Logan Paul Grumbles About Early ESPN Call Time Ahead of WrestleMania 42

WWE star channels Marshawn Lynch's famous 'I'm only here so I don't get fined' line during pre-show interview.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a wrestling match or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.Logan Paul's combative pre-WrestleMania interview raises questions about his mindset heading into the big event.Inglewood Today

WWE star Logan Paul seemed disinterested and grumpy during a Friday morning appearance on ESPN's 'First Take' to promote this weekend's WrestleMania 42 event. Paul complained about his 5 a.m. call time, saying 'the neurons haven't quite started firing,' and channeled retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch's famous 'I'm only here so I don't get fined' line when an ESPN contributor criticized his popularity with fans.

Why it matters

Logan Paul is one of WWE's biggest stars and a major draw for their marquee WrestleMania event. His combative and disinterested demeanor during the pre-show interview is an unusual departure from the typical promotional hype, potentially raising questions about his commitment or mindset heading into the high-profile match.

The details

Paul, who will compete in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania 42 this weekend, seemed irritated by the early call time for his 'First Take' appearance. He complained about not being able to sleep in before his match and said he was only there 'so I don't get fined.' When an ESPN contributor criticized his popularity with fans, Paul threatened to 'walk right now' if given 'a reason to walk.'

  • Logan Paul's 'First Take' appearance took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, 2026.

The players

Logan Paul

A WWE star who has gained popularity in recent years for his in-ring performances and high-profile feuds, including a match against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 39.

Shae Cornette

The host of ESPN's 'First Take' who interviewed Logan Paul ahead of WrestleMania 42.

David J. Dennis

An ESPN contributor who criticized Logan Paul's popularity with fans during the 'First Take' interview.

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What they’re saying

“'I would love to answer your question, it's just so hard because it's so early and the neurons haven't quite started firing so maybe you can ask me a more simple question.'”

— Logan Paul, WWE Star

“'The fans don't quite like you sometimes.'”

— David J. Dennis, ESPN Contributor

“'What are you talking about, bro? I will walk right now. I will actually walk right now because I am only here so I don't get fined. You give me a reason to walk, I will walk, bro.'”

— Logan Paul, WWE Star

What’s next

Logan Paul is scheduled to compete in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania 42 this weekend, taking place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, 2026.

The takeaway

Logan Paul's grumpy and combative demeanor during his 'First Take' interview raises questions about his mindset and commitment heading into the high-profile WrestleMania 42 event. While his behavior could be part of an act to maintain his in-ring character, it's an unusual departure from the typical promotional hype surrounding WWE's biggest annual show.