Fans stage rare defence of WWE’s Logan Paul after AEW chief Tony Khan makes bold ‘best celeb wrestler’ claim

Wrestling fans have stepped in to champion WWE star Logan Paul after a snub of sorts from AEW chief Tony Khan.

All Elite Wrestling’s supremo Khan came under fire in some quarters online for looking in a very different direction in naming the ‘greatest celebrity wrestler’ ever.

Khan’s AEW has emerged as one of the biggest wrestling companies in the worldCredit: AEWWhile Paul is riding high in rival organisation WWE and is the company’s reigning United States Champion, Khan is adamant that the lofty distinction in fact belongs to NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaq has ties to both companies, having hosted an episode of Monday Night Raw for WWE, and appeared as an entrant in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 where he stood toe to toe with fellow giant The Big Show.

As well as appearances for WCW and TNA Wrestling, he ventured to AEW in 2021 and teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite.

His iconic status and varied portfolio of wrestling cameos over the years makes him a firm favourite with Khan, who also holds executive roles at Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars.

READ MORE WRESTLINGHe told Sports Illustrated he’d love the opportunity to work with the 52-year-old again, revealing the lasting impression he made while with the company.

“I would love to have Shaq back in AEW any time he’s available,” he insisted.

“He’s one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and he’s extremely talented on-air in a number of roles.

“Shaq is also the greatest celebrity wrestler in wrestling history.

O’Neal has notched up appearances in many major wrestling promotionsCredit: WWE

It took most of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal to eliminate Big Show and O’NealCredit: wwe

Paul has impressed many fans with his swift and seamless transition into wrestlingCredit: WWE“What people didn’t see is what happened backstage. When he wrestled in AEW, he went around backstage and showed respect to all the wrestlers.

“He told the wrestlers, ‘I want to make you look good.’ It was unbelievable – that’s the most recognizable athlete on the planet doing that.”

Shaq’s status as a sporting icon and legend stands undisputed. Nevertheless, the suggestion he’s the greatest celebrity to ever transition into the wild world of professional wrestling did leave one or two unsettled.

For those fans, it’s Paul who stands as the finest in the ‘celebrity wrestler’ category, although it’s perhaps no longer a like-for-like comparison given the 29-year-old influencer has wowed in the 13 matches he’s had since debuting in 2022 and appears on WWE programming on an almost weekly basis.

Nonetheless, Logan’s achievements in the industry arguably eclipse those of many in a similar ilk, one fan saying: “Logan Paul is the greatest celebrity turned wrestler. Technically he’s not just a celebrity guest anymore.”

Another added strongly: “It’s Logan Paul and it’s not even close,” while a third said: “I don’t care for the guy personally, but Logan Paul clears him as a pro wrestler.”