Paul Walter Hauser has taken aim at WWE’s plans to hold WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, calling the deal a “cash grab” that shuts the fanbase out of the company’s biggest event. The actor aired his criticism on X, lending a perspective that straddles both Hollywood and the wrestling world.
Hauser is not a casual observer. He is an in-ring competitor with genuine ties to the wrestling business, which gives his commentary more weight than the average fan complaint.
His criticism came as part of a wider back-and-forth tied to WWE talent attending UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. When a fan argued that anger over the UFC event but not WWE’s Saudi shows was inconsistent, Hauser pushed back directly.
“I’ve never applauded or been in favor of WWE’s Saudi cash grabs,” Hauser wrote. “They can perform there, but denying all of us the likelihood of attending WM next year feels pretty gross.”
Hauser On Responsibility And Talent Choices
Another fan suggested that Roman Reigns, as the face of WWE, “had to be there” for the UFC event. Hauser rejected the idea that anyone is obligated to attend.
“Nobody HAS to do anything. With power comes responsibility,” he replied. “There were plenty of A-list WWE talent not present. I’ve foregone invites to Hollywood events or parties that I felt were sketchy or not in-step with my moral code.”
When pressed on why specific names like Bron Breakker, Chad Gable, Charlotte Flair, and The Miz were not getting the same scrutiny, Hauser acknowledged he had no complete list of attendees but stood by his stance.
“Didn’t have a document with all attendees names. Super disappointed people F with this thing. Whatever. We all have different views on shit,” he wrote. “Great entertainers/athletes but stanning for Trump’s UFC event is lame af. And people spent all day calling me lame af. All good.”
Hauser also poked fun at the backlash he received, summarizing the responses to his original criticism with a sarcastic recap of the abuse aimed his way.
Hauser’s wrestling profile has grown in recent years, from his work as an in-ring competitor to his appearances tied to AEW.