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Melissa Ann Piavis is a Greek-American personality best known as the first wife of WWE legend Paul Wight (Big Show). Born May 30, 1966, she married Wight in 1997 and shares daughter, Cierra. After divorcing in 2002, Melissa chose a private life away from media attention.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa Ann Piavis |
| Date of Birth | May 30, 1966 |
| Age | 59 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Greece |
| Nationality | Greek-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | Approximately 5’2″ – 5’4″ |
| Former Spouse | Paul Wight (Big Show) |
| Marriage Duration | 1997-2002 |
| Children | One daughter, Cierra Wight |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300K-$1 million |
| Known For | First wife of WWE legend Big Show |
| Current Status | Private citizen, no public career |
Melissa Ann Piavis was born on May 30, 1966, in Greece. Her early years were shaped by Greek culture and traditions. She grew up in a family that valued close relationships and personal integrity.
Her father, James Piavis, played an important role in her upbringing. Details about her mother and siblings remain private, reflecting the family’s preference for discretion.
At some point during her youth, Melissa moved to the United States. She attended Sprayberry High School in Georgia, where she managed the wrestling team in 1982. This early connection to wrestling would later take on new significance in her personal life.
Her Greek heritage remained an integral part of her identity even after she moved to America. She holds dual citizenship in both Greece and the United States.
Growing up between two cultures gave Melissa a unique perspective. She learned to balance tradition with adaptation, a skill that would serve her well in the years ahead.
Melissa’s life changed in 1995 when she met Paul Donald Wight II. At the time, Paul was signing his first major contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He would soon become known to millions as “The Giant” and later as “Big Show.”
Their relationship developed during the early stages of Paul’s wrestling career. She saw him not as a celebrity but as the person behind the larger-than-life persona.
After two years of dating, the couple married on February 14, 1997. The Valentine’s Day wedding was a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for both of them.
Marriage to a professional wrestler came with unique challenges. Paul’s schedule demanded constant travel and long hours. He performed in front of thousands while Melissa managed life at home.
Despite the pressures, Melissa supported Paul as his career reached new heights. She remained in the background, choosing to focus on building a stable home rather than seeking attention.
Their marriage coincided with Paul’s rise to WWE stardom. On their second wedding anniversary in 1999, he made a memorable WWE debut. This event is remembered in wrestling history as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
On November 28, 1998, Melissa and Paul welcomed their daughter, Cierra Wight. Motherhood became the most important role in Melissa’s life.
Raising a child while married to a WWE superstar presented its own set of challenges. Paul’s career required him to be away from home frequently. This meant Melissa took on the primary caregiver role.
She worked to give Cierra a grounded upbringing despite the fame surrounding their family. Melissa made conscious choices to protect her daughter from excessive media attention and public scrutiny.
Her parenting style focused on stability, education, and emotional well-being. She wanted Cierra to develop her own identity separate from her father’s celebrity status.
Even after her marriage ended, Melissa’s commitment to motherhood never wavered. When Paul gained custody of Cierra at age 14, Melissa maintained her role as a loving and present parent.
Today, Cierra is a poised young woman who values privacy much like her mother. She attended the University of West Florida and has stayed largely out of the spotlight.
The strong bond between mother and daughter speaks to the foundation Melissa built during Cierra’s formative years.
By 2000, it became clear that Melissa and Paul’s marriage was facing serious challenges. The demands of Paul’s wrestling career created distance between them. His schedule left little time for family life.
The couple separated in 2000 and officially divorced on February 6, 2002. The split was handled with remarkable maturity and discretion. There were no public feuds, scandalous revelations, or bitter custody battles.
Both parties prioritized their daughter’s well-being above all else. They worked together to ensure Cierra felt loved and supported by both parents.
The divorce settlement details remain private, but sources suggest Melissa received financial support that allows her to live comfortably. She has never publicly discussed the reasons for the separation or spoken negatively about Paul.
Just days after the divorce was finalized, Paul married Bess Katramados, a former model, on February 11, 2002. He and Bess went on to have two more children together.
For Melissa, the divorce marked a turning point. She chose to step completely away from the wrestling world and public life. This decision reflected her desire for peace, privacy, and a fresh start.
Her graceful exit from the spotlight has earned her respect from wrestling fans and the media alike.
As of 2025, Melissa Ann Piavis’s net worth is estimated between $300,000 and $1 million. The exact figure remains unconfirmed because Melissa keeps her financial matters private.
Her wealth likely comes from several sources. The divorce settlement from Paul Wight, who has a net worth of approximately $16 million, probably provided financial security. She may also have income from personal investments or private employment.
Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, Melissa has never capitalized on her connection to Big Show. She hasn’t written tell-all books, given paid interviews, or leveraged her past for financial gain.
Her lifestyle appears modest and comfortable rather than extravagant. She doesn’t own flashy cars or showcase luxury possessions. This aligns with her overall preference for simplicity over showiness.
Melissa has no public social media presence. She doesn’t maintain Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts. This makes her a rare figure in today’s oversharing digital culture.
Her absence from social platforms is intentional, not accidental. It reflects a woman who values her peace of mind more than public validation.
Since her divorce, Melissa Ann Piavis has lived almost entirely out of the public eye. She makes no public appearances at wrestling events or celebrity functions.
Her current whereabouts are not publicly confirmed, though she likely resides somewhere in the United States, possibly Florida. She has not been photographed by paparazzi or spotted at public venues.
This level of privacy is unusual for someone connected to such a high-profile celebrity. It requires deliberate effort and consistent boundaries. Melissa has successfully maintained these boundaries for over two decades.
She doesn’t give interviews to media outlets. She hasn’t been featured in documentaries about Big Show’s career. She appears to have no interest in revisiting her past publicly.
For Melissa, privacy isn’t about hiding or shame. It’s about choosing a life defined by her own values rather than public perception. She represents a different kind of strength—one that doesn’t need recognition or applause.
Her story reminds us that not everyone wants or needs the spotlight. Some people find fulfillment in quieter, more personal ways.
While Melissa may have stepped away from the wrestling world, her influence lives on through her daughter, Cierra Wight.
Cierra graduated from the University of West Florida, demonstrating the value of education that Melissa instilled in her. She has pursued her own interests rather than trading on her father’s fame.
Like her mother, Cierra maintains a low profile. She rarely appears on social media and avoids public attention. This suggests Melissa’s parenting approach emphasized substance over superficiality.
The close relationship between mother and daughter is evident even though they keep it private. Melissa’s role in shaping Cierra’s character, values, and self-respect cannot be overstated.
Paul Wight has spoken fondly about his family in interviews, including his appreciation for how Cierra was raised. This reflects well on Melissa’s parenting during the crucial early years.
Melissa’s legacy isn’t measured in headlines or public achievements. It’s measured in the strong, grounded young woman her daughter has become.
Before her marriage to Big Show, Melissa managed her high school wrestling team in 1982 at Sprayberry High School. This early involvement with wrestling was a coincidence that took on new meaning years later.
She holds dual citizenship in both Greece and the United States, maintaining ties to her cultural heritage while building a life in America.
Her zodiac sign is Gemini, associated with traits like adaptability and communication. These qualities likely helped her handle the unique challenges of her marriage and subsequent life changes.
Melissa’s height is estimated at around 5’2″ to 5’4″, considerably shorter than her ex-husband, who stands over seven feet tall.
Her grandparents were Dr. William Piavis and Winnie Piavis, suggesting a family background that valued education and professional achievement.
Despite being married to one of wrestling’s biggest stars, Melissa never appeared on WWE programming or participated in storylines. She kept a firm boundary between her private life and Paul’s public persona.
Melissa Ann Piavis’s story is one of quiet dignity and personal strength. From her early years in Greece to her marriage with WWE legend Big Show, she has consistently chosen authenticity over attention.
Her journey shows us that not every life connected to fame needs to be lived in the spotlight. She found fulfillment in motherhood, privacy, and personal values rather than public recognition.
Today, at 59 years old, Melissa continues to live on her own terms. She has built a life that reflects her priorities: family, privacy, and peace. Her daughter Cierra stands as testament to the kind of mother and role model Melissa has been.
In a world that often confuses visibility with value, Melissa Ann Piavis reminds us that the most meaningful legacies are often the quietest ones. Her choice to step away from fame and focus on what truly matters deserves respect and admiration.
If you’re interested in learning more about the lives of wrestling legends and their families, continue exploring stories that celebrate both the public figures and the people who support them behind the scenes.
