Big Show Explains Why He Didn’t Compete At Greatest Royal Rumble

Despite being advertised for the Greatest Royal Rumble, Big Show did not appear.

On April 2, WWE announced Big Show, Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman, Kane and Bray Wyatt as the first five Superstars to officially enter the first-ever 50-Man Greatest Royal Rumble Match at King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on April 27. WWE, however, stopped advertising Big Show a week or so before the WWE Network event.

Show appeared on the latest edition of Steve Austin’s podcast and revealed that he missed the show due to a hole in his leg.

Show said that hardness around a surgical scar related to his hip surgery revealed an infection, which eventually broke open and had to be cut.

While the surgical procedure was superficial, Show told Vince McMahon and Triple H the next day that he was no longer able to work the Greatest Royal Rumble due to a 3.5-centimeter hole in his leg. Show said he felt good enough to make it to Saudi Arabia a few days later, but Triple H convinced him to stay home.

“The World’s Largest Athlete” also discussed details of his new three-year contract with WWE, which he says allows him to work in a more limited role and serve as an ambassador for the company.

“There’s not a lot of pressure on me to have to be there every week and get people over or carry two or three segments,” Show told Austin. “I can kind of show up, help the younger guys here and there, and I get to pursue outside projects that are important to me.”

Show also said that there was a short period of time after the Royal Rumble on January 28 where he was without a WWE contract, but Triple H ultimately made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.