PROGRESS Wrestling Proteus World Champion Paul Walter Hauser Discusses His Injury with Ariel Helwani
PROGRESS Proteus Champion Paul Walter Hauser may be temporarily sidelined, but he’s not staying silent. The Emmy Award-winning actor and current titleholder recently sat down with Ariel Helwani for a revealing and often hilarious conversation about the physical toll his wrestling journey has taken – and what comes next.
Hauser spoke candidly about the string of injuries he’s sustained since stepping deeper into the wrestling world. One particularly painful moment? A slow-motion elbow drop – caught on camera by none other than O’Shea Jackson Jr. – that left Hauser with a hematoma on his right glute the size of a stress ball.
“I landed really well… but I got a hematoma in my right butt cheek,” he told Helwani, laughing. “It was hard to sit. My wife was like, ‘Dude, your whole thing is bruised.’ Five different colours!”
That was just the beginning. A week later, Hauser flew to Las Vegas and won the PROGRESS Proteus Championship at Chapter 179, delivering his signature Haus Arrest finisher (a straight jacket flatliner) and securing his first wrestling title. But the moment came at a cost.
“After I got pile-driven by Adam Priest, Simon Miller leapt onto both of us to break the pin. I heard a crunch. I’ve had that before with Bobby Fish — a crack. I was like, ‘Oh no, this sucks.’”
Medical scans later confirmed four acute rib fractures and bursitis in his right shoulder, the latter from catching a moonsault during a previous bout.
“I went all out. I was proud of what I did. I took and gave with great commitment… but my body was pretty effed up.”
For now, Hauser is focused on recovery and preparing for the birth of his next child. Though he didn’t give a specific return date, he assured fans he’ll be back in a PROGRESS ring once he’s 100%.
“I’m just taking time off to heal… and then I am set to make my return.”
Whether he’s performing in front of cameras or crowds, Paul Walter Hauser continues to prove that wrestling isn’t just a side gig — it’s a passion. And when he returns, there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to defend the Proteus Championship with the same grit and theatrical flair that made him champion in the first place.
🛠 Injury Summary:
Hematoma: Right glute, post-elbow drop
Rib fractures: 4 acute breaks from pin-break impact
Shoulder bursitis: Catching a moonsault
Recovery: Ongoing; return planned post-healing and family time
Stay tuned for updates on Hauser’s return to PROGRESS and the Proteus Championship scene. Until then, Chapter 181: Far From Ordinary People continues to shape up in his absence — but you can bet the champ is watching.
Fans can catch the full event replay on DEMAND PROGRESS PLUS and Triller TV+.
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