WWE star threatens to 'smack the s**t' out of reporter who called wrestling 'fake'

Wrestling stars are extremely protective of their industry, just ask WWE superstar Austin Theory.

The American is currently in the Australian city of Perth with his fellow stars and crew members as everyone gears up for this weekend's WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view at the Optus Stadium.

But the press tour to promote the show hasn't gone as smoothly as some would like, with the 'f word' being dropped by one local newspaper editor in the city.

No, not that f word. It's one that is way worse if you like or are a part of wrestling. The dreaded 'fake' was dropped in to the conversation.

Theory, 26, had been touring the offices of The West Australian when an encounter with its editor-in-chief Anthony De Ceglie saw the exchange turn sour.

It got that bad that Theory threatened to 'smack the s**t' out of De Ceglie in front of all his newspaper colleagues.

And it's not the first time a WWE star has done this recently, with one of Theory's colleagues threatening to punch a TV host earlier this year.

The encounter was captured on video and posted across social media, with Theory starting by saying: "What did you say?"

De Ceglie responds: "I mean, [wrestling's] fake. You're not actually hitting each other."

It's safe to say Theory didn't take it well, despite starting off calmly and eloquently.

He replies: "Hold on. You brought me in here and you're going to talk to me like this?

"No, man. Just because you're in charge of some s**t here, man, doesn't mean you can talk to me like this."

Warning: Video below contains strong language:

After saying 'he didn't mean to offend' Theory, the WWE superstar continued: "Oh, you're saying what I do is easy and you're in front of al your people in here talking about my job's easy.

"You couldn't walk a damn day in my shoes.

"Are you kidding me, man? I'll smack the s**t out of you right now.

"I'm not playing around. Bring me all the way here for some media, man. This guy is talking his f*****g head off, man.

"What's his problem, dude?"

It was at this point WWE security got between the wrestler and newspaper editor and escorted Theory away.

The West Australian reported on the incident within its own newsroom, with one staff member saying: "I was seriously worried about what was going to happen.

"Thankfully security stepped in. Anthony was genuinely worried."

Fans have praised Theory for his defence of the wresting industry.

One X user said: "Good for Austin Theory. Love when wrestlers stand up for the business."

Another said: "Wrestling may be scripted but it’s definitely not fake. That’s disrespectful to all of the talent who go out there week in and week out and lay their bodies on the line for our entertainment."

Some fans enjoyed Theory standing up for the industry but questioned if it was a 'work', which is industry speak for a pre-planned event that is portrayed as a natural, real coming together.

Either way, it's done the job and everyone is talking about it ahead of the big show.