Paul Wight has spent significant time working under both Vince McMahon and Tony Khan, giving him a unique perspective on how the two promoters operate behind the scenes.

After more than two decades with WWE, Wight made the move to AEW in 2021. During an appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, the former Big Show was asked to explain what separates Khan’s management style from McMahon’s.

According to Wight, one of the biggest differences is how each man views the people working for them.

“Tony does things a lot differently, in the fact that Tony treats all the talent like he treats his professional athletes. Tony doesn’t treat his talent like wrestlers.”

“Vince treated his talent like wrestlers. He knew what they were. He knew when they were full of s***. He knew when they were scamming, because that’s the environment that I think Vince had to negotiate and deal with to make a success.”

Wight stopped short of declaring one philosophy superior to the other. Instead, he argued that Khan has a specific vision for AEW and, as the person running the company, ultimately has the right to determine how that vision is presented.

“Tony has a plan on what he’s doing. He has a vision of how he likes things. There’s certain things, just like with Vince; there were certain things that Vince had. There’s none of this; there’s no two heels feeding a babyface in a comeback. Tony likes more matches. Tony doesn’t like the fourth wall.”

“Is it up for me to decide what’s best? No, it’s up for Tony Khan. He signs the checks. This is the vision of his company. What he wants, he doesn’t want a parent company of WWE. He wants his own unique brand, his own unique style, so that’s what he’s created. So my job is to get in there and help. Where do I fit in? How do I facilitate? How do I help?”

Another notable difference, Wight explained, can be found in the creative process. He pointed specifically to promos and the freedom AEW performers are given to establish their own personalities rather than relying heavily on material produced for them.

“When our talents have promos, there’s not 14 writers running around with clipboards that are basically regurgitating what the office thinks your character should say because you’re a branded character that they printed out this for you to say. No, this is you. Tony Khan’s giving you the platform. Here’s your television. Here’s TNT. Here’s TBS. Here’s your opportunity to connect with your audience.”

Wight also recalled the much different reaction that could come when something was done that management did not approve of during his previous employment.

“And he’s not going to tell you, oh my God, I can’t believe you did that. Oh my God, you should do this. You smeared s*** all over the business, which I’ve heard before in another place I worked at. That’s always a funny one. How do I do that?”

He then delivered perhaps his most striking description of how his working environment has changed.

“I’m not worried about getting executed in the middle of the arena like before.”

For younger wrestlers attempting to establish themselves, Wight believes AEW currently offers an environment where performers have greater opportunities to experiment and discover what works for them.

“I think it’s more of a positive environment right now for younger talent to come to AEW and get a chance to explore and find things and develop themselves.”

Despite discussing the differences between AEW and WWE, Wight made it clear that he has no concerns about the level of talent currently entering professional wrestling. In fact, he believes today's generation includes some of the most naturally gifted athletes he has encountered throughout his lengthy career.

“The athletes that are in the wrestling business today, personally, I think are some of the best athletes I’ve ever seen, just pure raw athletic ability. Women’s division is on fire. Men’s division, there’s so many talent that have so much athletic ability.”

For Wight, the real challenge comes down to presentation and whether performers can build a connection with viewers while operating within the creative structure of their respective promotion.

“The only difference is presentation, and how they get their character across. How do they connect with the audience? What are they doing to connect within the limitations of the brand that they work for?”

Wight's career has allowed him to experience several major eras of professional wrestling. He debuted for WCW in 1995 as The Giant, immediately entering a program with Hulk Hogan before eventually joining WWE in 1999.

During his career, Wight became the only wrestler to capture the WWE Championship, WCW World Heavyweight Championship, ECW World Championship and WWE's World Heavyweight Championship.

He departed WWE following a 22-year run and officially joined AEW in February 2021, where he has contributed as both a commentator and coach alongside occasional appearances in the ring.

McMahon departed WWE in January 2024, while Khan continues to serve as AEW's president and head of creative after founding the promotion in 2019. Khan also owns Ring of Honor.

What do you think of Paul Wight's comparison between the working environments created by Vince McMahon and Tony Khan? Which approach do you think gives wrestlers the best opportunity to succeed? Leave your thoughts in the new WNS comment section below.