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This question would have been unfathomable and absurd just a few years ago. But then, superstar YouTuber Logan Paul was shaping up for his stint at professional boxing and headlined some huge PPV events against fellow YouTubers and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. However, fast forward a few years, and many fans and commentators have been quietly impressed by the seamless transition of the charismatic Ohio-based YouTube sensation into the ranks of professional wrestling entertainment. However, he's not the first superstar or celebrity to feature in WWE.
Logan Paul's former opponent Mayweather made a cameo in the WWE when he decided to take on The Big Show - breaking his nose. Celebrities ranging from Snoop Dogg to Shaquille O'Neal. Logan's appearances have been much more prominent and far more consistent - having signed a massive deal with the WWE, it looks like Triple H may be positioning him for a run-in as the face of the organization.
The rise of Logan and Jake Paul through YouTube has propelled them into the spotlight as two widely recognized individuals in America and internationally. Logan's fame initially spiraled on the now-defunct video-sharing site Vine. He then moved his brand to YouTube and became one of the most followed individuals worldwide.
Forbes has often named him among the highest-paid social media influencers, and his total video views stretch into the billions. Paul has cashed in on his brand by advertising many products on his social media. It is not a secret that many celebrities advertise different brands and activities ranging from online slot machines to energy drinks, and seemingly everything in between. In their turn, businesses are interested in hiring influencers for their marketing purposes to promote gambling, betting, buying some products, paying for some services, etc.
With a history in wrestling and as somebody who participated at a decent level in his younger days, he is not a stranger to how the physical side of the industry works. Likewise, he is well equipped to handle the media furor, frenzy, and hysteria that comes with having tens of millions of followers on YouTube and fighting the likes of Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match.
However, once you weigh up other ventures he has on the table, focusing solely on wrestling could become a problem. Logan has his podcast, YouTube channel, and drinks company to juggle simultaneously. Any one of these on their own could operate as a full-time job, so Logan needs to be careful he isn't spreading himself too thin, having committed to the WWE for the long term.
There have been talks that the WWE has big plans to turn him into one of the key figures in the organization, or better still, the leading man. It would make sense, given that Paul doesn't need the exposure or notoriety.
Ultimately, it would take a significant commitment and a considerable sum of money to tie him in for as long as they have. However, the idea that he will soon be the face of sport isn't as farfetched as it may sound. Given that he suffered such a severe injury setback at the end of 2022, but the organization still believes he can make a huge impact should show you just how important Triple H believes Paul can be to the future success of WWE.
Professional wrestling entertainment is a phenomenally popular sport across several continents. It has colossal viewership in the United States and Mexico, but there are also millions of fans across Europe and South America. One thing the organization has always been able to do is to stay ahead of the curve.
The inclusion of celebrities in the past has been specific to one event or match. However, Paul is one of the first notable celebrities to take on his persona and apply it so successfully to the wrestling ranks. Although wrestling is still hugely popular, it peaked in popularity around the early 2000s, when Triple H was part of the highly successful ensemble roster, including The Rock & Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Under his tutelage, he will be looking to turn the WWE into a fine-tuned machine that can appeal to a mass audience again. Logan Paul will likely be the bridge facilitating this pivot toward a mass audience as opposed to a specific subset of wrestling enthusiasts.
Although Logan carries a lot of weight, and his name is one of the most famous among people under 30 - the WWE will be keen to build any future events or stories around him and use other characters who can help push the brand further.
If Paul picks up another serious ACL injury, they won't want to have all their eggs in that basket, but as part of a more extensive package with Paul as the spearhead, it is an idea that could work.
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