Logan Paul & surprising names make ESPN list of most influential in wrestling, boxing, MMA

WWE and Logan Paul are being touted as two of the leading brands in the world of combat sports. AEW has worked to make its name in the industry since 2019. ESPN just named its most influential people from pro wrestling, MMA, and boxing, and several surprising names made the list.

ESPN has listed the 15 most influential people in pro wrestling, MMA, and boxing. The publication spoke to more than 30 industry power players, from fighters to promoters, managers, attorneys, media, and executives, to figure out who has the influence and how they use it. The following criteria were used: autonomy, money, name recognition, and influence.

The number one spot surprisingly goes to Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. The Saudi adviser is credited with revitalizing heavyweight boxing. He was instrumental in bringing WWE to the Kingdom as well. Alalshikh is also behind UFC's Kingdom expansion and significant sponsorship of Saturday's Sphere event.

UFC President Dana White ranked #2. ESPN noted how he built the organization up and was key in the WWE merger. The first wrestling name listed is Nick Khan at #3, billed as WWE President and TKO Board of Directors member. Khan was touted as instrumental in deals with Fanatics, Netflix, and NBCUniversal, and for redefining WWE's global presence, among others.

Top boxing star Canelo Alvarez ranked #4, while WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H rounds out the top five. The Game was praised for his improved product and innovative creative. The Rock ranked #6. Billed as a top wrestling star and TKO Board member, Rock was credited for some of the WrestleMania XL success. It was noted that the Board seat gives him influence in shaping UFC and WWE.

Conor McGregor ranked #7, billed as a top MMA star. UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell ranked #8, Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn placed #9, and Premier Boxing Champions Founder Al Haymon rounds out the top ten. The #11 spot went to Saudi General Entertainment Authority CEO Faisal Bafarat and Sela Founder Dr. Rakan Hussain Alharthy. They ranked for expanding WWE, UFC, and boxing in the Kingdom.

AEW President Tony Khan took the #12 spot. ESPN credited the ROH owner with establishing the "clear number-two" wrestling promotion, adding that he's outspoken on social media in fanning flames of wrestling controversies. The #13 spot also went to two people: Logan Paul and Jake Paul.

Logan was listed as a WWE star, while Jake's billed as a boxer and promoter. ESPN noted the brothers have far exceeded what anyone thought they'd do in the fight game. Golden Boy Promotions Founder Oscar De La Hoya ranked #14, and the list wrapped with Top Rank Boxing Founder Bob Arum.

Hulk Hogan praises Logan Paul's WWE work

Hulk Hogan is widely regarded as one of the biggest pro wrestling stars ever. Hogan's Hulkamania period is still viewed as the ultimate babyface run.

The Hulkster recently appeared on Logan Paul's IMPAULSIVE podcast and predicted that The Maverick would be a strong babyface one day when WWE decides to turn him.

"Watching what you're doing, you have a certain air about you that you're a really good heel naturally, and what is so cool, you're going to make one of the best babyfaces ever when they turn you. Because the more heat you get and the more they hate you, you're going to be an awesome babyface," Hulk Hogan said of Logan Paul. [49:13-49:50]

Hogan imagined a scenario where Logan Paul saves Roman Reigns from The Bloodline. Paul has been away since losing the United States Championship to LA Knight at SummerSlam.