Tom Brady slaps Logan Paul during heated Fanatics Fest confrontation
Photo: AFP, Reuters
Tom Brady and Logan Paul's ongoing rivalry escalated at Fanatics Fest in New York after the NFL legend appeared to slap the YouTuber-turned-WWE star during a tense onstage exchange.
Videos circulating on social media show Brady and Paul standing face-to-face during a panel when the situation became heated. NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, who was standing between the two, attempted to keep them apart before Brady reached around him and struck Paul across the face with an open hand.
The confrontation quickly sparked debate online, with many questioning whether the incident was genuine or part of a promotional stunt. Neither Brady nor Paul immediately clarified the nature of the exchange.
.@TomBrady just SLAPPED @LoganPaul at #FanaticsFest! 😱@Fanatics | @FanaticsFest pic.twitter.com/PdhHOInFPF
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2026
Paul later addressed the incident on X, claiming it began after he joked about defeating Brady in a flag football game earlier this year.
"This happened bc I was roasting Tom for beating him in flag football. And he tries to smack me?? Horrible example for the kids," Paul wrote, before adding, "Aura -100. Blocked. With a torn tricep."
Brady fired back with a brief response, calling Paul a "Dork." He later reposted Paul's comments and added, "I tried America… will try again next time I see this nerd."
The latest exchange builds on the pair's playful rivalry that began ahead of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in March. Before the game, Brady mocked Paul's claims about his athletic ability, while Paul later celebrated after his team defeated Brady's.
Despite the trash talk, Brady previously praised Paul's performance in the celebrity flag football game, saying he was impressed by the WWE star's preparation and competitiveness.
Whether the latest confrontation was a genuine disagreement or a staged moment remains unclear, but it quickly became one of Fanatics Fest's most talked-about moments.