Paul Wight Recalls Justin Bieber Match Falling Through Because WWE ‘Jacked Scooter Braun Around’
Justin Bieber was nearly a WWE superstar, but WWE couldn’t get the deal done.
Bieber is one of the most famous pop stars in the world and an appearance by the “Baby” singer would’ve brought plenty of attention to the company. A match involving Bieber, teaming with John Cena and The Big Show, would’ve garnered mainstream attention across the world, but plans fell through when WWE seemingly didn’t understand the value in the Biebs.
Appearing on Talk is Jericho, Paul Wight (formerly the Big Show in WWE) recalled negotiations falling through with WWE and Bieber.
“Years ago, I had worked out with a friend who knew Scooter Braun and Justin Bieber. It was going to be John Cena, The Big Show, and Justin Bieber against The Wyatts at SummerSlam. This deal was really…Bieber was on board, he was excited and wanted to workout with John and I. This was a big deal. One of the people making decisions said, ‘I don’t see how Justin Bieber is going to relate to our audience.’ Does anyone not see the amount of eyes Justin Bieber would bring to that match? I think WWE offered to promote his album. You’re dealing with Scooter Braun, he’s all about cash. They jacked Scooter around for about two weeks and he’s like, ‘It’s not going to happen. I got the kid a million dollars to watch a soccer game and he’ll be on a private jet,'” recalled Wight.
Former WWE writer Kevin Eck wrote in 2015 that the bout was supposed to happen at SummerSlam 2014. John Cena ended up facing Brock Lesnar in the main event on that night while Wight did not compete in a match.
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