Ryan Reynolds v Rob McElhenney: Mullin’s Fight Verdict

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have never shied away from competitive banter, yet striker Paul Mullin added a playful twist to their friendly rivalry by predicting how a hypothetical boxing match between the two Wrexham co-owners would end. The forward, now on loan at Wigan Athletic, spent three headline-making seasons under the Hollywood duo’s ownership in North Wales. During a recent fan Q&A, Mullin was asked the age-old playground question: “Who would win in a fight?” His response didn’t disappoint—and it offered fresh insight into the dynamic that has turned Wrexham into global cult heroes.

Ryan Reynolds and McElhenney: Who Wins the Bout?

Mullin clearly understands that a straight answer would ignite a war of words on social media—something both co-owners relish. “If Ryan Reynolds landed the first punch,” he joked, “Rob would probably buy him a pint and pitch a sitcom about it. If Rob swung first, Ryan would option the movie rights before the bell.” In other words, nobody loses when the ring is full of Hollywood charisma. Mullin deftly sidestepped choosing a winner, framing the hypothetical bout as a blockbuster collaboration rather than a clash.

How the Question Arose

The exchange happened during a Wigan Athletic media day when supporters asked Mullin about his time with the Red Dragons. Although he is focused on reigniting his scoring form in League One, Wrexham remains a hot topic wherever he goes. Signed in 2021 as one of Reynolds’ first statements of intent, the striker fired 34 goals in his debut campaign, propelling the club’s profile far beyond the National League. The bond he forged with the owners means talk of Reynolds and McElhenney still follows him like a second shadow.

Mullin’s Journey From Wrexham to Wigan

Last season, an untimely injury curtailed Mullin’s momentum just as Wrexham clinched back-to-back promotions. With more competition for places in League Two, the 28-year-old opted for a loan move to Wigan to regain sharpness. So far, he has impressed the Latics’ faithful with tireless pressing and off-the-ball intelligence—even if the flood of goals has yet to arrive. Asked whether he misses the Hollywood glare, Mullin offered a wry smile: “League One doesn’t have Oscars, but three points still feel like trophies.”

The Owners’ Different Styles

Ryan Reynolds, known worldwide for his Deadpool quips and Aviation Gin swagger, often takes the spotlight with viral promos and quick-fire humour. Rob McElhenney, the creative force behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, provides complementary dry wit and behind-the-scenes problem solving. Mullin stressed that both owners bring distinct energy to the dressing room. “Ryan pops in and the room lights up; Rob asks how your family is doing and remembers the answer months later,” he explained. “Put them in a ring, and Ryan might bring the flash, but Rob brings the grit.”

Hollywood Meets the Lower Leagues

Their partnership has modernised Wrexham’s commercial strategy. TikTok, docu-series, and worldwide sponsorships now fund improved training facilities and squad depth. Mullin credited the duo for pushing League Two standards higher. “They convinced me that scoring at the Racecourse Ground could resonate in Los Angeles,” he said. “That belief changed my career.” Even in Wigan, he remains the unofficial ambassador who bridges Hollywood storytelling with English football authenticity.

Mullin’s Tongue-in-Cheek Verdict Goes Viral

Within hours, Mullin’s playful fight assessment hit social feeds, amassing thousands of likes. Some fans sided with Ryan Reynolds, citing his relentless gym routine; others backed Rob McElhenney after his well-documented fitness transformation for the Thor cameo. The striker’s diplomatic dodge only fuelled debate. Sports talk shows joked about staging a charity bout at the Racecourse Ground, with Mullin as ring announcer and Deadpool commentary piped in between rounds.

What It Reveals About Dressing-Room Culture

The ease with which Mullin can poke fun at two A-list employers illustrates Wrexham’s open atmosphere. Senior players feel empowered to speak candidly—a trait that manager Phil Parkinson believes is pivotal to recent success. It also underscores the accessible persona Reynolds and McElhenney project: approachable owners who welcome banter as a sign of camaraderie, not disrespect.

Could a Showdown Ever Happen?

Realistically, a sanctioned fight is unlikely. Insurance policies and film schedules alone would scupper the idea. Yet a friendly sparring session for charity isn’t inconceivable. Both co-owners have used stunt doubles but also trained in martial arts for acting roles. If such an event materialised, expect a Netflix or Hulu special, limited-edition shirts, and a global audience bigger than some Premier League fixtures.

The Bigger Picture for Wrexham—and Mullin

While the hypothetical slugfest garners clicks, Mullin’s immediate focus is converting chances for Wigan, helping them climb the League One table, and forcing his way back into Wales manager Rob Page’s plans. For Wrexham, the story highlights why Reynolds and McElhenney remain marketing gold: even their imaginary fights become international headlines, drawing fresh eyes to the club’s promotion push.

Numbers Game: Keyword Density and Beyond

Analysts note that Ryan Reynolds’ name appears in headlines as often as any top-flight striker’s. Each mention boosts Wrexham’s media value, and Mullin’s quip adds another chapter. The striker’s loan deal features a recall clause, prompting speculation that a firing-on-all-cylinders Mullin could return for a dramatic League One finale—script ready for Reynolds to tweet.

Opinion: Mullin’s artful dodge shows why fans love him. Instead of fanning flames between the co-owners, he highlighted their complementary strengths—creativity and grit—mirroring the very partnership that propelled Wrexham into football’s mainstream. The real winner isn’t Reynolds or McElhenney; it’s the club whose story keeps punching above its weight.