Ex-AEW performer leaves major company due to “creative differences”

A former AEW performer has just become a free agent after departing a major promotion, citing creative differences as the reason. But as of now, it is unclear if they will still pursue wrestling moving forward.

Paul Walter Hauser is known for his role in the hit TV series Cobra Kai and several other blockbuster movies. He is also dedicated to his craft as a wrestler. He often wrestles on the independent circuit and even wrestled once on Ring of Honor. He has also appeared on AEW TV for some cameos and as a guest analyst during pay-per-view pre-shows but has yet to compete for the company.

He revealed on Instagram that he has now departed MLW after being with the company since May 2024. Hauser did not wish to get into detail about the reason behind this, and just noted it as “creative differences”. He gave credit to the promotion for helping hone his craft.

“With a heavy heart, but a clear mind, I said goodbye to the MLW family late last week. Before speculation or conjecture try to rear their ugly, & needless, head – my decision was simply rooted in creative differences. The truest, & least sexy, answer. I enjoyed my time in Major League Wrestling. Sami Callihan introduced me to Court Bauer who gave me an opportunity at Battle Riot 6 & beyond. I learned a lot about bettering my in-ring work, producing & directing backstage segments, and picking up on some of the environmental & situational behaviors in the wrestling business, which can prove elusive or confusing to a newcomer, like myself.”

The 40-year-old mentioned how he gave his all in trying to get more exposure for the company, and even used his platform to feature them.

“To be perfectly honest, I don’t think any of my best matches were in MLW, but I did the best I could with what I had at the time. Sometimes that was getting MLW writeups in the Wall Street Journal or having MLW clips featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Sometimes it was bringing in snacks for craft service, on-site empanadas to bolster catering, or having my videographer, Caleb Wall, run out to help a crew member buy a piece of missing equipment. I also pitched the product to anyone in Hollywood who would listen.”

Paul Walter Hauser was a guest commentator for AEW last year

The Hollywood star has made several appearances on AEW TV over the past few years. He once expressed that he was open to signing with the company in 2024, but ended up signing with MLW instead. But this has not stopped him from coming over to the company sporadically.

The spark for his feud with QT Marshall even began during one of these appearances, as the two got heated when they interacted during a Zero Hour pre-show last year. In August 2025, he even appeared on AEW Collision as their guest commentator for the night.

It is unclear what his next move will be and whether Paul Walter Hauser will end up signing with another major company. He could go down the same path as Big Boom AJ and sign a deal with AEW to make some sporadic appearances as a celebrity in-ring talent.

Edited by Enzo Curabo