Tom Brady, Logan Paul feud explained: Why former NFL QB, current WWE star are beefing

Worlds have been colliding over the past few months amid growing tension between former NFL QB Tom Brady and current WWE superstar Logan Paul.

While the interactions began on social media and through verbal jabs, the beef turned physical Friday at Fanatics Fest. Brady and Paul were face-to-face, and the minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders slapped Paul in the face.

The fact that WWE posted this should be telling. While there very well could be some disdain between the two parties, it feels like these interactions have been enhanced for some future wrestling storyline. Nothing has been made official, but don't be surprised if this is settled in the squared circle in the future.

Here is a look back at why the two parties are beefing, and how it could turn into a WWE match down the line.

Tom Brady-Logan Paul feud timeline

February 2026: 'Impaulsive' appearance

Brady joined Paul on an episode of the latter's podcast, "Impaulsive." Both were set to compete in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia, and Brady took a shot at Paul, downplaying his athleticism.

"No, you're not the level. You're a good athlete but honestly when I'm thinking of Saquon Barkley and I'm thinking of Odell Beckham.

It's cute, I love WWE, it's very cute, but this is real football, real competition … Let's see if you can bring it."

This response prompted many wrestlers, past and present, to flock to social media to defend their craft and challenge Brady to get in the ring if he thought it was so easy.

Paul took it a step further and then said he would fight any NFL player for $1 million, which briefly led to a scheduled boxing match with former RB Le'Veon Bell, but it was subsequently called off.

March 2026: Rob Gronkowski responds to Paul

Gronkowski was brought into the mix not only because he was participating in the flag football tournament, but also because some wrestlers attributed Brady's success to having Gronk as a teammate.

The former NFL tight end is a big WWE fan and has been involved in storylines in the past, even getting into the ring nine years ago.

Gronkowski, during a discussion with NFL media personality Kay Adams about the flag football tournament, touched on the Paul situation, saying that the wrestler backing out of fighting Bell was the "biggest crap of all time."

Paul has previously boxed Gronkowski's brothers and called out the tight end for not being willing to fight.

Gronkowski acknowledged that he was down to fight and that they would both be at the flag football tournament. He virally added that he would "whoop his [Paul's] ass."

This happened about a month out from WrestleMania, which was being held in Las Vegas. Wrestling fans' alarm bells were ringing, seeing that this was going to somehow result in Gronk, representing Brady, taking on Paul in a match.

March 2026: Flag football trolling

The flag football tournament in question finally arrived. It was largely devoid of fireworks, except when Brady threw a football that hit Paul in the gut.

Paul got in Brady's face, but at the time, the quarterback was smiling, playing this off as more playful and light-hearted than their previous comments.

July 2026: The slap

Despite signs pointing to an altercation going down at WrestleMania, nothing happened. In fact, after the flag football tournament, there were no interactions between the two or any mention of the beef they had.

That all changed at Fanatics Fest, where Brady uncharacteristically slapped Paul.

The wrestler said that the confrontation was because he was "roasting Tom for beating him in flag football."

Brady responded to the post on X, saying, "I tried America…will try again next time I see this nerd."

July 2026: World Cup Final interaction

Two days later, both were in attendance at the 2026 World Cup title match between Spain and Argentina.

A short clip that circulated on social media shows the two flipping the bird at each other.

So, where do they go from here?

Well, if this is actually a wrestling angle, it may be a bit. Paul posted to his Instagram that he tore his triceps on May 27. He had an "announced" recovery timeline of six months, which would put his return to the ring in late November or early December, if that is accurate and not kayfabe (part of a story in wrestling).

If this is a wrestling angle, it is hard to imagine Brady actually getting in the ring. It still feels like he would have a surrogate stand in for him, whether Gronkowski or someone else.

Paul's injury throws a wrench into the timeline. It could be that, with his storyline, he thinks he could beat anyone, even with his injury, and this would allow something to happen at SummerSlam, which will take place Aug. 1-2. SummerSlam is the WWE's second biggest Premium Live Event of the year.

For now, though, it stands to reason that these two may just truthfully not vibe with each other, but it can't hurt to keep the wrestling angle in the back of your mind as it unfolds further.