WWE has welcomed many internet celebrities and influencers in recent years, but that wasn’t always the case. YouTuber Joe Weller recently shared a story about being removed from WrestleMania by Triple H, despite initially being invited by Paul Heyman.
On March 8, Logan Paul made headlines when he suplexed and pinned Joe Weller during the Sidemen charity football match at Wembley Stadium. While Paul is an established WWE performer, Weller has also been known for his viral wrestling-related YouTube content, including videos where he performed moves in various places like swimming pools. This was for viral fame, but that apparently didn’t make it to Triple H.
While speaking on Logan Paul’s imPAULsive podcast, Joe Weller remembered how his videos caught the attention of Paul Heyman, leading to an invitation to WrestleMania. This was a dream come true for him, because the Wise Man is a great person to get the attention of.
“I went to a WrestleMania, Paul Heyman was like, ‘I loved your video’, that swimming pool one, he was like, ‘Come along, let’s make another one and I’ll get you in at WrestleMania, you can stay in the WWE hotel.’”
It wasn’t all a great situation, because things turned sour. Joe Weller claims that Triple H had a different reaction to him being around. Apparenlty, Triple H didn’t want the YouTuber there.
“F*cking Triple H kicked me out. He was like, ‘Who’s this f*cking YouTuber? Get out of here.’ They were so not open to the YouTube stuff back then. I think he was still wrestling, but it was very much like, ‘Who the f*ck’s this YouTuber?’ There was no embracing of it back at that point. But Paul Heyman got it, and we made a video, we made Brock Lesnar say, ‘F*ck you Joe’ and it was sick.”
While reflecting on how WWE’s attitude toward influencers has changed, Joe Weller speculated on what could have been if social media stars had been embraced earlier. After all, WWE is much more open for business now when it comes to crossovers.
“But I often think, what the social media world is doing right now, imagine if that was five years before, what could have been possible. Because those videos, they f**king banged.”
As he expressed his passion for wrestling, Joe Weller also teased the idea of facing Logan Paul in WWE. He obviously wouldn’t turn that opportunity down.
“I love wrestling man, I’d love to be in your (Logan Paul’s) position. I’m definitely not as popping as you are right now – there’s Speed, Kai Cenat and you in WWE out of the influencer world.
“Logan Paul vs Joe Weller at WrestleMania, it’s happening. I’ll see you in the ring, I’m cashing in the Money in the Bank.”
WWE’s relationship with influencers has evolved in recent years, with stars like Logan Paul making a major impression, as it has exposed the product to millions of fans who may not watch wrestling otherwise. Whether Weller eventually steps into the WWE ring remains to be seen, but he seems open to redeem himself in the company.
We will have to see what the future holds when it comes to people coming into WWE from outside the company. After all, it is a very attractive platform that can gain exposure to a new fan base. That being said, not everyone is going to be welcomed with open arms.
Which You Tuber would you like to see Triple H kick out of backstage in WWE? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.