For the last two decades, Brian Shaw has focused all his efforts on being the greatest strongman in the world. The four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion has turned his attention to becoming a dominant figure in another sport: arm wrestling.
Luckily for Shaw, his first opponent will have just as much professional experience (i.e., none) when they square off in a star-studded battle of decorated strongmen. On Sept. 27, 2024, Shaw confirmed he’ll face Eddie Hall at King of The Table 13 on Dec. 14, 2024.
In addition to revealing details about his first match, the Colorado native shared his training for his arm wrestling debut:
[Related: 2024 USA Strongman Championships Results]
Brian Shaw Officially Has a Date With “The Beast”
Although he retired from strongman over a year ago, it’s clear Shaw still has competitive juices flowing through him. Aware that he still has plenty to learn, Shaw decided to forge a new path by taking on a familiar face in Hall.
“I don’t know if he feels like he’s gotten stronger, magically, and can give me a challenge, especially with the rate at which I am progressing,” expressed Shaw. “He can be the sacrificial lamb. If he thinks he can pose any type of a challenge to me, then I welcome that without a doubt.”
[Related: Best Mass Gainer Supplements]
King of the Table 13 will occur in the United States — the exact location has not yet been determined. It will be headlined by Jerry Cadorette versus Levan Saginashvili for the Super Heavyweight Right Arm World Title.
Shaw has roughly two months to refine his technique before he goes toe-to-toe (or hand-to-hand) against “The Beast.”
“I’m looking at Eddie as a stepping stone to where I ultimately am going to go.”
[Related: Scientists Astonished by Eddie Hall’s Extra-Large “Guy Ropes”]
Arm Wrestling vs. Strongman Training
Before he announced his upcoming match against Hall, Shaw provided insight into his new athletic endeavor. Having his own gym enables privacy and a tight circle of training partners helping him transition from strongman to arm wrestling.
“I want to come into the gym and ask questions and feel the positions,” Shaw explained. “They’re sharing their knowledge with me, and each of those guys is benefitting me in a big way.”
[Related: Best Biceps Exercises]
While his strength is a plus, Shaw admits he has a long way to go in his journey. Learning how to balance arm wrestling and strength training can be more challenging than tossing kegs and performing other strongman exercises.
You feel different pressures [and] angles. There’s a soreness that comes with that. It’s been a puzzle to figure out.
Even if his “table IQ” isn’t where it needs to be yet, Shaw seems motivated to make a major splash in his new sport. Even though Hall has an impressive resume of his own, “The Beast” looks bound to fall short in December’s biceps battle.
More Strongman Content
- Strongman Evan Singleton Rolls Up Frying Pan on Las Vegas TV Segment
- “My Biggest Disappointment”: Brian Shaw Addresses 2024 Strongest Man on Earth Controversy
- Mitchell Hooper Opens Up — A Strongman’s Perspective On Therapy
Featured Image: Shawstrength / YouTube
