The Netflix sitcom The Big Show Show revolves around a WWE superstar, and a few other WWE wrestlers make cameos in season 1. Created by Josh Bycel and Jason Berger, the family-friendly comedy series follows the life of Paul Wight, otherwise known as the Big Show in the world or professional wrestling. Already a major streaming hit for Netflix, The Big Show Show released in April 2020.
Set in Florida, The Big Show Show has a wrestling theme but mostly takes place within the focal star’s family home. In the fictionalized storyline, Paul and his wife, Cassy (Allison Munn), look after their daughters, Mandy (Lily Brooks O’Briant) and J.J. (Juliet Donenfeld). When Paul’s eldest daughter, Lola (Reylynn Caster), arrives from Minnesota, he must learn to manage the family dynamics while contemplating a potential turn to the ring. In real life, the Big Show does indeed have three children – one from his first marriage, and two from his second marriage to Bess Katramados.
Paul occasionally references his fellow WWE stars throughout The Big Show Show. In the first episode, Big Show recalls braiding Mick Foley’s hair. Later, he references The Undertaker’s business pursuits in real estate. Paul also claims to have seen The Undertaker deliver a baby at the Super Dome in New Orleans, Louisiana. But which professional wrestlers actually make cameos in The Big Show Show on Netflix? As it turns out, three stars show up during a pivotal moment in episode 6, “The Big Party.”
Mark Henry (above, far left): A former Olympian and retired WWE star, Mark Henry shows up when Paul and Cassy celebrate their anniversary during a one-night WWE cruise party. The couple plans to relax and spend time together, but Cassy’s blossoming real estate business forces her to leave. Henry then arrives to greet his pal “White Chocolate,” who responds with “Sexy Chocolate.” The friends then take advantage of a couple’s massage offer.
After competing in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics for power-lifting, Henry joined the WWE in 1996. Fifteen years later, he came the World Heavyweight Champion. In 2018, Henry was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Mick Foley (above, far right): After Big Show and Henry finish their massage, “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley shows up and describes putting “sleeper holds on a church group” since early that morning. He also eyes a shrimp tower that been’s mostly untouched, and repeatedly crack one-liners during his cameo.
During the early ’90s, Foley emerged in the professional wrestling circuit as Cactus Jack. In 1996, he adopted the “Mankind” persona in the WWE, just as the aforementioned Henry was also establishing a name for himself. Since retiring in 2012, Foley has made several returns to the WWE.
Rikishi (above, middle left): Born Solofa Fatu Jr., the acclaimed WWE star Rikishi makes a cameo with Foley in The Big Show Show. He mostly stays in the background during the situational comedy, but does participate in a moving rending of The Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” near the end of the episode.
Rikishi originally joined the WWE as part of The Headshrinkers. By 1997, he squared off against Rocky Maivia, later known as The Rock, at WrestleMania 13. In 2015, Rikishi was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
