Tom Brady brutally slaps Logan Paul on stage in chaotic scenes as WWE star calls out ‘horrible example for kids’

Jul 18, 2026 - 10:15

Things got physical between Tom Brady and Logan Paul at Fanatics Fest on Friday.

The festival, held at Javits Center in New York by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, brought together some of the biggest names from the worlds of sports, music and entertainment, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Rio Ferdinand, Rodri, Kevin Durant, Novak Djokovic and Kevin Hart, ahead of the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium.

Tom Brady Lionel Messi — The two football GOATs were on stage together ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina

Fanatics Fest selfie — Major stars including Djokovic and Durant were there and the group took an iconic selfie together

Tom Brady slaps Logan Paul on stage at Fanatics Fest

At one stage during the festivities, seven-time Super Bowl winner and NFL legend Brady came face-to-face on stage with YouTuber-turned-WWE star Paul.

The pair have a history of ‘beef’, and after a few choice words, former quarterback Brady slapped Paul across the face with the same right hand that made him an American football legend.

As soon as Brady delivered the blow, reigning NBA champion and New York Knick Karl-Anthony Towns stepped in to separate the two men.

Shortly after, Brady took to social media to share the video, captioning it: “Dork.”

Paul also reacted to the cheap shot, writing: “This happened bc I was roasting Tom for beating him in flag football. And he tries to smack me ?? Horrible example for the kids.

“Aura -100

“Blocked. With a torn tricep.”

Fanatics also posted the exchange, calling it “Round 100” of a “never-ending beef.”

Brady responded, “I tried America… will try again next time I see this nerd.”

While it’s highly unlikely the slap was real, and more likely just a PR stunt, it’s not the first time Paul and Brady have gone at one another.

Brady squared up to Paul on stage before slapping him across the face

View Tweet: https://x.com/Fanatics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Pair involved in heated war of words in build up to flag football event

The NFL icon made an appearance on Paul’s ‘Impaulsive’ podcast earlier this year where the two discussed the WWE and YouTube star’s involvement in an upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic event they were both playing in.

The pair engaged in a heated war of words as the NFL’s greatest ever quarterback expressed doubt on how Paul would fare on a football field against a bunch of pros.

“I’m actually a little worried for you,” Brady replied.

“Worried for me?” Paul questioned.

“You’re a good athlete. But these guys are on another level,” Brady continued as Paul laughed off the words he was hearing.

“I am the highest level. I am the level,” the 30-year-old rebutted.

“No, you’re not the level,” Brady fired back. “You’re a good athlete.

“I love WWE. It’s very cute. But honestly, this is like real football. This is real competition.”

“Well see if you can still bring it,” Brady responded.

Logan Paul (L) of the Wildcats FFC and Tom Brady (R) of the Founders FFC speak during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 — Brady and Paul were ‘beefing’ in the lead up to the Fanatic flag football event which took place earlier this year

Logan Paul of the Wildcats FFC and Tom Brady of the Founders FFC speak during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 — Brady initially doubted Paul, but after the latter won, admitted he was impressed with what he saw on the field

However, it was Paul who had the last laugh, with Brady’s Founders FFC losing to Paul’s Wildcats FFC in a 34-26 round-robin elimination game.

Paul quickly sought out his rival after the victory, and the pair exchanged words in the middle of the field.

“You did good,” the NFL GOAT said.

Paul then responded: “No, no, no. I did great… Tom, I did great, say that.

“I agree, you did great. I agree, I’m impressed, I really am,” he said, before turning to walk away.

Logan Paul looks on as quarterback Tom Brady of the Founders FFC watches during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills on March 18, 2026 — Brady could be set to step into Paul’s arena in WWE one day

Tom Brady — The legendary NFL QB said at Fanatic Fest that he’s down to give wrestling a go

Paul himself took things a step further by trolling Brady and his teammates in an ‘apology’ video posted after the flag football tournament had concluded.

Brady admits he’s interested in making WWE debut

Many believed the artificial beef was constructed because Brady was gearing up to swap the football field for the squared circle.

Back in April there were rumors that Brady would face Paul at WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, who Brady happens to be a minority owner in.

That ultimately didn’t transpire, but it seems Brady isn’t ready to let go of his wrestling dreams just yet, telling WWE superstar Cody Rhodes at Fanatics Fest on Thursday that he wants to get in the ring.

“I need to get an invite,” Brady said, via Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports. “I’ve been waiting for [WWE president] Nick Khan to come up with some storyline for me to get in the mix.

“I feel like since I’m retired from football, I have an opportunity to go out there and still showcase that I’m a little bit of an athlete. You know, my boy Gronk [Rob Gronkowski] has done it. I’ve seen Logan Paul do it. I think I could get in there for at least one match, right?

“Come on Nick (Khan). Make it happen,” Brady added.