big Show’s Current Family
Big Show, after marrying Bess Katramados, expanded his family with two children, Jett and Cash Wight. They live in Tampa, Florida, where Big Show continues to balance his career in wrestling, acting, and family life.
What Makes Melissa Ann Piavis Unique?
Melissa’s decision to maintain privacy after her high-profile divorce sets her apart from many other celebrity spouses. Unlike others who capitalize on their connections, Melissa has deliberately avoided media attention, choosing instead to prioritize her family and personal peace.
The Big Show and Melissa Ann Piavis: A Wrestling Love Story
The relationship between The Big Show and Melissa Ann Piavis began in the late 1990s, during a time when wrestling was booming in popularity, especially within WCW (World Championship Wrestling) and WWE.
The Big Show, a towering figure in professional wrestling at nearly 7 feet tall, had just begun to rise through the ranks of the wrestling world. His larger-than-life persona made him a household name, but behind the scenes, his personal life was just beginning to take shape with Melissa.
Melissa Ann Piavis, who wasn’t a public figure when they met, quickly became a central part of The Big Show’s life. Their connection was much more than a love story it was a partnership that mirrored the highs and lows of professional wrestling.
As The Big Show’s fame grew, so did the challenges of being in a public relationship with a wrestling superstar. Their relationship unfolded publicly due to wrestling storylines, which often blurred the lines between real life and scripted drama.
The couple became the subject of public interest, with fans and the media eager to know more about their life together. They appeared together at wrestling events, signing autographs for fans and occasionally appearing on screen as part of wrestling gimmicks.
How They Met?
Paul Wight, known for his intimidating persona in the ring, met Melissa Ann Piavis while working in WCW, where he began his professional wrestling career. They crossed paths while he was still in the early stages of his rise to fame, and their connection grew quickly.
For Melissa, becoming the partner of such a colossal figure in wrestling was a dramatic shift from her previously quieter life.
The couple bonded over the shared experiences of navigating the intense world of professional wrestling, and by the time The Big Show moved to WWE, their relationship was firmly established.
Life as a Wrestling WAG: Melissa’s Experience
Being the partner of a wrestling superstar comes with its own set of challenges, and Melissa Ann Piavis was no stranger to this lifestyle. As a Wrestling WAG, she was thrust into a world filled with wrestling tours, constant travel, and the ever present media attention.
It was a life that required resilience, understanding, and the ability to balance personal life with the constant demands of the wrestling lifestyle.
Navigating the Spotlight
The attention that came with being married to The Big Show was overwhelming at times. Melissa had to adjust to constant scrutiny from fans and media, with every aspect of their personal lives being dissected. In an industry known for its intense spotlight, it wasn’t easy to maintain privacy.
However, despite the pressures of celebrity marriage, Melissa managed to remain composed, often staying out of the limelight while supporting her husband’s career. She would attend wrestling conventions and be by his side during significant events, but she never sought the same level of attention he received.
Life Behind the Scenes
Behind closed doors, Melissa Ann Piavis was an integral part of The Big Show’s success. While her husband traveled for wrestling shows, she was often at home, managing the household and offering emotional support.
The Big Show had a demanding schedule, but Melissa’s role as a supportive partner allowed him to focus on his career.
Though she didn’t step into the wrestling ring herself, Melissa was involved in helping her husband navigate the complexities of being a wrestling superstar. She often served as a calm and grounded presence, balancing the highs and lows of his intense career.
The End of the Marriage: Divorce from The Big Show
The public nature of their relationship eventually led to a highly publicized breakup. The Big Show and Melissa Ann Piavis divorced in 2002, a significant turning point in both their lives.
The pressures of the wrestling lifestyle, the time spent apart due to wrestling tours, and the constant media attention played key roles in the dissolution of their marriage.
The Strain of Fame and Time
In the high-pressure world of professional wrestling, maintaining a personal relationship can be incredibly difficult. The Big Show’s career required him to travel constantly, often leaving Melissa behind.
The separation caused by his grueling schedule created emotional distance, and their marriage began to show signs of strain.
In addition to the physical distance, the constant public scrutiny of their marriage made it harder to find normalcy. Melissa, like many other wrestling WAGs, found herself in a situation where balancing public life with private matters was nearly impossible.
How Their Divorce Unfolded
The divorce was widely covered in the media, making it one of the most talked-about celebrity separations in the wrestling world at the time. While both parties remained professional, their personal lives were placed under a microscope, with fans speculating about the reasons for their split.
Though both The Big Show and Melissa Ann Piavis have since moved on, the end of their marriage marked a significant chapter in both of their lives, forever altering how their stories were perceived by the public.
Melissa Ann Piavis After the Divorce
Following the divorce, Melissa Ann Piavis opted for a quieter life, far removed from the wrestling spotlight. While her ex-husband continued his career in WWE, she chose to focus on her personal life away from the cameras.
Life After The Big Show
Melissa never remarried or sought a public life after her split from The Big Show. Instead, she focused on living a life outside the glare of public attention. She transitioned into a more private existence, making rare appearances in the public eye but mostly staying out of the spotlight.
Personal Life Post-Divorce
Though Melissa has kept a low profile, she has occasionally been seen attending wrestling conventions and public events. Over the years, she has worked to rebuild her life outside of the professional wrestling world, no longer living in the public eye like she once did during her marriage.
The Legacy of Melissa Ann Piavis in Wrestling History
While Melissa Ann Piavis may not have had the same level of fame as The Big Show, her contribution to wrestling history cannot be ignored. She was a supportive partner during a pivotal time in his career and played a key role in his rise to fame.
Her Role in Wrestling
Though she did not participate in wrestling storylines directly, Melissa was a constant figure in The Big Show’s career. From traveling with him to supporting him at major WWE events, her presence helped shape his journey through the world of professional wrestling.
As a wrestling WAG, she exemplified the often unseen but incredibly important role that partners play in the lives of superstars. Her behind-the-scenes influence helped make The Big Show’s journey to the top of the wrestling world a reality.
Where is Melissa Ann Piavis Now?
Melissa Ann Piavis now resides in the United States. She has chosen a life away from the public eye, focusing on personal growth and family. Her daughter, Cierra Wight, has followed a path of education and independence, largely shielded from the media spotlight.
Melissa has embraced a low-profile lifestyle, avoiding social media and public appearances. While Big Show has ventured into acting with appearances in movies like Fast & Furious Spy Racers and TV shows such as Happy! and Supah Ninjas, Melissa has stayed out of the entertainment world.
Lessons from Melissa’s Story: Celebrity Relationships in Wrestling
The story of Melissa Ann Piavis and The Big Show offers valuable lessons for anyone involved in celebrity relationships, particularly those in the world of wrestling.
The Reality of Fame and Relationships
The struggles faced by Melissa and The Big Show highlight the challenges of maintaining a relationship while constantly in the public eye. The demands of wrestling tours, media attention, and wrestling personas made it incredibly difficult for their marriage to survive.
For those in celebrity marriages, the pressure to balance privacy with fame can be overwhelming. Melissa’s experience teaches us that even the most carefully managed relationships can falter under the weight of public scrutiny.
Celebrity Marriages in Wrestling
Many other wrestling superstars have faced similar relationship challenges, including the likes of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The story of The Big Show and Melissa Ann Piavis serves as a reminder of how difficult it can be for relationships to endure in an industry built on fame and drama.
FAQs
Who is Melissa Ann Piavis?
Melissa Ann Piavis is the ex-wife of Big Show, a professional wrestler and actor. She is also the mother of his eldest daughter, Cierra Wight.
Where is Melissa Ann Piavis now?
Melissa resides in the United States, living a private and low-profile life, focusing on her family.
Is Melissa Ann Piavis married?
No, Melissa has remained single since her divorce from Big Show in 2002.
Is Big Show still married?
Yes, Big Show is married to Bess Katramados since 2002. They share two children and live a private family life.
Who is Big Show new wife?
Big Show’s current wife is Bess Katramados, whom he married in 2002. They share two children, Jett Wight and Cash Wight.
How many children does Big Show have?
Big Show has three children: Cierra Wight (with Melissa) and Jett Wight and Cash Wight (with Bess Katramados).
Why did WWE get rid of Big Show?
Big Show left WWE because he felt his roles were being reduced due to his age and wanted to avoid early retirement.
Conclusion
Melissa Ann Piavis’ story reflects fame, resilience, and a deep commitment to family. As the ex-wife of Big Show, her life once intertwined with the high-profile world of wrestling. Yet, after their divorce, Melissa chose privacy over the spotlight, focusing on raising her family. Her journey is a quiet but inspiring tale of strength and devotion.
While Big Show continues his stellar career in wrestling, television, and Hollywood, Melissa remains an important yet unseen part of wrestling history. She symbolizes the sacrifices made by the families who support these stars behind the scenes.
Her story resonates with fans because it’s relatable. Not everyone steps into the ring, but many understand supporting someone through a demanding career. Melissa reminds us there’s more to professional wrestling than matches or dramatic storylines.
Behind every legend, there’s a person like Melissa. Perhaps one day, she’ll share more about her incredible journey.
Christopher Lee is a seasoned journalist and expert in celebrity news, bringing you the latest insights and trends from Hollywood and beyond. With a passion for storytelling, Christopher has spent years covering the lives of stars, offering readers a unique perspective on their favorite celebrities. When he’s not writing, you can find him exploring pop culture or enjoying a good movie. Follow his journey on Celeboxo.