In the dynamic world of WWE, the integration of celebrities has always been a mixed bag—some elevate the spotlight, while others blur the lines of what wrestling stands for among its passionate fanbase. Recently, Grayson Waller, one of WWE’s rising Australian stars, offered a candid and controversial take on Logan Paul’s impact on celebrity involvement in wrestling, boldly stating that the YouTube sensation-turned-WWE Superstar has, in his opinion, “ruined celebrity wrestling.”
Logan Paul: From Internet Sensation to WWE Superstar
Logan Paul has undoubtedly become one of the most dependable and visible celebrities within WWE, demonstrating that if a celebrity is willing to dedicate time and effort, they can succeed in this physically demanding and storytelling-driven sport-entertainment business. Unlike many of his celebrity predecessors, Paul embraced his role with evident commitment—attending rigorous training, participating in high-profile matches, and drawing mainstream attention to WWE’s product.
His ability to attract huge viewership numbers and generate buzz around big events like WrestleMania has made him a key headline figure in recent WWE storylines. However, this level of celebrity involvement has created tension backstage and among wrestling purists, which Waller highlighted in a recent discussion.
Grayson Waller’s Criticism: Why Logan Paul “Ruined” Celebrity Wrestling
During a revealing interview, Grayson Waller openly addressed the mixed legacy Logan Paul leaves behind for celebrity wrestlers. Waller argued that while Paul’s work ethic and dedication are undeniable, his overwhelming celebrity status has actually set a damaging precedent. According to Waller, Logan’s mainstream appeal has changed how WWE approaches celebrities—not as temporary guest stars or novelty acts but as quasi-full-time performers who sometimes overshadow traditional wrestlers.
In Waller’s words, the problem lies in how this shifts fan expectations. The usual “celebrity wrestling” excitement fades when the focus seems to be more on someone’s external fame than their actual wrestling skills or dedication to craft. He expressed that this can frustrate WWE wrestlers who have paid their dues the traditional way and feel sidelined by the spotlight that follows a high-profile personality like Paul.
“It’s not that Logan doesn’t work hard, he absolutely does. But what happens is the bar changes, the fans start expecting celebrities to do more than just a quick appearance, and it takes the focus away from the wrestlers grinding week in, week out,” Waller explained in an interview transcribed by Sportskeeda Wrestling, crediting Chris Van Vliet for the coverage.
Behind the Scenes: The Backstage Atmosphere Around Celebrity Collaborations
Sources close to WWE creative reveal that Paul’s success has forced WWE to reconsider how they integrate celebrities into ongoing storylines. Some backstage personnel feel this reliance on celebrities risks alienating hardcore fans and devalues homegrown talent who climb the ranks through years of arduous work.
A WWE insider shared that while Logan Paul’s influence “brings big eyes to the product,” there’s internal debate about the long-term implications for WWE’s roster morale and creative direction. Many wrestlers respect Paul’s dedication but wonder if this approach to celebrity involvement might complicate their own career progression.
Grayson Waller’s Rise Amid Celebrity Feuds
Interestingly, Grayson Waller’s own career hasn’t been free from controversy and direct celebrity associations. He has often found himself aligned with Austin Theory as part of the “A-Town Down Under” faction, sometimes assisting Logan Paul during his feud with established WWE stars like Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.
Waller’s involvement in such storylines reflects WWE’s willingness to blend emerging talent with celebrity powerhouses—even if it contributes to backstage friction. Waller and Theory achieved notable success, capturing the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in a highly competitive Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match at WrestleMania XL before eventually dropping the titles to #DIY.
Waller’s Perspective on Wrestling’s Authenticity and Celebrity Involvement
At the heart of Waller’s critique is a concern for the authenticity of professional wrestling as a sport-entertainment hybrid. For him, wrestling is grounded in storytelling credibility and athletic prowess, ideals he feels can be compromised when too much emphasis is placed on star power without a proportional wrestling foundation.
Waller also addresses the complexity of balancing his own character development while navigating the divided fan reactions to celebrities like Paul. He acknowledges the “good and bad heat” he experiences, reflecting a wrestler caught between populist appeal and purist expectations.
What This Means for WWE’s Future with Celebrities
WWE’s history with celebrities—ranging from Mr. T to Floyd Mayweather and now Logan Paul—has been cyclical, with varying degrees of success. What makes Logan Paul’s presence unique is his near-full immersion in the wrestling world, blurring lines between celebrity guest and wrestler.
Grayson Waller’s candid remarks may signal a growing internal conversation about how WWE manages these partnerships moving forward. Will WWE continue to invest heavily in celebrity stars who can command media attention, or will there be renewed focus on elevating traditional wrestling talent and preserving the core wrestling product?
Final Thoughts
While Logan Paul has been credited with bringing unprecedented visibility to WWE’s celebrity crossovers, Grayson Waller’s perspective highlights the challenges this creates within the wrestling ecosystem, both creatively and culturally. His viewpoint offers a valuable glimpse into the tension between spectacle and sport that defines modern wrestling.
As a WWE insider once told us, “Celebrities like Logan bring the spotlight, but it’s the wrestlers day-in and day-out that build the legacy. It’s a delicate balance to maintain.” Wrestling fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how WWE navigates celebrity involvement in the years ahead.