Paul Walter Hauser wears many different hats.
To most, he’s an accomplished actor, known for his award-winning performances in programs like “Black Bird” and “7 Days to Vegas.” In some cases, like at PROGRESS’ Wrestlemania weekend card in April, he’s a pro wrestler.
But recently, Hauser has also taken up the role of Executive Producer for Major League Wrestling (MLW). He inked an agreement to work with the promotion back in March, giving him a behind-the-scenes role in a company he had previously wrestled for.
Hauser has big visions for what MLW can become and hopes that he can help the promotion achieve those goals while working for them. Top of the list of Hauser’s wants? A new broadcast or streaming deal.
“My hope for MLW, my whole desire is, let’s get a TV deal,” he said on the Ariel Helwani Show. “Let’s get some sort of streaming deal. Let’s get the library up on something, a FAST channel, whatever. And let’s slowly but surely get the money to actually build up a full roster and get this thing going. And then at the same time, let’s try to put eyes on it when we can.”
How far away is MLW from achieving a rights deal of some sort? While some offers have been made, Hauser says they’re still determining who would be a perfect partner for them.
“We’ve had a couple of offers, we’ve had discussions, and we’re just trying to figure out what makes the most sense for everybody,” he said. “It’s one thing for somebody to throw you some money, it’s another to find people that understand and like the product. So we’re looking for somebody who actually likes wrestling and understands the product and wants to see it grow exponentially. Not get some cheap-o buyout just to have it up, off YouTube.”
MLW streams its top cards for free on YouTube, including a show next week headlined by Matt Riddle vs. KENTA. They currently still have a deal with BeIN Sports – earlier this month, their “War Chamber” card was simulcast on the channel as well as YouTube.
