Heisman Finalist Diego Pavia Gets Involved in WWE Match at Tampa Live Event

Vanderbilt quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia found himself trading the gridiron for the squared circle during WWE’s live event in Tampa, Florida. The 23-year-old college football star was seated ringside when WWE’s Grayson Waller decided to take a verbal shot at him before his match with Rey Mysterio.

Waller, never one to pass up a chance to stir up heat, taunted Pavia during his entrance. But things didn’t end there. Later in the match, as Waller attempted to retreat up the ramp, Pavia and his teammates blocked his path in the entranceway and forced him back toward the ring. The distraction proved costly, as Waller stumbled into the ropes and was hit with Rey Mysterio’s signature 619 for the pinfall loss.

Pavia is set to wrap up his college football season in the ReliaQuest Bowl next Wednesday, where Vanderbilt takes on Iowa. While he didn’t take home the Heisman—Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza ultimately won college football’s top prize—Pavia still got a huge spotlight moment in front of the WWE Universe.

WWE has increasingly leaned into crossovers with college and pro athletes during the TKO era, including appearances from NBA stars Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton, former NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, and even New York Giants rookie Cam Skattebo in a controversial segment while he was still recovering from injury.

Diego Pavia’s surprise involvement continues that trend and could be a sign of more athlete crossovers to come.