WWE wrestler Grayson Waller says he wants a “match” with “dumb Aussie journos” after his tag team partner Austin Theory threatened to “smack the s…” out of The West Australian Editor-In-Chief Anthony De Ceglie.
Following a day of media, Waller — who is originally from Australia — told his followers on X he wanted to fight Australian journalists alongside his wrestling partner Austin Theory.
“Might need to organise a Tag Match soon . . . A Town Down Under vs Dumb Aussie ‘journos’,” he posted.
It came after Theory was at The West Australian’s offices to do a video interview with the sports department when a chat to editor Anthony De Ceglie turned ugly.
What seemed like friendly banter got serious as Theory took offence at wrestling being called “fake” and not as “hard” as Australian Rules football or Rugby League.
The incident, captured on an employee’s phone, has made international headlines.
Shocked staff were genuinely unsure what to do as Theory got so wild he had to be carted away by WWE security.
“You brought me here and you’re going to talk to me like this?” he said.
“Just cause you’re in charge of some s… doesn’t mean you can talk to me like this.
“You’re saying what I do is easy and you’re in front of all of your people talking about my job is easy … you couldn’t walk a damn day in my shoes.
“Are you kidding me man? I will smack the s… outta you right now.
One staff member Kay Fabe said it looked like a genuine fight was going to break out.
“I was seriously worried about what was going to happen,” they said.
Posting to X in response to Waller’s callout, The West Australian said: “Spoke to the boss … he says bring it!!”.
The WWE wrestling universe is in Perth ahead of Saturday’s Elimination Chamber event at Optus Stadium.
Athletes are set to attend a free press event outside the stadium on Friday from 12pm.
The major pay per view is the event just before Wrestlemania and has attracted the company’s biggest names to Western Australia – from Logan Paul to Rhea Rhipley and Drew McIntyre.
There are even hopes that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will jet into town at the last minute — although that possibility remains up in the air.