The planned clash between AEW wrestler QT Marshall and actor Paul Walter Hauser almost unfolded under the bright lights of an All Elite Wrestling event last summer, before ultimately taking place at a Ring of Honor present. Marshall revealed on the “What Happened When” podcast with Tony Schiavone that AEW President Tony Khan had initially approved the match for an AEW show, but Hauser ultimately preferred the historic setting of ROH’s Death Before Dishonor.
“Tony Khan approved us wrestling at an AEW event,” Marshall said, according to a transcription of the interview by Wrestling Inc. “But [Hauser] said, ‘I don’t want to be at an AEW event for this particular match. I want it to be Ring of Honor, I want it to be ECW Arena.’” The match did eventually seize place at ROH Death Before Dishonor on August 12, 2023, with Marshall emerging victorious in a “Fight Without Honor” match.
The decision, Marshall explained, stemmed from Hauser’s desire to earn the respect of the professional wrestling community. Hauser, an Emmy Award-winning actor known for roles in films like “The Fantastic Four” and television shows like “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,” approached the wrestling world with a serious intent to prove himself. He’s also slated to appear in the upcoming remake of “The Naked Gun” alongside Cody Rhodes. Marshall described Hauser’s eagerness to participate in a legitimately hardcore match, even expressing surprise when informed that real barbed wire would be used if they chose to incorporate it.
Hauser’s Dedication to the Craft
Marshall recounted pitching the idea of holding the match during AEW’s All In event in London, England, but primarily as a way to avoid potential physical harm. “I pitched All In, in Texas,” Marshall said with a laugh. “I believe in trying to protect myself as much as I can.” The All In event, held August 27, 2023, at Wembley Stadium, drew over 72,000 fans, making it one of the largest wrestling events in history, according to AEW’s official website.
Hauser’s foray into professional wrestling began in 2023, and has quickly become a notable presence on the independent circuit. Beyond his ROH appearance, he has wrestled in over two dozen matches for promotions including Major League Wrestling (MLW), REVOLVER, and DEFY Wrestling, demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond a one-off celebrity appearance. He’s also made several appearances on AEW television, including a memorable moment where an AEW stable stole his Golden Globe award, as reported by Wrestling Inc.
The Appeal of Ring of Honor and ECW Arena
The significance of Hauser’s preference for Ring of Honor and, specifically, the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, lies in the history and reputation of both. Ring of Honor, founded in 2002, has long been considered a proving ground for talented wrestlers, known for its emphasis on in-ring skill and storytelling. The ECW Arena, formerly the home of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), holds a legendary status among wrestling fans for its notoriously passionate and often rowdy crowds. ECW, known for its hardcore style, operated from the arena from 1992-2001.
Choosing to wrestle at the ECW Arena, signaled Hauser’s desire to be judged on his performance within a setting steeped in wrestling tradition, rather than simply leveraging his celebrity status. It was a statement about wanting to be taken seriously by those within the industry, and to demonstrate a genuine respect for the art form.
The “Fight Without Honor” Match
The “Fight Without Honor” stipulation allowed for a more brutal and unpredictable match, a style Hauser apparently embraced. While details of the match itself haven’t been widely publicized beyond standard wrestling reports, Marshall’s comments suggest a willingness on Hauser’s part to push boundaries and participate in a physically demanding contest. The “Fight Without Honor” stipulation is a common feature in ROH, allowing for the apply of weapons and outside interference.
Marshall’s account provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of incorporating celebrities into professional wrestling, and highlights the importance of respecting the culture and traditions of the industry. It also underscores the surprising level of dedication some celebrities bring to the endeavor, going beyond a simple promotional appearance to actively seek validation within the wrestling world.
As Paul Walter Hauser continues to pursue opportunities in professional wrestling, his commitment to the craft and his respect for the industry’s history will likely remain central to his approach. His next scheduled appearance is with the promotion DEFY Wrestling on February 24th in Seattle, Washington, according to DEFY Wrestling’s website. Fans and industry observers will be watching to spot how his journey unfolds.
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