When Logan Paul first signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in July of last year, many fans of the sport thought it was a gimmick designed to generate publicity for his brand.
But fast forward nine months and the YouTuber has now signed a multi-year deal with the company.
He announced the news to his 25.4 million Instagram followers with an understated post captioned “contract renewed”.
But there’s been nothing to understate the social media star’s performances in the squared circle.
Embed from Getty ImagesPaul has impressed WWE fans with his dramatic high-flying moves and some have gone as far to say he’s the best ever celebrity-turned-wrestler.
He told ESPN: “I feel incredibly blessed to have found something that I’m good at, at 28 years old.
“The fact that the organisation believes I’m good enough to continue hopefully building this WWE legacy is mind-blowing.”
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But has Paul been blessed with good storylines and talented opponents, or does he really have what it takes to make it?
Zak Zodiac – a professional wrestler and coach – says Paul is “naturally gifted” in the ring.
“There’s a lot celebrities that come into professional wrestling that won’t put the graft in,” he told BBC News.
“But Logan Paul is certainly not that person.
“The last few shows when he’s jumping on to the announcement tables, that’s a big risk and this man is putting his body on the line.”
Zak, whose story is told in the 2019 film Fighting With My Family which stars Dwayne Johnson, says Paul has mastered the basics.
“Whenever I’m training anyone, we spend a lot of time on the foundations,” he said to BBC News.
“The footprint of professional wrestling, which is things like your bumps, your footwork, your ring awareness and your ring skill, these are all the things that make you an all-round professional wrestler.
“If you look at some of the world’s greats like Shawn Michaels, Eddie Guerrero and people like that, their basics are what make them stand out.
“Logan Paul has shown that he’s got his credentials down. Yes, he can fly and he can win the crowd, but he’s also got his basics right and that’s exciting.”
Zak also thinks getting a social media star like Paul in has brought more viewership to WWE.
“The sky’s the limit for Logan Paul in professional wrestling,” he said to BBC News.
Embed from Getty Images“He’s got every chance to go on and submit his name as a professional wrestler, maybe even win championships.
“I would like to see him get a permanent contract with WWE.”
