Logan Paul Highlights Slippery WWE Ring Mat Issue

Former WWE star explains how sponsor logos on the ring mat are creating safety concerns for wrestlers.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Former WWE United States champion Logan Paul has spoken out about the ongoing issue with slippery WWE ring mats caused by sponsor logos painted on the surface. Paul, who was one of the first to sponsor the ring mat with his Prime hydration drink brand, detailed how the painted logos can make the mat very slick by the end of a show, posing physical challenges and safety risks for wrestlers trying to perform at a high level. Paul noted that while the company initially tested the painted logos to ensure wrestler safety, changes in materials and the addition of colored paints have led to the current slippery conditions inside the squared circle.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the delicate balance WWE must strike between generating revenue through ring sponsorships and ensuring the safety of its performers. As the company continues to expand its commercial partnerships, concerns have been raised about how these deals may impact in-ring conditions and potentially lead to increased injuries.

The details

According to Paul, the middle of the WWE ring can become "really slippery" by the end of a show due to the sponsor logos painted on the mat. He explained that wrestlers have to be "really careful" with their foot placement and movements to avoid slipping, as the painted logos make it difficult to "get running full speed." Paul noted that he was one of the first to sponsor the WWE ring mat with his Prime hydration drink brand, and that the company originally tested the painted logos to ensure wrestler safety. However, Paul suspects that changes in materials and the addition of colored paints have led to the current slick conditions inside the squared circle.

  • The issue recently gained attention after LA Knight slipped while performing his signature mid-rope elbow drop on Randy Orton.

The players

Logan Paul

A former WWE United States champion who has spoken out about the ongoing issue with slippery WWE ring mats caused by sponsor logos painted on the surface.

LA Knight

A WWE wrestler who recently slipped while performing his signature mid-rope elbow drop on Randy Orton, drawing attention to the slippery ring mat issue.

Randy Orton

A WWE wrestler who was involved in the incident where LA Knight slipped on the slippery ring mat.

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What they’re saying

“By the end of the night, the middle of that ring gets really slippery with them logos painted in there. I'll just say it, bro, I noticed. I can't get running full speed. I've gotta be really careful with my feet and my placement, because the logos that they now paint in the middle of the ring.”

— Logan Paul, Former WWE United States champion (ImPaulsive podcast)

“Because the way they paint it, they wanted to actually stress test the mats and have people wrestle and see if it got oily, and they determined that the type of paint they used was okay and that it wasn't gonna be slippery. But then they started using colored paint as well. I don't know what they're using now, but I'm telling you, it's slippery.”

— Logan Paul, Former WWE United States champion (ImPaulsive podcast)

What’s next

WWE officials are likely to review the ring mat sponsor program and explore ways to maintain sponsor visibility while ensuring wrestler safety, such as testing new paint formulas or exploring alternative sponsorship placements.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the challenges WWE faces in balancing commercial interests and performer safety, as the company continues to seek new revenue streams through ring sponsorships. Moving forward, WWE will need to carefully monitor and address any safety concerns arising from these partnerships to protect the well-being of its wrestlers.