Hollywood has officially gone PROGRESS — Emmy-winning actor and lifelong wrestling fan Paul Walter Hauser pulled off one of WrestleMania weekend’s most surprising moments by capturing the PROGRESS Proteus Championship at Chapter 179 in Las Vegas.
Known for his standout performances in Black Bird, Richard Jewell, and as Stingray in Cobra Kai, Hauser entered the squared circle not as a guest star, but as a full-fledged competitor in a chaotic five-way battle against Simon Miller (the defending champion), EFFY, Charles Crowley, and Adam Priest.
And he won.
From Emmy Gold to Championship Gold
The match, part of PROGRESS Wrestling’s major crossover event during Mania weekend, was packed with personality, brawling, and spectacle — and Hauser more than held his own. The actor’s love of pro wrestling is no secret, but this performance proved he’s not just a fan with a famous face. Hauser hit hard, matched the energy of his seasoned opponents, and in a climactic sequence, secured the victory to claim his first-ever wrestling title.
Simon Miller, known for his work with WhatCulture and a standout run in PROGRESS, was dethroned after a dominant reign — and in the most Las Vegas way possible, with celebrities and chaos colliding in the ring.
Stingray Takes the Strap
Fans of Cobra Kai will recognize Hauser as Stingray, the enthusiastic oddball dojo member who became an unexpected fan favorite across multiple seasons of the hit Netflix series. In many ways, his transition from Stingray to Proteus Champion feels like a natural extension of his journey — an underdog with heart, grit, and a knack for big moments.
A New Kind of Champion
Hauser’s win isn’t just a gimmick. This is an actor who has trained, who shows up with boots laced and gear ready. His passion for the business is genuine, and it showed in his in-ring storytelling and charisma. Whether this is a one-off title run or the start of something more, PROGRESS has a certified viral moment on its hands — and a champion with undeniable crossover appeal.
What’s Next?
PROGRESS has yet to confirm Hauser’s next appearance as champion, but given the reception — and the sheer entertainment factor — expect something big on the horizon. As Chapter 179 proved, anything can happen when wrestling and Hollywood collide.
📰 Screen One will be watching closely to see how Hauser’s reign unfolds. Until then, one thing is clear:
The Proteus Championship has never been more cinematic.
