Paul Walter Hauser to debut in MLW with eyes on the world title

Paul Walter Hauser is coming to MLW. The Emmy winning actor already has his eyes on the world title.

MLW announced Hauser’s participation in the Battle Riot match on June 1 from Atlanta, GA. The Battle Riot is their version of the Royal Rumble. 40 wrestlers enter, and the winner earns a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Satoshi Kojima.

Hauser isn’t in the match to be a celebrity schmuck. He is in it to win. In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Hauser spoke about his intentions:

“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could win. Wrestling Kojima, it would be an honor. He’s done so much, including being a two-time MLW champion. And now a tag team champion with Okumura, too. I’m coming for him, but I’m coming for him with love.”

In the MLW press release, Hauser added:

“I’m so excited to take part in Major League Wrestling’s 6th Annual Battle Riot. While some could misconstrue this to be an actor making a cameo in wrestling, or a fan checking off some bucket list or wish fulfillment – don’t get it twisted. I am entering to prove myself worthy of a spot in the world of wrestling, as well as a shot at Satoshi Kojima’s World Heavyweight Title.”

Hauser is undefeated in his brief career on the indies with three singles wins and one team win in a War Chamber match. Two of those victories were over high-profile names in Matt Cardona and Sami Callihan. Hauser credits his effort against Callihan for getting his foot in the door for the MLW opportunity, courtesy of the SI interview:

“This came about as a result of me wrestling Sami at the 2300 Arena on WrestleCon weekend. Sami and I really went at it, and the visuals made the rounds on the Internet. I’ve had people from Hollywood checking in on me and asking me what I was doing. Sami took a pizza cutter to my head, and he diced me open pretty good. I think I gained some people’s attention that I didn’t try to abbreviate the match.”

“In the end, with some help from Sandman, I got over on Sami. As I was leaving, Sami came back out and shook my hand. I think I earned his respect in whatever way Sami Callihan allows himself to respect another wrestler. That ended up being my in to an invite to the Battle Riot.”

The list of Battle Riot competitors also includes Matt Riddle, Ernest “The Cat” Miller, Sami Callihan, Mistico, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Matthew Justice, 1 Called Manders, Akira, Okumura, Timothy Thatcher, Mads Krugger, Bobby Fish, Josh Bishop, Mr. Thomas, Brett Ryan Gosselin, Jake Crist, and now Paul Walter Hauser.

Battle Riot will air live on MLW’s YouTube channel for free on June 1.

What odds to you give Paul Walter Hauser of winning Battle Riot?