Introduction
Bess Katramados is primarily known as the wife of WWE superstar Paul Wight, better known by his ring name “Big Show.” Before settling into family life, Bess worked as a professional model and has since maintained a relatively private lifestyle despite her husband’s high-profile career. While she maintains a low public profile, her role in supporting one of wrestling’s biggest stars has earned her recognition among WWE fans and celebrity watchers alike.
Biography Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bess Katramados |
| Profession | Former Model, Personal Trainer, Celebrity Wife |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1973 |
| Age | 51 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Sign | Cancer |
| Birthplace | Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’8" (173 cm) |
| Net Worth | $3 million (estimated in 2025) |
| Spouse | Paul Wight (Big Show) (m. 2002) |
| Children | 2 (names not publicly disclosed) |
Early Life & Background
Bess Katramados was born on July 13, 1973, in Illinois, United States. Unlike her famous husband, details about her early life, family background, and upbringing remain largely private. Bess has consistently maintained her privacy regarding her childhood and early years, choosing to keep these aspects of her life away from public scrutiny.
What is known is that she grew up in Illinois and likely received her education there. Her midwestern upbringing appears to have instilled in her the values of privacy and family that she continues to maintain despite her connection to the entertainment world.
Education
While specific details about Bess Katramados’s educational background are not widely publicized, it’s believed that she completed her formal education in Illinois. Her later career as a personal trainer and fitness instructor suggests she may have pursued some form of education or certification in physical fitness or related fields, though these details are not confirmed in public records.
Career Before Fame
Prior to meeting Paul Wight, Bess worked as a professional model. Though not much is documented about the extent of her modeling career, this professional background suggests she possessed both the physical attributes and professional discipline required in the competitive modeling industry.
She later transitioned to work as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, demonstrating her interest in health and physical wellness. These roles likely contributed to her knowledge of fitness and nutrition, which would later prove valuable in her personal life.
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Marriage to Big Show
Bess Katramados married Paul Wight, better known by his wrestling persona “Big Show,” in February 2002. Their marriage came after Wight’s divorce from his first wife, Melissa Ann Piavis. The couple’s relationship has proven remarkably stable, especially considering the challenges often faced by celebrities in the entertainment industry.
Their marriage has been characterized by mutual support and privacy, with Bess largely avoiding the spotlight while supporting her husband’s high-profile wrestling career. This approach has seemingly contributed to the longevity of their relationship, which has now spanned over two decades.
Personal Life
As a homemaker and mother, Bess has focused much of her energy on raising the couple’s children and managing their family life. The couple has a son and a daughter together, though in keeping with their private approach to family matters, they have largely kept their children out of the public eye, with their names not widely publicized.
In addition to caring for her own children, Bess has also been a stepmother to Wight’s daughter from his previous marriage. Her role as a mother and stepmother appears to be one she has embraced fully, prioritizing family stability despite the often chaotic schedule of a professional wrestler.
Role as Homemaker
After her marriage to Paul Wight, Bess stepped away from her previous career pursuits to focus on family life. In this capacity, she has taken on the responsibility of curating the family’s properties and managing their household affairs. This role has been particularly important given Wight’s demanding travel schedule during his active wrestling career.
Bess has been described as instrumental in creating a stable home environment amid the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. Her work as a homemaker extends beyond traditional domestic duties to include managing the family’s real estate investments and other assets.
Public Appearances
Despite being married to a public figure, Bess Katramados makes relatively few public appearances. When she does appear at public events, it is typically to support her husband at wrestling-related functions or charity events. Her limited public presence reflects her preference for privacy rather than seeking the spotlight for herself.
On the rare occasions when she is photographed at events, Bess typically maintains a dignified and understated presence, further emphasizing her focus on supporting her husband rather than cultivating her own public image.
Net Worth & Financial Status
As of 2025, Bess Katramados’s personal net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. This figure likely reflects both her previous career earnings and her shared assets with her husband. Paul Wight’s substantial earnings from his wrestling career and subsequent entertainment ventures have contributed significantly to the couple’s overall financial status.
The couple is reported to own several properties, with Bess playing an active role in the management of these real estate investments. Their financial portfolio appears to be well-diversified, providing stability beyond Wight’s entertainment earnings.
Media Representation
In an interesting intersection of reality and fiction, actress Allison Munn portrayed a fictionalized version of Bess on the Netflix show “The Big Show Show.” This sitcom, which ran briefly in 2020, featured Paul Wight playing a fictionalized version of himself navigating life after wrestling retirement.
While the character was inspired by Bess, the show took creative liberties rather than attempting to accurately portray her real personality or life circumstances. Bess herself was not directly involved in the production beyond potentially offering her blessing for the concept.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Despite her husband’s fame, Bess has no social media presence, further emphasizing her commitment to privacy
- She has been credited with helping Big Show manage his weight and health concerns throughout his career
- Bess is reportedly involved in several of her husband’s charitable endeavors, though she maintains a behind-the-scenes role
- She has stood by Paul Wight through various career transitions, including his move from WWE to AEW in 2021
- Their marriage is considered one of the more stable relationships in professional wrestling
FAQ
Q: What did Bess Katramados do before marrying Big Show? A: Before marrying Paul “Big Show” Wight, Bess worked as a professional model and personal trainer/fitness instructor.
Q: How many children do Bess and Big Show have together? A: Bess and Paul Wight have two children together – a son and a daughter. Paul also has a daughter from his previous marriage.
Q: Does Bess Katramados appear on social media? A: No, unlike many celebrity spouses, Bess maintains her privacy and does not have public social media accounts.
Q: Was Bess portrayed in “The Big Show Show” on Netflix? A: Yes, actress Allison Munn portrayed a fictionalized version of Bess in the Netflix sitcom “The Big Show Show.”
Q: What is Bess Katramados’s role in Big Show’s career? A: Bess primarily provides behind-the-scenes support for her husband’s career while maintaining their home life and raising their children.