Fans are getting increasingly excited about Brian Shaw’s return to the arm wrestling table — and his latest training video has only fuelled the hype.
The four-time World’s Strongest Man shared fresh footage from his ongoing preparation for his upcoming East vs West 23 clash with Leonidas Arona, and the response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive.
As Shaw balances elite-level training with everyday responsibilities, fans have rallied behind the strongman-turned-arm wrestler as he gears up for one of the biggest challenges of his post-strongman career.
The new YouTube upload offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Shaw’s life currently looks deep into camp. Between filming content for the ShawElite App, getting measured for a suit, and taking his son to the dentist, the Colorado native must find time to get the work done on the arm wrestling table.
This is the reality of preparing for a high-stakes international match while juggling family and business commitments.
Despite the packed schedule, Shaw looks powerful and focused during training. Much of the session centres around table time, where he works through positioning, movement, and technical adjustments rather than relying purely on brute strength. He’s joined by Vince for hands-on table work, while Corey Miller — regarded as one of the best arm wrestlers in the world in the 176–185lb weight range — calls in remotely to offer advice and insights.
There’s also a strong emphasis on learning and refinement. Shaw is seen discussing strategy with Luke Pulscher, a nine-time National Arm Wrestling Champion and the head referee for East vs West. Pulscher doesn’t sugarcoat things, delivering an honest assessment of where Shaw currently stands.
“You so far arm wrestle like a strong human,” Pulscher told Shaw. “And I know this because I do too. […] and that will cost me. Not always the win, but a lot of fatigue. And the bright side – Leonidas does it too. But he’s really fast with a hit, then he gets strong. So he’s not fluid, which is great.
“But like right now, you’re an underdog. I really believe that. Like, if I was forced to put money on the match tomorrow […] I ain’t betting on you. Right? But I 100% think we can flip that by April.”
It’s a blunt message — but one Shaw appears to embrace. In the video, he openly reflects on how training feels at this stage of camp and the physical toll it’s taking.
“Feel a little bit beat up overall, if I’m being honest. And that’s, I think, kind of where I’m gonna have to live,” Shaw said. “You know, to a certain extent, I’m gonna have to really figure out the balance here with all of the table work that I’m doing every single day with the weight training as well. So, you know, we’re gonna find a find a happy spot to live.”
Elsewhere in the video, Shaw touches on the motivation driving him through the grind.
“Training going good. What I will say is it is very fun to have something to train for,” he explained. “You know, that competitive fire that I’ve had inside of me since I was a kid. There’s just something about having a deadline and a goal and working toward it. Just nothing like it, right?
“So, you know, yes, I come in and train when I don’t have something coming up. And I love training in general, but there’s just another level when you’ve got your back against the wall and a deadline.”
Fans have clearly bought into that mindset. The comments section quickly filled with encouragement and optimism following the upload, with one fan writing: “Man I’m so pumped. Let’s go Brian! Can’t wait to see what happens on the table.”
“Brian looking like he is getting in crazy shape,” added a second, with a third commenting: “Looking good. Starting to get a good connection and good movement on the table.”
“Looking fit and strong. Can’t wait for the match,” wrote another, with one fan typing: “Love seeing Luke there to help!!! It’ll pay off. He’s the man!”
The renewed buzz comes as Shaw continues his transition into arm wrestling following one of the most decorated careers in strongman history.
After debuting in late 2024 at King of the Table 13 with a 4–2 win over Eddie Hall, Shaw followed up with another statement victory in 2025, beating Brandon Allen 3–1 at the Shaw Classic.
That momentum led Shaw to announce his next test against Arona at East vs West 23 on April 18th in Germany. Arona brings elite credentials, including a 2,000lb powerlifting total, Germany’s strict curl record, and wins over Larry Wheels and “Schoolboy” Aleksandr Beziazykov — making him one of the most dangerous opponents Shaw has faced so far.
Shaw has been open about the challenge ahead and the work required to meet it.
“I don’t want to take matches where I’m going to walk through my opponent,” he said when announcing the bout. “I want a challenge. I want something that’s going to force me out of my comfort zone.”
Germany awaits, the stakes are rising, and Brian Shaw’s arm wrestling journey is very much gathering momentum.
Featured image credit: YouTube/SHAWSTRENGTH (screenshots)
