PWI Weekly for March 3, 2025
Pro Wrestling Goes Pop ... Culture
FROM THE ROCK’S Hollywood takeover to the influence of wrestling on music and fashion, the sport’s impact extends far beyond the squared circle.
This week, we delve into wrestling’s connection with pop culture, examining the shared appeal of larger-than-life characters—and the moments where wrestling storylines mirror real-world events. We'll also look at how pop culture icons have embraced wrestling, from cameos to full-blown collaborations. So, whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan or a pop culture aficionado, get ready to discover the surprising ways these two worlds can collide.
WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
We’d like to say up front that we here at the PWI Weekly are not the biggest fans of Logan Paul. His smarmy attitude and general air of superiority make him hard to like. And yet, his foray into WWE has been nothing short of impressive. Paul has proven that those outside the traditional wrestling world can make a significant impact, provided they take the craft seriously. While some may have initially scoffed at his involvement, the social media maverick has demonstrated a clear aptitude for the sport, silencing critics with his athleticism and natural charisma.
Despite any personal reservations one might have about Paul's past, it's undeniable that he's a great fit for WWE’s current landscape. He brings a massive built-in audience from his YouTube and other social media platforms, introducing new eyes to the world of professional wrestling. His presence elevates the company's visibility, attracting attention from mainstream media and a younger demographic. From his unexpected debut alongside The Miz at WrestleMania 38 to his impressive showing against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel—and yes, even his United States title reign—Paul has consistently exceeded expectations.
A QUICK WORD ABOUT
It's not just the wrestlers themselves who are captivated by the world of sports entertainment. A surprising number of celebrities are also huge wrestling fans. From A-list actors to chart-topping musicians, the squared circle has a diverse fanbase.
Actress Vanessa Hudgens, NFL star George Kittle, and Tool guitarist Adam Jones are just a few diehard fans you can spot regularly at WWE shows. Even renowned chef and TV personality Alton Brown is a known AEW enthusiast.
The connection between celebrities and wrestling often goes beyond mere fandom. Some, like Hugh Jackman, have stepped into the ring; while others, like Snoop Dogg, have had WrestleMania moments that most grapplers can only dream of. It's a testament to the universal appeal of professional wrestling, a form of entertainment that blends athleticism, drama, and larger-than-life characters.
MUSINGS, WITH MATT BROCK
This whole celebrity wrestling craze … it’s enough to make me spit out my single malt. When I started covering this sport, wrestlers were wrestlers. They earned their stripes in smoky bars and bingo halls, not on some Hollywood red carpet. Now, it seems like every two-bit actor or pop starlet with an X account thinks they can just waltz into the squared circle and become a wrestling god.
Don’t get me wrong: I’ve seen a few exceptions. Andy Kaufman, God rest his soul, actually understood the business. He played the obnoxious jerk to perfection, and the fans genuinely hated him. That’s commitment. That’s understanding the psychology of the game. But for every Kaufman, you’ve got a hundred of these other clowns. Snooki, Dennis Rodman, all those reality TV rejects … just embarrassing themselves and the sport. They treat it like a joke; a publicity stunt. They don’t understand the years of grueling training, the broken bones, the sacrifices that real wrestlers make.
These celebrities think they can just show up, throw a couple of weak punches, and suddenly they’re wrestling superstars. They don’t understand the craft. They don’t understand the personal dedication it takes. They don’t understand the sheer physicality of it all. They’re just in it for the attention, a quick buck, and a chance to boost their already sizable egos. It’s insulting to the men and women who dedicate their lives to this business.
I remember one time at a show in Mid-South Wrestling, when Muhammad Ali got in the ring and started knocking out wrestlers. That is, everyone except Jake Roberts. While everyone else was falling and flying around for the former heavyweight champ, Roberts just stood there taking every punch Ali could throw at him. When Bill Watts later asked Roberts why he hadn’t gone down when hit, Roberts replied, “I’ve got to work here next week. He doesn’t.”
Now, there’s no denying the status of a combat sports star like Ali. However, any time I see some D-list celebrity trying to execute a Rock Bottom, I remember what Jake said. The real stars, not these flash-in-the-pan celebrities, are the wrestlers. They’re the ones who deserve the cheers, accolades, a nd respect. Now, get off my lawn, and take your celebrity wrestling with you!
FROM THE VAULT
Now-retired Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce basks in the glow of his WrestleMania moment—having just helped Rey Mysterio and Andrade defeat Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar. While this technically counts as a celebrity cameo, it’s worth noting that countless former football players have transitioned successfully to a post-gridiron life in the ring. If Mr. Kelce’s late-night talk show doesn’t pan out, he might want to consider giving grappling a go.