Paul Walter Hauser: Wrestling Pay, Injuries, and Future

Golden Globe-winning actor Paul Walter Hauser has become a surprising force in professional wrestling, balancing his Hollywood career with in-ring performances across independent promotions. In a recent candid interview with Chris Van Vliet, Hauser opened up about the financial realities, physical risks, and creative aspirations behind his unexpected wrestling journey.

Paying His Dues: A Tiered Pay Structure

Hauser revealed a pragmatic approach to compensating for his wrestling appearances, with pay rates that vary dramatically based on the promotion's scale and resources.

"My pay differs based on the company too. If I were to do something with TNA... I would want 10 grand for that match, because... 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."

For smaller promotions like Georgia's Action Wrestling, he accepts significantly less: "I’m not going to charge them more than three or 400 bucks. I still got to drive down there and drive back. I don’t know if I’m selling merch or not. I don’t know if they’re not going to have catering."

The Risk Factor: Injuries and Career Calculations

The actor openly acknowledges the tension between his film career and physical risks in wrestling. "One hundred percent [I’ve had that conversation]" about injuries delaying movie shoots, citing an incident where producers panicked after seeing his social media posts about a pre-taped MLW match while he was filming in Australia.

"I take calculated risks. There was a time when I was taking edibles and drinking scotch and partying around this city in Hollywood, and that was way more dangerous than wrestling."

His wife remains unconvinced, though Hauser insists he maintains safety protocols.

Ring Reflections: Pride and Self-Criticism

Despite his growing résumé—matches with Joey Janela, Steve Maclin, and Q.T. Marshall—Hauser isn't shy about critiquing his own work. "There’s probably six or seven of those 22 that I would like to hide somewhere and never show anyone. But there’s probably four or five, even six, that I’m very proud of." He specifically recommends his DEFY encounter with Janela and Revolver bout with Maclin as highlights.

Hollywood vs. Hard Knocks: Turning Down Cena

Hauser shared his surprising decision to pass on a role opposite Zac Efron in a John Cena-related biopic.

"They didn’t want to fly my whole family first class to Australia. I was like, that’s a long flight. That’s not mad chill."

The actor prioritized family comfort over a major Hollywood opportunity, drawing parallels to Matt Riddle's infamous travel complaints.

Physical Toll: Match Night Horrors

When asked about the most painful experiences, Hauser detailed two brutal incidents: a powerbomb onto thumbtacks from Q.T. Marshall and an elbow drop from a ladder onto concrete during MLW's Battle Riot.

"My butt cheek, my right butt cheek, and my hips slammed into concrete, seven, eight feet off the ground. Hard to recover from that and fake that, that sucks."

He also noted that kendo sticks inflict real pain since "the only way to fake a kendo stick is for a guy to hit you very lightly. And nobody does that."

WWE Ticket Prices and Industry Access

The actor voiced concerns about WWE's escalating ticket costs, predicting they'll alienate core fans.

"It’ll become this douchey, uppity thing that only a bunch of rich tech bros and investment bankers go see."

Hauser believes economic trends are pricing out average wrestling enthusiasts, creating an accessibility crisis for the industry.

Future Aspirations: The Mick Foley Connection

Hauser confirmed discussions about portraying Mick Foley in a biographical project, favoring a limited series format over a film.

"I want to do a Mick Foley limited series, do like a four to six episode thing... The guy’s done so much more than [falling off a cage]. He deserves more respect than that, too."

He's also been approached for other wrestling-related roles but is waiting to see which project "rises to the top."

As Hauser continues to navigate this dual career path—oscillating between red carpets and ring ropes—his pragmatic approach to both finances and physical risks reveals a thoughtful performer dedicated to honoring both crafts.