Tony Khan wants to see 37-year-old performer return to AEW - "He's always welcome"
AEW boss Tony Khan is a lifelong fan of pro wrestling. The fandom influences the way the 41-year-old runs his company, as he has chosen to surround himself with other long-term fans now working in the industry. Khan has just revealed that the company's doors remain open for a certain famous face from the entertainment world.
Paul Walter Hauser is another lifelong wrestling fan. The Golden Globe and Emmy-winning actor, who had a breakout performance as the lead character in the drama film Richard Jewell, had a cameo on WWE SmackDown in December 2019 and then appeared for AEW on Dynamite and Rampage in January 2023.
WWE was seemingly displeased after his AEW appearances. The 37-year-old has wrestled a handful of indie matches, including wins over Matt Cardona and Sami Callihan. He also had a strong MLW debut in the Battle Riot IV match earlier this month.
Paul Hauser recently confirmed talks with AEW and TNA Wrestling, while also disclosing a WWE goal. Regarding All Elite Wrestling, Tony Khan has now publicly confirmed that he wants Hauser back in the mix. Speaking to TV Insider, the AEW President said he was close friends with the Black Bird actor and his agent. Khan was asked if he was open to working with Hauser again in All Elite Wrestling.
"Yes. I want Paul to come back. He is a really good friend of mine. I met Paul in LA many years ago. He is a great person. Paul and his agent, Ryan, are two of my really close friends. I like Paul a lot. He is always welcome in [All Elite Wrestling] to do anything. I have so much respect for Paul Walter," Tony Khan said.
Hauser previously received in-ring training from four-time WWE champion Paul London. Moreover, WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page helped the 37-year-old lose weight.
Paul Walter Hauser working on a project with former AEW EVP and current WWE Superstar
Cody Rhodes has many famous friends in the world of pro wrestling. The current WWE Champion has dabbled in Hollywood, where he is also close to several celebrities such as actor and rookie wrestler, Paul Walter Hauser.
The American Nightmare was recently announced for a unique cameo role in the theatrical reboot of The Naked Gun, the crime-spoof comedy film series from the 1980s and 1990s. The fourth installment to the hit franchise is set to hit theaters on Friday, July 18, 2025, and "Law of Toughness" is the working title.
Producers for The Naked Gun have revealed that Hauser will star in the movie as Captain Ed Hocken of the local police department. In addition to Hauser and the former AEW TNT Champion, the movie will also feature Pamela Anderson, Liam Neeson, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, Busta Rhymes, Danny Huston, and Liza Koshy.