When you hear the name Paul Wight, better known as “The Big Show” in the wrestling world, images of championship belts, roaring crowds, and TV fame probably come to mind. But behind the spotlight, there was once a woman who shared part of his journey — Melissa Ann Piavis.
Unlike her famous ex-husband, Melissa never craved the limelight. Instead, she built her life around family, privacy, and resilience. Her story is proof that sometimes walking away from fame can be the bravest and healthiest choice.
Let’s dive into Melissa’s life — from her roots in Greece, to her high-profile marriage, to where she is today.
Early Life and Background
Greek Roots and American Life
Melissa Ann Piavis was born on May 30, 1966, in Greece. Her upbringing was a blend of strong Greek traditions and later, American influence after her family moved to the United States. This gave her a unique cultural background that shaped her values of family, loyalty, and privacy.
Her father, James Piavis, played a big role in ensuring she never lost touch with her Greek roots. Growing up between two cultures gave her resilience and adaptability — qualities that would later help her navigate life in the public eye.
Age and Zodiac
Melissa turned 57 in 2024. Born under the Gemini sign, she shares traits often linked with Geminis — adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to thrive in changing circumstances.
Love Story With Paul Wight
How They Met
Melissa met Paul Wight back in 1995, when he was just starting his wrestling career with WCW under the name “The Giant.” At the time, Paul was an up-and-coming athlete with dreams bigger than life itself.
Their relationship grew quickly, fueled by love and excitement as Paul’s wrestling career started to take off.
A Valentine’s Day Wedding
The couple tied the knot on February 14, 1997 — yes, Valentine’s Day, the ultimate day of love. For a while, their marriage seemed like a dream.
Just a year later, in 1998, they welcomed their daughter, Cierra Wight, into the world. Cierra became the heart of Melissa’s life, and even after her marriage ended, raising her daughter became her number one priority.
Challenges and Separation
As Paul’s wrestling career skyrocketed, his schedule became more demanding. Endless travel, public appearances, and the pressure of fame made it hard to balance personal life.
By the year 2000, just three years into marriage, the cracks started to show. The couple separated, and by February 6, 2002, their divorce was finalized — just days before their fifth anniversary.
Key Timeline of Their Relationship
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1995 – Melissa meets Paul Wight during his early WCW career.
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February 14, 1997 – They marry on Valentine’s Day.
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November 28, 1998 – Their daughter, Cierra Wight, is born.
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2000 – The couple separates due to growing pressures.
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February 6, 2002 – Divorce finalized, marking the end of their marriage.
Life After Divorce
Melissa didn’t choose the path that many celebrity ex-spouses do. She could have easily sought fame through interviews, book deals, or public appearances. Instead, she did the opposite — stepping out of the spotlight completely.
Raising Cierra Wight
After the split, Melissa dedicated her life to raising Cierra, who has since built a life of her own. Cierra graduated from Palm Harbor High School and later earned a degree in graphic design from the University of West Florida.
Melissa’s decision to raise her daughter away from the chaos of wrestling fame gave Cierra a stable and grounded upbringing.
Choosing Privacy Over Publicity
Melissa moved to LaGrange, Georgia, where she quietly built her life away from media attention. She avoided interviews, public appearances, and even social media. Unlike many who seek to cash in on connections with celebrities, Melissa never used her marriage as a stepping stone for fame.
This choice reflects her values — family over fame, peace over publicity.
Meanwhile, Paul Wight Moved On
While Melissa chose quiet, Paul Wight kept building his wrestling and entertainment empire. Just five days after his divorce, Paul remarried. His second wife, Bess Katramados, became his partner in building a family. Together, they have two children — Jett (born 2007) and Cash (born 2010).
Paul went on to achieve huge success, not only in WWE but also in acting, with roles in films and Netflix shows. His life remained public, while Melissa’s became the opposite.
Also Read : Kian William Jarrahy: Unveiling the Life of Geena Davis’s Son
Where Is Melissa Ann Piavis Now?
Current Residence and Lifestyle
Today, Melissa is believed to still reside in LaGrange, Georgia. At 57, she continues to live life her way — private, family-oriented, and free from media noise.
No Public Appearances
She hasn’t been spotted at celebrity functions, wrestling events, or even local media features. In fact, finding a recent photo of Melissa is nearly impossible — a testament to how successfully she’s kept her private life intact.
No Social Media Presence
In today’s world, almost everyone is online. But Melissa? Not at all. She doesn’t have verified accounts on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. She consciously avoids the digital spotlight, which is rare in our hyper-connected age.
Why Melissa’s Story Stands Out
Melissa Ann Piavis is proof that life after fame doesn’t have to mean chasing more attention. Many former celebrity spouses use their past connections to gain influence or financial opportunities. Melissa, however, chose dignity and peace.
Her decision to step away from the limelight and focus on raising her daughter speaks volumes about her values. She didn’t just survive her divorce from a superstar — she thrived in her own way.
FAQs
Q1. Who was Melissa Ann Piavis married to?
She was married to Paul Wight, better known as The Big Show, from 1997 to 2002.
Q2. Does Melissa Ann Piavis have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, Cierra Wight, born in 1998.
Q3. Where is Melissa Ann Piavis now?
She is believed to live in LaGrange, Georgia, leading a private life away from fame.
Q4. Is Melissa Ann Piavis active on social media?
No, she has no official presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Q5. How long were Melissa and Big Show married?
They were married for about five years before divorcing in 2002.
Final Thoughts
Melissa Ann Piavis may not be a household name like her ex-husband, but her story is just as compelling. She reminds us that sometimes the bravest move is not stepping into the spotlight, but stepping away from it.
She built a peaceful life rooted in privacy, family, and independence — and in a world that thrives on attention, that makes her story refreshing and rare.
