Paul Walter Hauser on Acting-Wrestling Balance

Actor and occasional professional wrestler Paul Walter Hauser shared candid insights into his dual careers during a recent interview on the Insight podcast with host Chris Van Vliet, recorded at West Coast Creative Studio in Hollywood, California. The Golden Globe-winning performer, known for roles in films like I, Tonya and the series Cobra Kai, discussed turning down a part in the comedy Ricky Stanicky, his compensation for wrestling matches, and the challenges of balancing high-stakes acting with in-ring risks.

Hauser revealed he passed on an opportunity to appear in Ricky Stanicky, the 2024 Prime Video film starring Zac Efron and former WWE wrestler John Cena. The decision came seven weeks before production, primarily due to logistical issues. "It just wasn't a lot of money," Hauser said. "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." He compared the situation to wrestler Matt Riddle's complaints about uncomfortable travel, adding that he felt bad about declining because he admires Efron. The film follows three friends who invent a fictional character to escape trouble and later hire an...