The "Ask the Specialists" Roundtable is the latest spin-off from the "Ask the Torch" feature. CSI led to CSI: New York and CSI: Miami, which is where you'll find the Specialists tackling a daily topic submitted by PWTorch readers to askpwtorch@gmail.com.

Ask the Specialists Roundtable #68

- Question from PWTorch reader Phil Lanides: What are your thoughts on the Paul Wight's place in wrestling history? Multi-time world champ, a huge guy that has been able to pull off impressive and agile moves for a guy of his size, a character that's evolved with the changing times, a team player...is he the best giant ever? He probably hasn't drawn money like Andre did, but is a much better wrestler with similar charisma. Where does he stand in your eyes?

- "Mr. PPV" Nathan Kyght responds: I would absolutely agree. After being saddled with the silly 'Dungeon of Doom/Andre's son' gimmick in WCW, he went on to win the World Title (albeit briefly) in his debut PPV match and has remained a constant in the business since. He's also overcome multiple start/stop turns and ill-advised comedy gimmicks, but overall, I'd say your assessment is spot on. I think that if he had been protected more in the WWE and presented more sporadically (similar to The Undertaker) then his legacy would be more apparent, but he's my call for the best giant wrestling has seen and it's not even close.

- "Instant Reaction" Ben Tucker (@BTuckerTorch) responds: It's hard to say, but Show's legacy will always be hampered by his poor booking over the years. That and 15 years of wrestling Kane.

- "Falls Count Anywhere" Tony Donofrio (@TonyDonofrio) responds: You would have to say that Big Show is definitely one of the best big men of all-time. His resume, which you alluded to, speaks for itself. With that said, the past few years (probably since the break-up of JeriShow) have not done Paul Wight any favors. He’s made so many heel and face turns the past few years that it probably makes the hierarchy of the 2000-01 WCW blush!

I have no doubts though that Wight will be in the WWE HOF someday. He’s a multiple time WCW, WWE, and World Heavyweight champion. That, in itself, is more than enough to put him in consideration as one of the best big men of all-time. You also have to give Wight, the man, a lot of credit. He always battled problems with his weight and at one time in late 2000, even got sent to OVW as a demotion that could’ve easily broke his spirit and derailed his career. You can also argue that WWE never truly booked him as the monster that he really could’ve been booked as long-term. All through that, he has seemingly been a very loyal WWE guy. He’s definitely one of the guys you have to look back at a career like that and respect.

- "Common Fan" Jimmy Eaton (@TheCommonFan) responds: I think he deserves a place in the upper level of big men for sure. He's been able to hang with many guys and have some memorable moments. I don't think his match quality is anywhere near some others (Undertaker being an example), but probably Top 10-20 and HOF'er for sure. Thanks for the question!

- "Showstopper" Shawn Valentino responds: Thanks for your question. I think that Big Show has largely been a misutilized talent his entire carrier. He is athletic for his size and a better wrestler than Andre. He is enormously talented and has a charismatic charm that has been repeatedly channeled in the wrong direction. In my eyes, he is a goofy joke that I cannot take seriously no matter what program he is. He has no constitution and is completely inconsistent in his character portrayal. For example, when he was supposed to be the smiling hero when he popped up on the big screen as Rusev was in the ring, he looked completely unlikeable.

I only saw Andre the Giant at the conclusion of his career when he could barely move, but he had an aura that was unmatched. He looked like a Bond villain, and he had an intimidating voice that was inimitably frightening and friendly at the same time. He could convincingly play the gentle giant and the invincible monster. There will never be anyone like him again.

- "Mr. TV" Justin James (@Justin_M_James) responds: Big Show is a fine asset for the reasons you listed (and a few more, like his willingness and ability to venture into TV and movies), but best giant? It depends on what you mean by “best” I suppose. If measured by in-ring work, quality of promos, etc. I could see a case being made there. In terms of drawing power (which should be the ultimate yardstick) he’s not there.

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[ FYI: The specialists consist of a mix of current PWTorch contributors providing their opinion on today's wrestling scene and modern wrestling history questions, including Shawn Valentino, Michael Moore, Ben Tucker, Jon Mezzera, Justin James, Brian Leahy, Jimmy Eaton, Nathan Kyght, Tony Donofrio, Mike Roe, and Mike Metzger. ]

[Torch art credit Cory Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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