Most actors go to the gym to look good for a shirtless scene. Paul Walter Hauser went to the gym so he could survive being thrown through a flaming table by Bully Ray.
If you only know him as the terrifying Larry Hall in Black Bird or the lovable, eccentric Stingray in Cobra Kai, you’re missing the wildest second act in Hollywood right now. We aren't talking about a one-off "celebrity appearance" where a guy in a tracksuit stands on the apron and throws a single, telegraphed punch. Paul Walter Hauser wrestling is a real thing. It's gritty, it’s bloody, and honestly, it’s kind of inspiring.
This Isn't Your Average Celebrity Side Quest
Forget the David Arquette era of the late '90s. Hauser isn't here because a marketing team thought it would move tickets. He’s here because he’s a lifelong "mark" who finally decided to stop watching from the front row and start taking bumps.
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He didn't just walk into a ring one day. He spent months training under Paul London, a guy known for being one of the most innovative (and slightly eccentric) high-flyers in WWE and ROH history. He’s also taken advice from Diamond Dallas Page and Sami Callihan. That’s not a hobbyist’s lineup of coaches; that’s a "I don't want to die in the ring" lineup.
The stats don't lie. Since his debut in late 2023, he’s racked up a legitimate record on the independent scene. He’s wrestled for Major League Wrestling (MLW), Pro Wrestling REVOLVER, and PROGRESS Wrestling. He even won the PROGRESS Proteus Championship in a five-way scramble in Las Vegas. Think about that. An Emmy and Golden Globe winner is currently carrying around a title belt from a prestigious UK indie promotion.
The Emmy Speech Heard 'Round the Ring
If you want to know how deep this obsession goes, look no further than his 2024 Emmy acceptance speech. Most people thank their agents or God. Paul? He thanked his wife and then immediately transitioned into a wrestling promo.
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He shouted out Matt Cardona (formerly Zack Ryder) and Kota Ibushi. He ended the whole thing with "Get the tables!"—a direct nod to the Dudley Boyz. The internet was confused. The Hollywood elites in the audience were probably wondering if he was having a breakdown. But the wrestling world? We knew exactly what was happening. It was a challenge.
A few months later, he actually faced Cardona at REVOLVER's "Ready or Not" event. It wasn't a "safe" match. He went through a flaming table. He took "Radio Silence" from Cardona. He won.
Why the Pros Actually Respect Him
Wrestlers are notoriously protective of their business. They usually hate when an "outsider" comes in and treats their craft like a playground. But Hauser did the work.
- He Lost the Weight: He dropped over 100 pounds to get in ring shape.
- He Takes the Pain: He’s taken thumbtacks to the back and guitar shots to the head (shoutout to Jeff Jarrett in AEW).
- He Respects the Grind: He’s currently an Executive Producer for MLW, helping with the creative side of the business.
What Really Happened With the Janela Match?
One of his most talked-about bouts was a Seattle Street Fight against Joey Janela at DEFY Wrestling. If you know "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela, you know he doesn't do "light" matches. This was a chaotic, weapon-filled brawl. Aubrey Edwards from AEW was the referee.
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Hauser didn't just survive; he looked like he belonged. He used a "Haus Arrest" finisher and showed a level of ring awareness that most people don't develop for years. He isn't trying to be a technical wizard like Bryan Danielson. He’s a brawler. He’s a storyteller. He’s basically the modern-day version of a "hardcore" legend in the making.
The Future: Mad Dog Connelly and Beyond
Looking ahead to February 2026, things are getting even more intense. He’s scheduled for a Lumberjack Strap Match against "Mad Dog" Connelly for the SuperPower Slam in New York City.
For those who don't know, a strap match is one of the most brutal stipulations in the sport. You are literally tied to your opponent, and in this case, 20 guys with leather belts will be surrounding the ring to make sure nobody escapes. Hauser recently cut a promo saying, "This isn't some celebrity cameo match." He’s defending his PROGRESS Proteus Title, and it's being streamed live on GCW's YouTube.
What You Can Learn From Hauser’s "Side Quest"
There’s a lesson here that has nothing to do with headlocks or steel chairs. Hauser is at the peak of his acting career. He’s playing Chris Farley in a biopic. He’s in the new Fantastic Four movie. He could easily sit on a beach and protect his "money-maker" (his face).
Instead, he’s chasing a childhood dream that hurts. Literally. He’s admitted that the emotional pain of Hollywood is often worse than the physical pain of a wrestling ring. In the ring, everything is honest. You hit, you get hit, and the crowd tells you exactly how they feel.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to follow his career, don't just look at IMDb. You need to keep an eye on the independent circuit.
- Watch the Tape: Look up his match against QT Marshall at ROH Death Before Dishonor 2025. It’s widely considered one of the best "celebrity" matches of all time.
- Follow the Promos: Hauser is one of the few actors who understands kayfabe (the illusion of wrestling). His promos on social media are often better than what you see on national TV.
- Support the Indies: He frequently works for promotions like REVOLVER and DEFY. These shows are where the heart of wrestling lives.
Paul Walter Hauser isn't an actor who wrestles. He’s a wrestler who happens to be an incredible actor. He has proven that if you respect the craft, the craft will respect you back. Whether he’s in a tuxedo at the Emmys or covered in sweat in a high school gym in Iowa, he’s exactly where he wants to be. Keep an eye on that February 1st match in Queens—it’s going to be a bloodbath.