Tag: Paul Walter Hauser

Paul Walter Hauser attached to play Mick Foley in TV series

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Paul Walter Hauser is getting closer to making one of his dream acting roles a reality.

During an interview with The Stunner, Hauser shared that he is now officially attached to play Mick Foley in a limited series. The project is still in its early stages and has not been sold to a network yet, but this marks a significant step after Hauser and Foley have been talking about the possibility for years.

“We can kind of break that news,” Hauser said. “I haven’t said it yet, but I’m attached to play Mick in a limited series. We haven’t gone out to market yet, but it’s happening.”

Hauser said that, with the TV show, the goal is to focus on Foley as a human in addition to his wrestling career.

“Hopefully I can bring some of my personality to that aspect as well, because when you tell the story, you’ve got to humanize the guy,” Hauser said. “We’re not just telling the Mankind story. It’s like, no, this is the Mick Foley story.”

An Emmy-winning actor, Hauser has turned his wrestling fandom into a second career. He competes on the indies, for MLW, and worked one match for ROH last year.

Foley turned 60 years old in 2025 and has dropped a significant amount of weight lately as he focuses on improving his health. He has become friends with Hauser through the process of developing this TV show. In their initial discussions, they weren’t sure if it would end up being a movie or mini-series.

Daily Update: Nikki Bella, MJF, Paul Walter Hauser

Posted on by Bryan Rose

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Observer is up on the site today. Sorry for the delay but there were a number of things having to do with Christmas travel and the weather that basically cost me a full day. But it’s a very heavy issue with two major stories, one on AEW going forward business wise and the many key aspects of media rights and different ways it can go in 2027. The other is a story on Roland Bock, who had one of the most famous pro wrestling matches of the 70s with Antonio Inoki, the famed Stuttgart Massacre, and was one of the most intriguing and controversial pro wrestlers of that era.

*Where AEW stands today, and the key out of the ring and out of their hands challenges that will face them between now and the end of 2027

*AEW’s ratings growth outside the U.S. this past year

*AEW’s television ratings decline with the different factors involved

*Key aspects of the WBD sale and what it means to AEW

*What AEW didn’t do in 2025 as far as new deals that were talked about one year ago

*Estimating using different methods how many U.S. viewers AEW Dynamite really gets

*How things have changed greatly in the past year

*Business of AEW Worlds End

*Gambling odds for matches

*A look at AAA Guerra de Titanes, one of WWE’s best shows of the  year

*Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul and business numbers and record level manipulation of numbers

*Ric Flair and Mike Tyson file lawsuit against former business partner

*The life and times of Roland Bock, one of the most intriguing pro wrestling characters of the 1970s, his famous matches with Antonio Inoki, the reality of those matches, his tough guy reputation, the legendary tough guy whose career he ended and just how different pro wrestling was back then.  We go from being tortured as a child, to developing a street fighter rep, going to the Olympics in wrestling, his attempt to pioneer a promotional style that got big in Japan several years later, why his career didn’t explode in Japan and everything from wrestling bears to bulls

*Who is eligible for the 2025 Rookie of the Year award

*The most detailed look at the ratings over the past week

*Update on 2025 Arena Mexico attendance

*A look at CMLL Dream Match Night

*Ozawa talks awards

*WrestleKingdom updates

*A look at the life and career of Mark Wolf

*Rick Link goes into hospice care

*Jerry Lawler returns to WMC

*Grandson of Hawaiian pro wrestling legend is starting QB at USC, headed to a bowl game an an NFL prospect

*Ticket sales to upcoming WWE,AEW and TNA shows

*Lots of AEW news notes

*Jim Ross responds to DVon Dudley

*Updates on multiple lawsuits against TKO and judges concerns about evidence in two different cases

*WrestleMania ticket sales as well as the next two AEW PPV sales

This Week’s Back Issue

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Tuesday Update

 WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • MJF wrote on Tuesday morning that his X account was hacked: “My Twitter got hacked. If you were messaged by me that I needed money, my apologies. However if you were messaged by me and you were dumb as fuck enough to believe that. My Venmo information is below.”
  • Yota Tsuji did an in-character interview with NJPW’s website ahead of his title unification match against Konosuke Takeshita at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
  • KUSHIDA is holding a seminar at the NJPW LA Dojo on February 1. More details here.
  • This week’s TNA Xplosion.
  • The former Javier Bernal in NXT spoke to PWMania.
  • Paul Walter Hauser will face Mad Dog Connelly in a strap match at Orange Crush’s Superpower Slam event on February 1.
  • Dave Sahadi, who previously did work for WWE, WCW, and MLW and is now directing Real American Freestyle, told PWInsider that he can never work in “professional” wrestling again: “This is the most excited and creatively inspired I have felt about anything in television production in at least fifteen years, if not longer. And I fell my best work is yet to come. I am heartened by our initial success. Traveling o hometowns and producing ”personality profiles” with the athletes in their hometowns is fun. We do this so that the audience gets to know the person beyond the athlete, the real-life stories from childhood to career, ones many viewers can relate to. And creative compelling video packages has always been my passion, but nowadays I wake up in the middle of the night sometimes (most times, actually) with an idea and get right back at it. It’s not a job; it’s a joy.”

Actor Paul Walter Hauser explains his wrestling pay: ‘Differs based on the company’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Paul Walter Hauser’s wrestling pay can vary widely based on the type of company that he’s working for.

An Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor, Hauser has now worked more than 20 matches in addition to his Hollywood work. He’s wrestled on the indies, had an ROH match, and contributes to MLW in the ring as a wrestler and behind the scenes as an executive producer.

Hauser told Chris Van Vliet on a new episode of Insight that, when he’s working a show for a small indie company, he’ll only request a few hundred dollars for the date. But if he were to work for a larger promotion like TNA where his presence is bringing viewers and interest, his request would be significantly more.

“My pay differs based on the company too. If I were to do something with TNA, say. And they were like, ‘Hey, come do a match with AJ Francis. Or a tag match, you’re going to be paired with The Rascalz against three heels.’ I would want, you know, 10 grand for that match, because, to me, you’re also getting eyeballs and press and whatever else comes with it, and I’m going to go out of my way to make it as good as it possibly can be, at the risk of hurting myself,” Hauser said.

“But if Action Wrestling down in Georgia is like, ‘Hey, do you want to come fight, take an L to Adam Priest or tag with your buddy Darian Bengston?’ I’m not going to charge them more than 300 or 400 bucks. I still got to drive down there and drive back. And I don’t know if I’m selling merch or not. They’re not going to have catering, catering. There’s X amount of things that you give up to just wrestle and have fun.”

Hauser said he wrestles because he loves it just like he acts because he loves it. He feels he needs to get more reps in, which can be tricky given his busy schedule.

“So it’s tricky, but I do hope to get to a point where I can be in the ring and work a little more safely,” Hauser said. “I’ve never hurt anybody else in the ring. I’m proud of that, but I have hurt myself two or three times and that sucks.”

Wrestling is a dream for Hauser, and he wants to represent himself well. Whenever he’s done in the ring, he hopes his body of work blows past what other celebrity wrestlers have done.

“I care too much about wrestling and have way too much pride that I want to go off ladders, go through tables, go through thumbtacks, get piledriven by Adam Priest in Vegas. Those are things that have happened,” Hauser said. “And I’m proud of that and I hold myself to a standard, not that I’m ever going to be as good as a Kyle O’Reilly or something. I’m not an idiot. I’m not Kyle Fletcher.

“But I’m also more than ready to say when my run is done, whether that’s in two years or 10, I guarantee if someone is looking at statistics on paper and they’re being logistical and realistic, there is no way in hell they’re going to say that Bad Bunny and… Pat McAfee, Bad Bunny, and say Stephen Amell, like, I’m going to blow past them if I haven’t already for some people. And that doesn’t mean I have something against them. It just means like, this is competition. I’m playing for keeps. I’m trying to make an impact. I’m trying to get eyeballs on the product. It’s not a cameo where I just kind of pop in and pop out and make a bag of money. It’s real.”

Paul Walter Hauser wants multi-promotion ‘mega show’ to counter WWE Saudi WrestleMania

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Actor and wrestler Paul Walter Hauser would like to see multiple promotions come together to counter WWE WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.

Last month, it was announced that WrestleMania is heading overseas in 2027 with Riyadh hosting WrestleMania 43. This marks the first time WWE’s signature event has ever been held outside of North America — and it also continues to expand the controversial business relationship that WWE and TKO have with the Saudi regime.

Hauser is both an executive producer and in-ring competitor for MLW, along with making appearances for promotions like AEW/ROH. He told TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast that he thinks it would be a good idea if MLW, AEW, and several other companies joined forces to present a “mega show” during WrestleMania weekend in 2027.

“You know what I would like to see? WrestleMania weekend in freaking Riyadh or wherever it is — I would love to see MLW, CMLL, New Japan, AEW, PROGRESS Wrestling, Defy, GCW, whoever, come together and do a mega show and sell out a 20,000, 30,000-seat place,” Hauser said.

Hauser thinks the biggest obstacle to making this a reality would be getting all of the involved promotions to let go of their egos and work together. If that could happen, Hauser believes there is a huge business opportunity to attract fans who usually go to WrestleMania but won’t be making the trip to Saudi Arabia.

“Just if all egos can go away and people can look less at the hierarchy and more about the value of being for each other and, you know, the enemy of my enemy is my friend — there’s a lot of big business to be done somewhere,” he said. “You know, go sell out Des Moines, go sell out Chicago, anywhere. It’s all wide open because WrestleMania’s happening in Riyadh or whatever.”

Speaking as a fan, Hauser critiqued WWE and gave his pros and cons of what the company is doing. He praised how the TV product looks and the camera shots WWE uses. He also spoke highly of the talent on the main roster. But Hauser thinks some of WWE’s business strategies — like high ticket prices and not giving viewers enough bang for their buck with PLEs — are “garbage.”

“Times are tougher than they used to be, but the prices are going up,” he said. “There’s no real humanity from a corporate perspective. Whereas you can go to an AEW show or an MLW show for 15 to 40 bucks and have a decent seat.”

Hauser, who has won Emmy and Golden Globe awards in his acting career, made his in-ring debut in 2023. He most recently competed in a Fight Without Honor against QT Marshall at ROH Death Before Dishonor this August.

ROH Death Before Dishonor live results: Bandido & Athena title defenses

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Two title matches co-headline tonight’s Ring of Honor Death Before Dishonor streaming special on HonorClub from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.

ROH World Champion Bandido defends against Hechicero in search of his fifth successful title defense.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena will continue her push toward 1000 days as titleholder as she defends returning interim ROH Women’s TV Champion Mina Shirakawa.

ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty defends against Xelhua.

Sammy Guevara will be in action twice with the chance to leave a double champion. In one match, he and a mystery partner will face The Outrunners for the vacant ROH Tag Team titles while in the other, he joins The Von Erichs against Shane Taylor & The Infantry for the vacant ROH Six-Man titles. The vacancies are due to Dustin Rhodes’ upcoming knee surgeries.

The show is rounded out by actor/wrestler Paul Walter Hauser vs. QT Marshall in a Fight Without Honor.

Our live coverage begins with the Zero Hour pre-show.

**********

This is it, friends! Death Before Dishonor 2025 is knocking on our collective wrestling-watching door, but first; ZERO HOUR!

Jay Lethal vs. Jordan Oliver

As is the ROH way, about a dozen matches for tonight were added to the card about an hour ago, including this one! Lethal is pretty synonymous with ROH, so this makes sense. Oliver is also there.

Lethal had Oliver from the jump, sending him around the ring and bouncing him off the ropes before pausing for his signature strut. That gave Oliver a chance to knock him down and mock him with the very same strut.

Oliver got in a flurry of offense here and there, but Lethal was in control for the lion’s share of this match. Oliver had a good outing, at one point blocking three suplexes in short succession. Lethal was having fun playing his greatest hits and Oliver almost got him a couple of times having scouted the Lethal Injection and the big elbow.

In the end though, Lethal was able to reverse a dragon screw into a figure four and Oliver was forced to tap out.

Match Result: Jay Lethal defeated Jordan Oliver

-Lexy Nair caught up with the Sons of Texas outside the event. Ross Von Erich paid tribute to the injured Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara said that they were going to win. Marshall agreed. Lexy asked Guevara who who be his partner in the Tag Team Titles match and Guevara teased… Chris Jericho? How intriguing…

MxMxTV (Mansoor and Madden) w/ Johnny TV and Taya Valkyrie vs The Dark Order (John Silver and Alex Reynolds) w/ Evil Uno vs The Frat House (Griff Garrison and Cole Karter) w/ Jackked Jameson

So MxMxTV are doing this really gross thing that only they seem to find funny, which is promoting a fragrance called SEED. it’s gross. The Frat House came out sans-Preston Vance, but with a half-dozen pledges. The Dark Order came out with cool jackets as usual, but not matching this time. I wonder how that will factor…

This tag-team three way kicked off with Reynolds and Garrison, with Silver quickly jumping in for a Dark Order double team. Karter hit a blind tag to reverse the double team, but when they posed, MxM jumped in to one-up their poses.

Everyone ran outside the ring for some reason and John Silver took out all the pledges. When he got back in the ring though, he faced the much bigger Mansoor. The Order and MxM had a trios match on ROH on Honorclub last night, so this was something of a replay of that until everyone started brawling.

On the outside, Mansoor grabbed the Frat House’s intiation paddle and spanked Jameson with it, in between makeout sessions between TV and Valkyrie. In the ring, Reynolds and Karter held down the fort, wrestling wise.

This match was undeniably chaotic. There were simply too many people at ringside and so much was happening that it was hard to follow. Everyone was spamming finishers, which was exciting in that it kept the audience guessing about the outcome, but it was exhausting to watch.

In the end, The Order had Mansoor pinned, but the ref didn’t see it. TV Sprayed some SEED (blech) into Reynolds’ face (double blech) allowing Mansoor to reverse the pin and get the win for MxMxTV.

Match Result: MxMxTV defeated The Frat House and The Dark Order

-Backstage, Lexy Nair congratulated Jay Lethal on his win earlier. They were interrupted by Blake Christian and Lee Johnson who reminded Lethal that Christian beat him at Supercard of Honor. That made Lethal sad.

-QT Marshall was shown arriving at the arena with Aaron Solo. He ran down Paul Walter Hauser, who apparently was arriving at the same time on the other side of the parking garage. Hauser said that he was angry and he was going to take it out on Marshall.

Pure Rules Match: Ashley Vox vs Billie Starkz

So this Pure Rules match is NOT part of the long-gestating Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, but it does give us a chance to watch Billie Starkz work, so I’ll allow it.

I’ll get the Pure Rules schtick out of the way here:

Each wrestler gets three rope breaks. After that, pin or submission under the ropes is legal. There is one warning for a closed fist, with the second instance causing a DQ. Outside interference is also a DQ. If there is no clear winner as time expires, a panel of judges will award the win. The judeges tonight are Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels and Dean Malenko.

Starkz was forced to use her first rope break at 7:42 as she and Vox tussled. Starkz stomped Vox in the corner and hit a really gnarly knee to her face. Vox kept up with Starkz though until Starkz hit a satellite DDT and went up for a swan dive. Vox slid out of the way and hit a rolling headscissor.

Vox fishooked Starkz, forcing her to use her second rope break. That pissed Starkz off and goaded her into using her one closed fist. at 4:15. Starkz then hit a massive Last Shot backbreaker and got the pin on Vox.

Match Result: Billie Starkz defeated Ashley Vox

$50.000 Four-way match: Adam Priest vs. Angélico (w/Serpentico) vs. AR Fox vs. Dralístico

Tony Khan has too much money! There was a $50k four-way before Supercard of Honor (won by AR Fox), there was a $100k match on Collision a couple of weeks ago and now AR Fox has a chance to add a second $50K purse to his earnings. All I’m saying is that no one even asked me to be in any of those matches and that stings a little.

Angelico came out with a sweet new bucket hat, so I’m thinking that he’s the favourite to win this. He’s got hat bills to pay, after all.

Dralistico and Priest rolled out of the ring for some reason to kick things off and Angelico and Fox dove out after them. Angelico and Fox then wrestled in the ring while the other two watched. Angelico had Fox in a submission, but Dralistico broke it up.

Priest then started in on Angelico who hit a bridged figure four, again broken up by Dralistico. He and Priest took turns delivering chops to Angelico in the corner. Fox hit a springboard onto Dralistico and Priest, taking them both out.

Fox then took on Dralistico and Priest two-on one and managed to keep them both off their feet. He also kept himself off his feet by diving through the ropes onto them. Next he hit a cutter on Angelico and tossed him into the ring.

Fox walked the barricade a dropped a big leg onto Angelico on the ring apron (the foxiest part of the ring!). Dralistico got involved, holding Fox so Priest to rip his leg out form underneath him. Priest hit a superplex off the second rope on Fox, but couldn’t get a pin.

Dralistico hit a big swanton on Priest but he also couldn’t get a pin. Fox stepped up to Dralistico, trading chops and slaps with him. Dralistico then hit a spingboard destroyer, but Angelico broke up the pin attempt. Dralistico went up top for a big codebreaker and got the pin on Angelico to pick up the win and the cash.

Match Result: Dralistico defeated Adam Priest, Angélico and AR Fox

And now… DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR!

The Conglomeration (Hologram and Tomohiro Ishii) vs. Premier Athletes (Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese) (with “Smart” Mark Sterling)

There is no reason for this match to exist other than I’m really looking forward to seeing Ishii throw Nese and Daivari around like sotballs in a slow pitch tournament. So to that, I say, Athletes Suck!

Daivari and Ishii kicked things off with Ishii stonewalling Daivari’s attempts to get him off his feet. Daivari slapped Ishii’s bald head, which made him angry. Like Meng-level angry. From there he no-sold a dozen chops and chopped Daivari across the ring. Daivari reached for a tag, but Nese refused, not wanting to take on Ishii.

Nese finally entered the match to face off against Hologram, sending him into the corner. Nese hit a double dropkick, but Hologram went up top. Nese moved and the two hit dueling crossbodies. Sterling got up on the apron to cause a distraction, allowing Daivari to hit a Carpet Ride on Hologram for a two count.

Hologram found himself cut off in the Athletes corner while Daivari and Nese tagged in and out, applying various holds to him. Hologram got a pin on Nese, but the ref was distracted talking about the weather with Ishii and missed it. That allowed Daivari to rain down more punishment with the help of Sterling.

The double teams continued, with Ishii powerless to stop it. Hologram finally made the hot tag to Ishii who leapt in and cleared house, taking our Daivari and Nese. Ishii began chopping and punching Nese in the corner before hitting a side slam.

Hologram jumped in to help his partner and the two hit stereo suplexes on the Athletes. Ishii lifted Nese for a brainbuster, but Nese kicked out at two. Nese hit a spinning heel kick that knocked Ishii off his feet for the first time. Hologram hit a big springboard to give him a chance to recover.

Nese grabbed Hologram for a piledriver, but Hologram kicked out. Hologram dodged an attack by Daivari who hit Sterling by mistake. Hologram dove out of the ring repeatedly taking out Athletes left and right.

Ishii got Nese up for a spiked brainbuster and that was it, Ishii and Hologram win.

Match Result: The Conglomeration defeated The Premier Athletes

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match: The Sons of Texas (Marshall Von Erich, Ross Von Erich, and Sammy Guevara) vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Carlie Bravo, and Capt. Shawn Dean)

YES! As much as I love the Sons of Texas, I cam even more excited to see STP finally get a chance at some championship belts. The titles were technically vacated last night on ROH on Honorclub, so no matter who wins, they will be the “new” champions.

Bravo started the match against Guevara, with Guevara taking a shot at Dean on the apron. Bravo avenged his partner and isolated Guevara in the STP corner at the same time. Guevara slipped out though, delivering a backflip dropkick to Bravo.

Guevara tagged in Ross who bounced Bravo’s skull off the turnbuckle before delivering one hell of a kick in the corner. Bravo tried to leap away but was met by another dropkick. Ross shot Bravo off the ropes for Marshall to hit a slam on him, but only got a two count.

Trish Adora distracted the ref, while Dean pulled Ross out of the ring for Taylor and Bravo to beat on him. Bravo set up Ross in the STP corner for a rapid fire assault from all three members of STP. Taylor ended up legal, headbutting Ross, drawing the ire of Marshall.

Dean tagged in and landed a bronco buster on Ross in the corner (dubbed a “BBC” Bronco Buster from Captain). Tayle tagged back in and Ross hit him in the stomach. Taylor kneed him in the jaw for his trouble. Dean slammed Ross, then took a moment to punch Marshall so he didn’t feel left out.

Ross finally got the hot tag to his brother and Marshall jumped in to start clearing the ring. Marshall took out Dean and Bravo and even got Taylor with a scoop slam. Marshall went up top and hit a moonsault on Taylor, but only got a two count.

Marshall then tried the Claw on Taylor, but Dean broke it up. Taylor hit a splash on Marshall and then Dean hit a big frog splash, but Ross broke up the pin. Taylor threw Ross out of the ring and into the steel steps. In the ring, Marshall and Dean, the legal men, traded blows.

Marshall walked into a big knee from Dean, but responded with a discus clothesline. Marshall got a tag to Guevara, who kicked Dean in theback of the head before hitting springboard cutter. Guevara flipped over the top rope in an attempt to get Dean, but hit Marshall instead.

Bravo was the legal man and Taylor punched Guevara in the face so the infantry could double stomp him. That was it and STP won the match to become the new Six Man World Tag Team Champions!

Match Result: Shane Taylor Promotions defeated The Sons of Texas

ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament Quarterfinal Match: Taya Valkyrie vs. Queen Aminata

To quote Brooklyn 99’s Terry Crews: Oh damn! ROH remembered they had that Women’s Pure belt made! This tournament was set to be finalized at Supercard of Honor, but injury, call ups to Dynamite and Collision and just pure bad luck stalled it somewhat. I’m very excited that it’s back on the docket though!

See the Zero Hour match between Ashley Vox and Billie Starkz for the lowdown on the Pure Rules division. Aminata forced Valkyrie to us her first rope break at 9:45. That’s 15 seconds into the match. She then shoved Valkyrie into the ropes, causing her to use her second rope break at 9:00 even.

Aminata controlled things from there, using her unique cache of butt-based offense to put Valkyrie on the mat. She then whipped her into the corner, but Valkyrie moved and delivered a kick to the head, followed by a german suplex. Valkyrie worked Aminata’s knee around the ringpost next.

Valkyrie dropped a leg on Aminata’s throat on the ring apron (the throatiest part of the ring!) and began mocking her. Aminata can back swinging, but Valkyrie hit a sit-out powerbomb as the clock passed 6 minutes.

Valkyrie tried to get Animata up in a surfboard, but modified it into a chicken wing, forcing Aminata to use her first rope break at 4:19. The two traded punches until Aminata slapped Valkyrie’s chest, setting her up for another and another.

Aminata hit a snapmare and mid-match, they changed the time limit from 10 minuted to 60 minutes. In the match, Valkyrie was forced to use her last rope break. Valkyrie tried to get Aminata up, but she reversed it into an Armbar. Valkyrie went for the ropes, but she had no breaks left.

Animata head butted Valkyrie out of nowhere and got the pin to advance in the tournament.

Match Result: Taya Valkyrie vs. Queen Aminata

After the match, Deonna Purazzo (who’s facing Trish Adora in the tournament) came down to the ring to stare down Aminata. Aminata offered her hand, but Purazzo shrugged it off.

-Backstage, Lexy Nair reminded everyone that Sammy Guevara has yet to pick his partner for the Tag Team Title Match later in the show.

Blake Christian and Lee Johnson vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett)

Taven and Bennett have been leaning towards the light recently, which makes them a good foil for the dastardly Christian and Johnson. Also, Johnson and Christian have decided to us “The Swirl” as a team name, which in no way invokes the image of a toilet flushing in my mind.

The match started with a standard brawl and when the dust settled, Taven and Johnson were legal in the ring. Bennett tagged in a peppered Johnson with chops in the corner. Christian tried to intervene, but Bennett gave him the same treatment.

Bennett went for an elbow, but Christian pulled Johnson out of the way. On the outside, Johnson hung Bennett up on the barricade and Christian hit a big splash onto him from the ring apron (the splashiest part of the ring!) Then, Jay Lethal was shown watching the match in the back at the odd angle that all wrestlers watch tv.

Back in the ring, Johnson and Christian had Bennett isolated and we tagging in and out to beat him senseless. Bennett kicked off Christian and got a tag to Taven who ducked a clothesline and hit a back body drop on Johnson. He then tried a springboard, but Christian rolled away.

Bennett tagged back in and so did Johnson. They worked through a series of pinning combinations, but neither man got a three count. Christian jumped on Taven’s back and Johnson did the same on Bennett, trying to get sleepers. The Kingdom hit stereo proton packs though.

Taven and Johnson were legal and Johnson got Taven up on his shoulders and hit a spicolli driver, followed by a splash by Christian. Taven tried a quick rollup, but Christian locked in Vanilla Choke Zeo. Across the ring, Johnson held Bennett, but Bennett reversed it into a death valley driver onto Christian before Taven could tap.

Jay Lethal was shown in the back, approving.

Christian got caught by Bennett in a spicolli driver and Taven hit Just the Tip, but Christian rolled out before it could be pinned. The Swirl (ew) hit a spicolli driver/stomp combo on Bennett on the outside before facing Taven.

Taven spammed superkicks, but Chriswtian hit a low blow behind the ref’s back. One more Spicolli/Stomp combo and that was it as Christian pinned Taven for the win.

Jay Lethal was shown in the back, disapproving.

Match Result: Blake Christian and Lee Johnson defeated The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett)

ROH Pure Rules Championship Match: Lee Moriarty (c) vs. Xelhua

At Supercard of Honor, Moriarty successfully defended his Pure Title against the legendary Blue Panther. Fun Fact: if you add the ages of Moriarty (30) and Xelhua (21) together, they are still over a decade younger than Blue Panther (64).

The match started with a 60 minute countdown on the timer, so that’s what we’re going with now. Moriarty and Xelhua locked up, trying to force each other to use up a rope break. It didn’t work for either man though and they reset.

Xelhua put on a surfboard cloverleaf next, forcing Moriarty to use a rope break at 58:45. Moriarty started throwing open hands at Xelhua’s chest, but the luchadore reversed it into a leg lock submission in the center of the ring. Moriarty threw him off though with an armdrag.

Moriarty started working the hands of XelHua, but that just gave him a chance to tie Moriarty in knots. The ref issued Xelhua a warning for a closed fist and Moriarty used the opportunity to hit a codebreaker. Then he danced. No, really.

Moriarty whiffed on a big elbow and Xelhua hit a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker. Moriarty lured Xelhua intot he corner and drove his skull into the turnbuckle. He then hit a dropkick but only got a two count. Moriarty went back to working the hand of Xelhua, splitting his fingers.

Moriarty then tied him up in a grapevine, forcing Xelhua to use a rope break at 53:20. Moriarty then hit a high stomp on Xelhua’s hand. Moriarty split the finger again, twisting and slamming Xelhua’s hand on the mat, trying to take away the luchadore’s grabbing ability.

Xelhua blocked a suplex, but Moriarty dropkicked him to the outside and dove after him, driving him into the barricade. it was so nice, Moriarty did it again. And again. But on the third, Xelhua caught him and put Moriarty in a straightjacket on the outside.

They went back into the ring to break the count and Moriarty wrenched Xelhua’s arm on the ropes. He then got a Border City Stretch on, forcing Xelhua to use a rope break at 49:17. Xelhua responded with a stalling suplex, leaving both men on their backs.

Xelhua got to his feet first and peppered Moriarty with chops. Xelhua went up top next and hit a crossbody from the top turnbuckle. Xelhua put a hammerlock submission on Moriarty, but Moriarty got his foot on the ropes, using his second rope break at 46:33.

Moriarty went back to working Xelhua’s arm and hand before hitting a flapjack for a two count. Moriarty planted Xelhua and went for a cover, but Xelhua got his foot on the ropes, using his final rope break at 45:20.

Moriarty took advantage and locked in a Border City Stretch. Xelhua rolled it into a pin attempt and then hit at tailbone slam for a two-count. Moriarty put on a Octopus stretch, followed by a Border City Stretch through the ropes. Xelhua had no rope breaks left, so he was forced to tap out.

Match Result: Lee Moriarty defeated Xelhua

After the match, respect was shown by both men and STP came down the ramp to celebrate their wins together.

Fight Without Honor: Paul Walter Hauser vs. Q. T. Marshall

I haven’t seen Naked Gun yet, but I hear that one participant in this match is in it. So, good for whoever that is. Anyway, Marshall threw a drink in Hauser’s face 6 months ago. Hauser is famously sober, so now they are going to have a fight about it.

Marshall claimes Hauser “isn’t a real wrestler” but Hauser certainly looks the part. As the match started, they locked up, which was odd for a Fight Without Honor. Marshall’s strategy seemed to be to out-wrestle Hauser, putting on a headlock. Hauser was able to reverse it for a scoop slam, to Masrhall’s surprise.

Hauser hit an atomic drop and side russian leg sweep, causing Marshall to scramble from the ring. Hauser hit a cannonball from the ring apron (the most Golden Globe winning part of the ring!). Hauser then went underneath and pulled out a table.

Marshall threw a chair at Hauser, but he ducked it and shoved the table into Marshall’s gut. He then tried to suplex Marshall through the table, but Marshall reversed it. Hauser then reversed that an suplexed Marshall on the floor before sending him back into the ring.

Hauser went underneath the ring again and pulled out a ladder. Before he could put it in the ring, Marshall sent it into his face with a baseball slide. Marshall set the Ladder up in the corner and Hauser climbed into the ring and started punching, using the moment to pay tribute to Dustin Rhodes.

Marshall picked up Hauser and threw him onto the ladder. Marshall adjusted the ladder on the ropes and hit Hauser’s face off of it. Marshall went under the ring while Hauser bled in the corner. Marshall found a box that contained a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat and chair.

Marshall went with the bat and raked it over the forehead of Hauser after hitting him in the back. Marshall went with the chair next, but Hauser ducked it and sent Marshall into the corner. He then hit him with the chair across his exposed back.

Hauser put Marshall up on hisd shoulders and Aaron Solo arrived with a Kendo Stick to help Marshall. He beat Hauser with it mercilessly will Marshall recovered. Solo and Marshall brought two tables into the ring. Solo hit Hauser with the ladder while Marshall grabbed a third table.

Hauser wailed as Solo hit him with the chair again and again. Marshall got another box, this one draped with a black curtain. Before he could open it though, Hauser thew Marshall out of the ring. Solo went to handcuff Hauser, but who should appear but HOOK!

Hook put Solo through a table and dragged him out of the ring and to the back in a choke hold. Marshall raked Hauser’s eyes and then tried to pile drive him on the ring apron (the most Emmy winning part of the ring!) Hauser reversed it though into a plunge slam through the table!

Hauser threw Marshall back in the ring and grabbed a chair. He smashed it over the head of Marshall and set it up in the ring. He picked up Marshall and hit a sit down piledriver on the chair for a two count. Hauser then produced his Golden Globe award and smashed it into Marshall’s face.

Hauser dragged the cloth covered box into the middle of the ring and revealed that it was full of broken glass. Hauser tried to drive Marshall’s face into it, but Marshall tried to hit a diamond cutter into it. Hauser moved and Marshall landed on the glass. Hauser then hoisted him up and slammed him on the glass again. Somehow, Marshall kicked out at two though.

Hauser then produced a bag of thumbtacks, spreading them around the ring. Marshall hit a superkick though and then powerbombed Hauser on the tacks.

Marshall grabbed a table next and set it up in the ring. He then covered it in broken glass. Marshall grabbed a mic and told the crowd to shut up. He then jawed at Hauser, dragging him to his feet. Hauser hit a low blow on the way up and rolled Marshall up on the tacks for a two count.

Hauser hit a double axe handle and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Marshall woke up and punched him right in the golden globes. Marshall hit a diamond cutter from the top rope through the glass covered table and pinned Hauser, 1-2-3.

Match Result: Q. T. Marshall defeated Paul Walter Hauser

After the match, Hauser got a nod of respect form Marshall and a standing ovation from the crowd. He really did give it everything.

ROH World Tag Team Championship Match: Sammy Guevara and TBA (c) vs. The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd and Truth Magnum)

During Zero Hour, Guevara said that he didn’t want to “break the walls down” and spoil who his mystery partner is for this match. With that tease in play, his partner turned out to be…

Not Ross Von Erich… Not Marshall Von Erich…

But… RUSH!

(shut up, it makes sense. kinda)

The match started with much speculation as to Guevara’s status with LFI, but all that mattered was the ROH Tag Titles and Rush and Guevara were on the same page when it comes to that. Guevara started things off against Magnum, relying on his cockiness to cover for the fact he’d already wrestled one match tonight.

Magnum got an armdrag followed by a dropkick on Guevara who moved to his corner and tagged in Rush. Magnum tagged in Floyd and the two mighty men began slapping the meat, as it were. Rush pie-faced Floyd in the corner and chopped him across th ring. Floyd stood up to him though and a shoving match ensued.

Magnum grabbed a tag and the Outrunners double teamed Rush. Guevara complained to the camera about the crowd in Philly before accepting a tag from Rush to double dropkick Magnum. Magnum tried a quick rollup, but Guevara sent him face-first into the bottom rope.

Rush dragged Magnum out of the ring and sent him into the steel steps. Guevara followed and sent him into the barricade. Rush threw a beer in Magnum’s face and Guevara slid him back into the ring, cutting him off before he was able to make a tag to Floyd.

Guevara chopped him in the corner before tagging in Rush to do the same. The two traded off stomps and chops on Magnum in the corner, pausing only to Pose in the center of the ring. This was full pre-kid Guevara at his best.

Magnum almost got a tag to Floyd, but Guevara got him in a sleeper before he could get there. Magnum turned it into a back suplex and finally got the tag to Floyd as Guevara got a tag to Rush. Floyd cleared the ring though, slamming Magnum onto Rush.

The Outrunners tried to hit their double elbow, but Guevara interrupted it. They tried to irish whip the Outrunners into each other, but Floyd and Magnum reversed it and clotheslined Rush and Guevara. The hit their double elbow on Rush,but Guevara interrupted Total Recall.

The Outrunners responded by hitting Total Recall on Guevara but he wasn’t legal. All four started to brawl, with the Outrunners taking out Guevara. Magnum went up top but Guevara pushed him off the turnbuckle. Floyd got clocked by Rush who landed the Bulls Horns.

Rush tagged in Guevara who went up top for a shooting star press and covered Floyd to get the victory. Sammy Guevara and Rush are your new ROH World Tag Team Champions!

Match Result: Sammy Guevara and Rush defeated The Outrunners

After the match, Dralistico came down to celebrate with Rush and Guevara. So did the Von Erichs. Guevara tried to make peace between everyone, but then superkicked Marshall while Rush slammed Ross with a title belt, Guevara’s status with LFI now brazenly clear.

-Backstage, Lexy Nair interviewed the Outrunners about their loss. Before they could answer a question though, a celebrating STP came by and made fun of them.

ROH World Championship Match: Bandido (c) vs. Hechicero

The last two Bandido title defenses have been no-brainer contenders for Match of the Year. With Hechicero in the opposite corner tonight, I’m pretty confident he’s going to hit the trifecta. Don Callis, bad Spanish and all, came down to introduce Hechicero. Bandido entered wearing an era-clashing suit of armor and six-guns on his hips, which made me wonder if more wrestlers came to the ring strapped would there be fewer title changes?

“Everything that Hechicero is, he looks like.” -Caprice Coleman.

The match started with an attempted lock up that ended with Bandido kicking Hechicero in the shins. They locked up for real with Hechicero walking Bandido into the corner, where nothing happened. The two locked up again, this time with Bandido getting a wristlock on. Again not satisfied, they locked up again, with Hechicero wrenching the arm of Bandido.

Hechicero took Bandido down with a leg sweep, locking his legs around his head. Bandido grabbed the rope and Bandido tried a headscissor, twisting through to send Hechicero to the mat. Hechicero reversed it into a surfboard style submission attempt, torquing the knee of Bandido.

Bandido hauled Hechicero up into a tombstone position, but Hechicero rolled through and grabbed Bandido, working the arm for a head scissor and double wristlock. Hechicero found Bandido’s ankle, but Bandido popped up and ate a big shoulder tackle. Hechicero continued working the arm, but missed a senton.

Hechicero dropped Bandido with a toe hold, Bandido responded with a frankensteiner, sending Hechicero to the outside. Hechicero climbed back into the ring and Bandido picked up the speed with some flips and dodges, running circles around Hechicero, finishing with a flip to the outside leaving both men on their backs.

Bandido got to his feet first and used the advantage to flip off Don Callis. Back in the ring, Bandido whipped Hechicero into the corner, but Hechicero came back with a high knee to Bandido’s chest. Hechicero hit a DDT next for a two count.

Hechicero tried to peel the mask from Bandido’s face, but settled for punching it instead. Hechicero hit a pump handle slam and Callis began causing a distraction at ringside. Hechicero hit a crossbody on Bandido on the ropes.

Bandido staggered to his feet to be met by punches from Hechicero. He started returning them, but Hechicero caught hid ankle on a leapfrog and pulled him to the mat. Hechicero wrapped up the legs of Bandido, trying to take away his speed in a surfboard.

Bandido powered out of it though and reversed it into an instep surfboard of his own. Hechicero stepped out of it and wrapped Bandido in a grapevine, forcing him to grab the ropes to break the hold. Bandido then rolled out of the ring and Hechicero followed.

Hechicero threw Bandido into the barricade and put him back in the ring. Hechicero put a sleeper on and then transitioned into an armbar. Hechicero wrenched the arm of Bandido back, twisting his shoulder.

Hechicero tried to tear Bandido’s mask again, ripping it and almost revealing Bandido’s face. Bandido staggered towards the ropes, but Hechicero didn’t let up. Bandido reached deep and started returning kicks and punches, followed by a spingboard corkscrew.

Bandido lifted Hechicero in a military press and dropped him on his head. Hechicero left the ring and Bandido followed with a corkscrew over the top rope. Bandidio threw Hechicero back into the ring and went up top for a frog splash, but Hechicero kicked out at two.

Bandido tried to pull up the mask of Hechicero, but stopped when the crowd disapproved. He swept Hechicero’s lego and sent him out of the ring. When he followed, Hechicero hooked his leg over the barricade and hit a big elbow off the ring apron (the most elbowy part of the ring!).

Hechicero climbed the barricade, bringing Bandido with him. Hechicero tried to suplex him, but Bandido blocked it, instead suplexing Hechicero on the barricade, leaving both men laying.

Hechicero tried to stomp Bandido on the ring apron, but Bandido got the knees up sending him off the apron. Bandido then climbed the ringpost and hit a high splash onto Hechicero. Bandido then slid back into the ring to beat the count as Hechicero staggerd up.

Hechicero moved to end the match, but Bandido exploded with a flurry of offense. Hechicero tried for another sleeper, but Bandido broke it by hyperextending the arm. Bandido then tried a Code Red, but hechicero blocked it and hit a helicopter down to the floor, smacking Bandido’s head against the barricade on the way down.

Back in the ring, Hechicero put Bandido in a body scissor and wrenched his knee back. Bandido wiggled free and staggered to his feet. Hechicero put on a spinning hammerlock, but Bandido countered the backbreaker. Hechicero hit a high knee and Bandido followed with a superkick. Bandido hit a headscissor takedown, but both men ended up flat on their backs.

Callis started pounding on the ring apron to get Hechicero moving but both men sat up at once. Bandido flipped off Hechicero and the two began headbutting each other. The got to their feet and Hechicero dropped the straps.

Bandido got a gutwrench spin out slam on Henchicero but Hechicero blocked the 21 plex. Bandido rolled over and lifted Hechicero off the ground. Hechicero tried to roll through but Bandido twisted into a leg lock. Hechicero flipped it into another surfboard style hold and Bandido got to the ropes.

Bandido put Hechicero on the the top turnbuckle and Hechicero headbutted him. Bandido hit a slam and then a 21 Plex attempt into a straightjacket and german suplex to finally get the pin and retain the title. Trifecta achieved!

Match Result: Bandido defeated Hechicero

ROH Women’s World Championship Match: Athena (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa

In case you forgot (because I sure did!) Shirakawa is the Interim ROH Women’s Television Champion while Red Velvet recovers from injury.  Also, the Blue Meanie, I mean, Blue Minion came down to the ring with Athena and her Minions in Training. Shirakawa also wanted to dance with the Meanie, which enraged Athena who kicked him out of the ring.

After a very agressive Code of Honor, the bell rang and the two locked up. Athena worked the shoulder of Shirakawa, as the two twisted around each other. They exchanged leaps and roll throughs until Shirakawa dodged a big right hand from Athena.

Athena ducked under the ropes and got some words of encouragment from Billie Starkz at ringside. Shirakawa laid a boot to Athena’s gut followed by as side russian leg sweep. Shirakawa shook her money maker on the top rope and hit a spingboard splash on Athena. Athena pushed her off, favoring her knee.

Athena rolled out, clutching her knee and Shirakawa followed, smacking Athena into the ring post. She went to punch Athena, but she ducked and Shirakawa punched the post with her already injured hand. From there, Athena worked the hand on the barricade and stuck in between the steps and the ring post. Athena then dropkicked the steps, crushing Shirakawa’s hand.

Back in the ring, Athena kicked Shirakawa into a pin attempt, then dropped a knee onto her already injured hand repeatedly. Athena put on a short arm scissor lock, bending Shirakawa’s arm back in on itself. She sent Shirakawa into the corner, bouncing her head off the turnbuckle.

Athena put Shirakawa’s hand into the turnbuckle and began kicking it repeatedly before sending her out of the ring with a baseball slide. She stomped Shirakawa’s hand against the barricade and charged her, but Shriakawa dodged it and Athena kicked the steel. Twice.

Athena hobbled after Shirakawa who sent her into the barricade before sliding back into the ring. Shirakawa dropkicked Athena’s knee and hit a sling blade for a two count. Athena tried a kick but Shirakawa turned it into a backbreaker.

Shirakawa wrapped Athena’s leg around the ring post, slamming it and then putting on a figure four. Starkz tried to intervene, allowing Athena to dive through the ropes, but Skirakawa dodged and Athena crashed into Starkz. Shirakawa used the distraction for a parkour splash. Athena caught her and threw her into the barricade.

Athena tossed Shirakawa back in the ring but as she was climbing in, Shirakawa grabbed her leg in a dragon screw then put on the figure four in the center of the ring. Athena clawed her way to the ropes breaking the hold.

Athena grabbed Shirakawa o hit her with a shining wizard. Athena popped back up though and hit a hard lariat onto Shirakawa, leaving them both on their backs in the ring. They started trading punches (and screams!) as they staggered to their feet, still trading blows.

Shirakawa kicked Athena’s knee, but Athena caught her and landed a pike driver right on her head. Athena hoisted Shirakawa onto her shoulders but Shirakawa turned it into a DDT for a two count. Shirakawa went up top and hit a slingblade, but only got a two count as well.

Shirakawa called for the Glamourous Driver, but Athena worked out of it and hit a skull expulsion. They rolled around the ring and Athena locked in a Koji clutch. Shirakawa hit her knee, forcing her to let go, but go caught by a superkick on the way up.

Athena went up top, looking for an O Face, but Shirakawa got to her feet and got her into an Electric Chair into a spin out flapjack. She then locked on another figure four in the center of the ring. Athena writhed in pain, trying to fight out of it. She rolled it over and reversed the figure four. Shirakawa reversed it back.

Finally, Athena got to the rope and broke the hold, clutching her knee while Starkz tried to energize her. Shirakawa went up top but Athena grabbed her ankle and punched her face. Athena hit a superplex and and tried a pop up powerbomb but Shirakawa hit a discus lariat.

Shirakawa nailed a glamourous driver, but Athena kicked out a two. Shirakawa tried a second driver, but Athena caught her and hit an armbar, complete with biting. Athena hit a straightjacket powerbomb and then went up top. She hit an O Face and got the pin 1-2-3! Athena retains the title and goes on to celebrate her 1000th day as champion.

Match Result: Athena defeated Mina Shirakawa

What a great and extremely long night of wrestling!

New ROH Death Before Dishonor match added

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A fourth match has been added to next Friday’s Death Before Dishonor special on ROH’s HonorClub streaming service, this one a Fight Without Honor.

The storyline between QT Marshall and Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Paul Walter Hauser will continue at Death Before Dishonor in a Fight Without Honor. The match was made official in a segment on Thursday’s Ring of Honor TV episode:

Death Before Dishonor will take place at the former ECW Arena, now the 2300 Arena, in Philadelphia on Friday, August 29. Four matches are now official for the show, including the Fight Without Honor, an ROH World title bout, an ROH Women’s World title match, plus an ROH Pure Championship tilt. The updated card:

ROH Death Before Dishonor, Friday, August 29 —

  • ROH World Champion Bandido defends against Hechicero
  • ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defends against Mina Shirakawa
  • ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty defends against Xelhua
  • Fight Without Honor: QT Marshall vs. Paul Walter Hauser

WOL: Hogan doc, NXT, PWH, BAT BITES, more!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back today with tons to talk about including PAUL WALTER HAUSER YELLING AT BRYAN FOR SOMETHING HE DIDN’T DO, tons of health updates including Charles Robinson getting BITTEN BY A BAT, the Hulk TMZ doc, NXT, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Daily Update: Tony Khan, Paul Walter Hauser-MLW, Shotzi

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest Headlines

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site right now:
  • WBD will split into two companies, what this means for the future of cable, for AEW, for the legacy of TBS, TNT and CNN, for TNT Sports and what and when this all goes into effect regarding AEW.
  • More on WrestleMania going back to Las Vegas
  • The story on Ron Killings being cut why they had to bring him back and all the ramifications regarding it
  • The story behind Gunther beating Jey Uso for the world tite and set up
  • Full King of the Ring coverage, as well as Saturday Night’s Main Event main event, Night of Champions, Evolution and future WWE major events.
  • Full UFC 316 coverage and Kayla Harrison garners one of the most impressive combat sports resumes in history
  • The story behind Worlds Collide, the history packages, behind the scenes, Mr. Iguana and his background, all the ratings numbers, TripleMania Regia and more.
  • Ben Askren fights for his life
  • Latest developments in the Janel Grant lawsuit
  • Mark Kerr goes into UFC Hall of  Fame meaning Dwayne Johnson will induct him
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the pro wrestling shows including comparing cable vs. network, cable vs. streaming, how Rw is really doing, four-hour AEW marathon shows, NBA competition and more
  • Arena Mexico has one of its best matches of the year
  • New Japan Dominion noes
  • Notes on the G-1 tournament
  • Why Greg Oliver was so valuable to pro wrestling
  • Bret Hart talks Vince McMahon
  • Final X notes
  • Former ROH star retires
  • Wrestler trading card auctioned off for more than $80,000
  • Wrestlers who had matches in seven different decades
  • Former WWF wrestler makes a grandstand challenge for Hulk Hogan
  • RAF signs Olympic gold medalist
  • Update on lawsuit against AEW
  • Grand Slam Mexico notes
  • All In notes
  • Komander injury
  • Dana White and Nick Khan back promoting the biggest fight of 2025 and how it looks to have gone down
  • BJ Penn arrested again
  • Notes on TKO stock and media rights talks
  • Lots of new WWE signings

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

Other Wrestling

  • Ahead of tonight’s Grand Slam Mexico episode of Dynamite, Tony Khan met with CMLL director Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli. CMLL writes that Khan and Lutteroth reaffirmed the collaborative ties between their promotions.
  • AEW wrestler John Silver and his girlfriend Denise Liguori announced their engagement.
  • During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show today, actor Paul Walter Hauser explained what his role is as an executive producer of MLW:
    • So the day-to-day operations, not so much. But my thing is I’m trying to lead us into the next iteration of it… My hope for MLW, my whole desire is, let’s get a TV deal. Let’s get some sort of streaming deal. Let’s get the library up on something, be it a FAST channel [free ad-supported streaming channel], whatever. And let’s, slowly but surely, get the money to actually build up a full roster and get this thing going.
    • And then at the same time, let’s try to put eyes on it when we can… and find cross promotion wherever we can.
  • When asked how far along MLW is on a TV or streaming deal, Hauser responded:
    • I can’t say too much because we’re still figuring stuff out, obviously. But we’ve had a couple of offers and we’ve had discussions and we’re just trying to figure out what makes the most sense for everybody. Because it’s one thing for somebody to throw you some money, it’s another to find people that understand and like the product. So, like, we’re kind of looking for somebody who actually likes wrestling and understands the product and wants to see it grow exponentially. Not get some kind of cheapo buyout just to have it up off of YouTube.
  • Hauser named Sting, Bret Hart, Ric Flair & Chris Jericho as his pro wrestling Mount Rushmore.
  • Shotzi Blackheart told Denise Salcedo that, when she was let go by WWE, Charlotte Flair was the first person to reach out and offer her support:
    • She was honestly the first person that called me. Like when that news hit, she was the first person to call me. And she was like, ‘What do you need me to do? What connections can I pull? What do you want? Like, I will help you.’ She has just been such a rock for me. And I hope me for her as well. Because we were doing ACL rehab at the same time. We were just there for each other. And she has been somebody, like, a person that I cried to during that whole process. Yeah, she’s just been so great.
  • Joe Coffey explained that the reason Gallus haven’t wrestled since their WWE release is because they’re going through the process of getting new visas:
    • Just to cut a long story short, with the release and the contract, our visa goes with that. So we’re in the process of going through a new visa, which hopefully won’t be too lengthy. It’s costly, but it’s going to be an investment. Unfortunately, just now, we have to be landlocked in the US, so it means we can’t work in the US or get back to Europe or Japan or anything.
    • It’s just a bit of a waiting game. It’s a bit frustrating because I’ve been wrestling for a long, long time, coming up on 16 years now. It’s what I know. And I’m just itching to get my boots on, tie the laces up, and just get back to work and get back in the ring. So hopefully it won’t be too long.
  • Kayla Becker (former WWE broadcaster Kayla Braxton) announced that she is now seeking on-air broadcast jobs in sports and entertainment:
    • After nearly a decade in live broadcasting sports arenas to red carpets I’m currently seeking new on-air roles across sports, entertainment, and lifestyle.
    • Since leaving WWE, I’ve launched two independent podcasts I’m proud of, but I’m also ready to rejoin a media team where I can collaborate, tell bigger stories, and expand my impact on-air.
    • Whether it’s live coverage, unscripted interviews, or branded content I thrive when I’m in the moment and on the mic.
  • Elayna Black will challenge Masha Slamovich for the JCW World Championship at GCW’s Boss of all Bosses show in Dallas on Friday, July 11.
  • Gabriel Wai, a former WWE Performance Center recruit and rugby player, is part of the cast for the next season of MTV’s “The Challenge” that debuts on Wednesday, July 30. Wai was given the name Eka Brown after signing with WWE but was never featured in NXT.

Paul Walter Hauser named MLW Executive Producer

Posted on by Ian Carey

Paul Walter Hauser has been named to a new position at Major League Wrestling.

As first reported by Deadline, the Emmy-award winning actor will now serve as an Executive Producer for the promotion. Additionally, MLW has signed a deal with Artists First, the agency that represents Hauser,  for representation in seeking television and streaming distribution deals.

“I’ve been a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, and MLW represents everything I love about the sport— hard-hitting action, compelling characters, and innovative storytelling,” Hauser said. “I’m thrilled to join MLW as an Executive Producer and look forward to working alongside the team to bring fans the best possible experience.”

“Bringing Paul Walter Hauser on board as Executive Producer and teaming up with Artists First marks a major milestone for MLW,” said Court Bauer, MLW Founder and CEO. “Paul’s passion and creative insight, combined with the industry-leading expertise of Artists First, will propel MLW to new heights and expand our presence across multiple platforms.”

Hauser made his pro wrestling debut at a November 2023 REVOLVER show in Los Angeles. He later beat Matt Cardona in an EMMY vs. Slammy Winner Takes All match at a show in Iowa. He wrestled his first MLW match last May and has been a regular for the promotion since. His last match was a fatal four-way for the National Openweight title that saw Matthew Justice retain over Hauser, Bobby Fish, and AKIRA.

Up next for MLW is Battle RIOT VII on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. Hauser has been announced for the Battle RIOT match on the show.





Pre-show panelists revealed for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW has revealed the four-person panel for this Sunday’s Revolution pre-show.

The Zero Hour broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time and will be hosted by Renee Paquette, RJ City, Jeff Jarrett, and actor/wrestler Paul Walter Hauser. The pre-show is airing live for free on AEW’s social media channels immediately leading into the Revolution pay-per-view.

Hauser — a wrestling fan who now regularly competes in the ring — also served as a panelist for AEW’s Full Gear pre-show in November 2024. As an actor, he’s best known for starring in the movie “Richard Jewell. He won an Emmy award for his role in the 2022 Apple TV+ mini-series “Black Bird.” In April, Hauser will be an entrant in MLW’s 40-wrestler Battle Riot match where Matt Riddle is defending the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.

Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is hosting Revolution on Sunday (March 9). The pre-show broadcast will feature TikTok star Big Boom AJ returning to the ring for a six-man tag match. He’s teaming with Mark Briscoe & Orange Cassidy against Johnny TV, Mason Madden & Mansoor.

Here is everything that’s been announced for Revolution as of now:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Kenny Omega
  • The Hollywood Ending: AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mariah May
  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin) defend against The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Momo Watanabe
  • AEW World title number one contender’s match: Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet
  • MJF vs. Hangman Page
  • Steel cage match: Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • Zero Hour: Big Boom AJ, Mark Briscoe & Orange Cassidy vs. Johnny TV, Mansoor & Mason Madden

Paul Walter Hauser set for National Openweight title match at MLW TV taping

Posted on by Ian Carey

Paul Walter Hauser has a chance to win his first-ever wrestling championship later this month.

The I, Tonya, and Cobra Kai actor will challenge for the MLW National Openweight Championship in a four-way match at the promotion’s TV tapings on February 8, MLW announced on Monday. MLW Superfight VI will also take place the same night, with both shows taking place at Atlanta’s Center Stage.

Hauser’s opponents will be Bobby Fish, AKIRA, and MLW National Openweight Champion Matthew Justice.

Hauser is coming off two losses in a row in MLW. He teamed with Justice and lost to Brock & CW Anderson at One Shot in December and teamed with Paul London in a loss to the Andersons again at Reloaded last month.

MLW Superfight VI and TV taping lineup for Saturday, February 8, 2025:

  • Triple threat match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle defends against Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane
  • Donovan Dijak vs. Tom Lawlor
  • Honey Trap match: Paul London vs. BRG
  • KENTA vs. Kevin Knight
  • Esfinge & Templario vs. Mascara Dorada & Mistico
  • Janai Kai vs. Mila Moore
  • The House of Duran (Cesar Duran, Salina de la Renta, Jesus Rodriguez, and D’Oro) to appear

Announced for TV taping:

  • KUSHIDA vs. Neon
  • MLW National Openweight Champion Matthew Justice defends against Bobby Fish, AKIRA, and Paul Walter Hauser

Ricky Starks appears at Defy event, goes face-to-face with KENTA

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Ricky Starks continues to tour the indies.

The AEW star made a surprise appearance at the end of Defy’s Blueprint event on Sunday, confronting KENTA after he successfully defended the Defy title against Schaff. It isn’t known if or when the two will meet, though Defy is currently promoting their upcoming 8th Anniversary show that will take place on February 17.

Starks has been off AEW television since March, with no clear reason as to why he hasn’t been used. In recent months, he has instead appeared at various independent shows. A well-publicized situation saw Starks, who had just made his GCW debut, being pulled from all future events by AEW after GCW star Effy in an interview was critical of the Khans and AEW for running shows at the Hammerstein Ballroom just weeks before GCW was set to make their return. 

Starks has an upcoming House of Glory match against Mike Santana next month.

Elsewhere on the show, actor Paul Walter Hauser appeared via video and challenged Joey Janela to a match for the 8th Anniversary show. Joey Janela accepted, making the bout a street fight.

Paul Walter Hauser to join AEW Full Gear pre-show panel

Posted on by Josh Nason

Actor turned wrestler Paul Walter Hauser will be part of Saturday’s AEW Full Gear pre-show panel, joining Renee Paquette, Jeff Jarrett and RJ City.

Hauser has been in AEW before, appearing on the January 13rd, 2023 Rampage where Jarrett laid him out with a guitar shot and stole his Golden Globe award which was never resolved in storyline.

Hauser, who has also won an Emmy, has been active in the ring this year, competing for MLW, Wrestling Revolver, and SHW. He defeated Sami Callihan in an April street fight and Tom Lawlor in a cage match in May. The actor has also said he would like to play Mick Foley on screen someday.

He won’t be the only celebrity on the pre-show as Big Boom A.J. of the Costco Guys, flanked by Big Justice and The Rizzler, will be competing against QT Marshall.

Here’s the current card for Newark, New Jersey:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Orange Cassidy
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Kris Statlander
  • TNT Champion Jack Perry defends against Daniel Garcia
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Ricochet
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • Jay White vs. Hangman Page
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Swerve Strickland
  • MJF vs. Roderick Strong
  • Mariah May & Mina Shirakawa champagne celebration
  • Four-way match for AEW Tag Team titles: Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) defends against The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd), House of Black (Malakai Black & Brody King), and The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens)
  • Zero Hour: Big Boom A.J. vs. QT Marshall

Paul Walter Hauser issues MMA cage match challenge to Tom Lawlor at MLW Blood & Thunder

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Paul Walter Hauser and Tom Lawlor are going to meet inside a steel cage.

After Lawlor defeated Jake Crist in the Opera Cup opening round at MLW Blood and Thunder, the actor-turned-wrestler appeared via video. He challenged Lawlor to a no holds barred MMA cage match where Lawlor’s manager, Mister Saint Laurent, would be barred from ringside. Lawlor said it was on.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1811938733513429291

At MLW’s Battle Riot event, Hauser eliminated Lawlor from the battle royal, which was ultimately won by Matt Riddle. Later in the month at MLW’s anniversary show, Hauser laid out Saint Laurent following a series of insults, leading to Lawlor attacking Hauser with a steel chair.

The Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning actor made his debut in professional wrestling earlier last fall, defeating Matthew Palmer at a Pro Wrestling Revolver event. He defeated Sami Callihan in a Philadelphia Street Fight at the WrestleCon SuperShow during WrestleMania weekend, and most recently went to a no content with Danhausen.

Actor Paul Walter Hauser hoping to play Mick Foley in future project

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Award-winning actor Paul Walter Hauser is hoping to portray Mick Foley in a future project.

In an interview with The Wrap, Hauser revealed that he’s become friends with Foley and has been talking with the Hardcore Legend about potentially playing him in either a movie or mini-series. Hauser is a big wrestling fan who has also become an occasional in-ring competitor.

“I’m literally talking to Mick Foley right now about the potential of playing him in a movie or limited series,” Hauser said. “I don’t know which and I don’t know how, but he and I have become friendly. And I think he knows that that could be a really great stroke of genius in casting me to play him.”

Hauser is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award winner. All three awards were for Hauser’s work on the Apple TV+ series “Black Bird.” His other roles have included starring in the movie “Richard Jewell.”

With him being such a fan, Hauser has been approached before about wrestling-related acting projects. Hauser said he wants to make sure there’s a real story there and he’s not just doing it because of his fandom.

“A couple of people have approached me to potentially play different wrestlers in different projects, and for me, I just have to make sure that there’s a real story there and I’m not just doing it because I’m a fan,” Hauser said.

“I’ve got to look enough like the guy. So, I don’t think I’ll be playing Steve Austin, but I could maybe play a Mick Foley or a Jim Neidhart.”

Hauser has made appearances for AEW, ROH, and was a guest on a 2019 episode of WWE Backstage. In November of last year, Hauser made his in-ring debut at a show for Wrestling Revolver. He’s worked four indie matches in total.

It was announced this week that Hauser will debut for MLW as an entrant in Battle Riot VI in Atlanta on Saturday, June 1. The show is airing live for free on YouTube.

The 58-year-old Foley had recently been considering coming out of retirement for one final match in an effort to lose weight and in celebration of his 60th birthday. But after suffering a concussion, Foley decided to call off those plans. He gave an update last month saying that his concussion symptoms have subsided and his condition has improved greatly.