Paul Walter Hauseris having quite the time of it. Fresh off landing roles in the upcomingNaked Gunreboot and the highly anticipatedFantastic Fourfilm within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hauser is now set to step into the wrestling ring with Major League Wrestling (MLW). Hauser has declared for the 40-man Battle Riot match at MLW’s biggest event of the year, Battle Riot VI.This event will be streamed live and for free for the first time on YouTube on Saturday, June 1, from Center Stage in Atlanta.
Hauser’s Hollywood trajectory has been impressive. According to Deadline,he will join theFantastic FouralongsidePedro Pascalas Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic,Vanessa Kirbyas Sue Storm/the Invisible Woman,Joseph Quinnas Johnny Storm/the Human Torch, andEbon Moss-Bachrachas Ben Grimm/the Thing.Additionally,Julia Garnerhas joined the project as Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer from the comics, whileRalph Inesonwill portray Galactus. Directed byMatt Shakmanand produced by Marvel’sKevin Feige, the film is set to begin shooting this summer.
Hauser also recently secured a role in theNaked Gunreboot, portraying police captain Ed, a character from the original films. Additionally, he is set to playiconic comedianChris Farleyin an upcoming biopic directed byJosh Gadfor New Line. Hauser has long aspired to portray Farley, as he revealed in a 2021 interview withTHR.
Entering the Wrestling World
By joining MLW, Hauser takes a significant step in his burgeoning pro wrestling career. The acclaimed actor, who has been training and competing since November 2023, will compete in the flagship Battle Riot match for a shot at theMLW World Heavyweight Championship. Known for his high-profile appearances in film and television, Hauser is now set to make a mark in the wrestling world. Battle Riot VI combines elements of a battle royale and an anything-goes street fight, featuring 40 of the fiercest wrestlers on the planet with new participants entering the ring every 60 seconds.
Hauser expressed his excitement about participating, stating, “I’m so excited to take part in Major League Wrestling’s 6th Annual Battle Riot. While some could misconstrue this to be an actor making a cameo in wrestling, or a fan checking off some bucket list or wish fulfillment - don’t get it twisted. I am entering to prove myself worthy of a spot in the world of wrestling, as well as a shot atSatoshi Kojima’s World Heavyweight Title.”
MLW Founder and CEOCourt BauerpraisedHauser’s dual career path, saying, “Paul is building something special with a two-track career driven by his passion and an unrelenting quality that separates the pretenders from the contenders. I don’t think there is anything Paul wants more than to put MLW gold next to his Golden Globe and EMMY. Now he will get his chance of making that happen at MLW Battle Riot VI.”
Battle Riot VI marks MLW’s first-ever free live-streamed event since the company began its live broadcasts a year ago on pay-per-view. Bauer highlighted the significance of this new streaming avenue, stating, “The ‘content is king’ era is over. The creator economy is here, and it’s powered by YouTube. Direct to consumer is the future for sports leagues. We are going right to the fans that watch us and giving them MLW’s biggest signature event of the year for free.”
In addition to Hauser, MLW Battle Riot VI will feature a star-studded lineup, including former UFC standoutMattRiddle, Mexico’s biggest box-office drawMístico, multiple global championBobby Fish,“Death Machine” Sami Callihan, WCW legend and Karate Hall of Famer Ernest“The Cat” Miller, former MLW World Tag Team ChampionMatthew Justice, multi-league championTimothy Thatcher, third-generation grapplerDavey Boy Smith Jr., CONTRA masked mercenaryMads Krule Krugger, Atlanta’s ownAlex Kane, former NFL playerAJ Francis, and many more to be announced.
Don’t miss the action on June 1 as Battle Riot VI brings together top-tier talent for an unforgettable night of wrestling.Tune in live on YouTube.
