Emmy-winning actor and aspiring wrestler Paul Walter Hauser has deactivated his X account after facing intense backlash from the wrestling community. The controversy erupted when Hauser questioned the enduring legacy of AWA legend Nick Bockwinkel while praising a modern NXT match. Subsequently, Jim Cornette and others sharply criticized the remarks as disrespectful to wrestling history. However, Hauser doubled down by highlighting generational differences, only to ultimately delete his profile.
Despite the controversy, lifelong wrestling fan Hauser appears committed to building a legitimate in-ring career beyond his Hollywood success. He made his debut in November 2023 and signed with Major League Wrestling in May 2024. Trained and mentored by WWE and ROH veteran Paul London, Hauser currently competes as “The Mercenary” and has already wrestled more than a dozen matches, showing a clear and sincere effort to earn respect between the ropes.
