Big Fudge, an independent wrestling standout from Australia, has been gaining attention for popularizing a unique move called the Butt Punch, which has earned a following on social media under his handle @buttpuncher_. Unlike traditional strikes like the Orange Punch or Superman Punch, this move originates from earlier wrestling moves and adds a humorous yet painful twist to matches. In an interview with WrestleZone’s Ella Jay, Big Fudge revealed that while he didn’t invent the move, he adapted it to stand out in the wrestling world by inflicting discomfort that lasts beyond the match.
“I’m not the first guy to do the butt punch. I think there was a gentleman called Beef Wellington on the American independent scene quite a long time ago. He used to do what was called the Ass Punch back then. He would do it from the top rope, but it was such a unique move. I never saw anyone do it, so really I did it just to stand out,”
Fudge said.
“Also, it’s funny to me, because if I punch someone in the butt, probably hurts them to sit down for a few days or whatever. So even if I walk away with a loss that night, I’ll still walk away feeling good about the fact that they won’t be able to sit down properly for a few days.”
When the Butt Punch Meets Zaria’s Strength
Big Fudge has openly admitted that delivering the Butt Punch doesn’t always come without risk to himself, especially when facing opponents with powerful glute muscles. One notable example was his encounter with Adelaide native DELTA, now wrestling in WWE under the name Zaria. Despite the move’s usual effectiveness, punching Zaria’s glutes resulted in pain for Fudge as well. He acknowledged that her training had made her nearly immune to this signature attack, making her a rare exception in his experience.
“Some people definitely train the glutes hard, train the butt. They have that definition and I get humbled when I try and punch that,”
Fudge said.
“I could name a fair few people. One that comes to mind, a couple of years ago, we had Zaria in PWA. I got quite a shock when I punched her in the butt. It still hurt her, but it hurt me just as much. There’s only been maybe a few people that have been immune to the butt punch, but it’s got a pretty high success rate. Doesn’t matter how much you squat, you’re going down if you get hit with that butt punch.”
The Rise of Australian Talent in Global Wrestling
Following a successful tryout, Zaria moved to the United States and officially signed with WWE in 2024, joining the NXT brand. Big Fudge highlighted that her rapid ascent reflects a broader trend of Australian wrestlers quickly advancing on major international stages. Several other Australians have also gained prominence across various promotions, demonstrating strong momentum within the wrestling industry.
“I feel like I’ve seen a pattern with a few Australians that get to a big stage, and then they kind of surpassed the position they’re put in very quickly, and they’re up to bigger and better things,”
Fudge noted.
“Zaria is killing it. Bronson Reed is killing it. Grayson Waller’s killing it. Kyle Fletcher’s killing it over in AEW. Robbie Eagles just won the junior tag team titles again, I think that was the third time, at Wrestle Kingdom. Aussies are popping off all over the world.”
Zaria, Bronson Reed, and Grayson Waller all currently compete in WWE, while Kyle Fletcher holds the TNT Championship in AEW. Robbie Eagles continues to make his mark in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, having recently captured his third junior tag team title at Wrestle Kingdom. This group’s widespread success reflects the expanding influence of Australian wrestlers on the global wrestling scene.
What This Means for Wrestling Fans and Competitors
Big Fudge’s Butt Punch has become a distinct and memorable part of his wrestling identity, though not all opponents succumb to its effects. Zaria’s resilience against the move symbolizes her strength and dedication, marking her as a formidable competitor in WWE NXT. The increasing presence of Australian wrestlers topping various wrestling promotions highlights the shifting landscape of professional wrestling, where rising talents from diverse backgrounds are making significant impacts. For fans and industry insiders, these developments signal exciting new rivalries and continued evolution within the sport.
