When elite strength collides with specialist skill, questions are inevitable. But in Brian Shaw’s case, one man who knows exactly what he brings to the table isn’t asking questions — he’s making predictions.
Eddie Hall has thrown his full backing behind his longtime friend and rival ahead of a high-stakes return to competition, insisting Shaw has what it takes to overcome a dangerous and more experienced opponent.
Shaw is set to face Leonidas Arkona in the co-main event of East vs West Arm Wrestling on April 18 in Germany, a global pay-per-view showdown that has quickly captured attention across both strongman and arm wrestling communities.
It’s a fascinating clash.
On one side, you have Shaw — a four-time World’s Strongest Man, stepping further into a discipline where brute strength alone doesn’t guarantee victory. On the other, Arkona — a fellow strongman but one with significantly more time and experience on the arm wrestling table.
That contrast is exactly why the bout has drawn so much intrigue.
And while many are debating whether raw power can truly translate into arm wrestling success, Hall isn’t sitting on the fence – as he’s experienced Shaw’s power it first-hand.
“Look, I’ve arm wrestled Brian myself and he is a big, strong guy. But this is a tough opponent, he’s going up against a real experienced arm wrestler,” Hall explained to Bloody Elbow.
There’s no denying the challenge in front of Shaw. Arkona’s technical edge and familiarity with competitive arm wrestling present a serious test — one that can’t simply be bulldozed through. But Hall believes Shaw possesses something that goes beyond standard metrics.
“He’s got his work cut out for him, but I think Brian will get it,” Hall added. “The thing is with Brian, he is a natural giant of this world and that can’t be underestimated.”
It’s not just support — it’s conviction. “When you’ve got a guy who’s 6’9 and 400lb of body weight without even trying and then put him in the gym? That’s a scary human being,” Hall continued.
That sheer scale and power is what Shaw himself is aiming to prove can translate.
Because for him, this isn’t just about one match — it’s about changing perceptions.
“I want to also prove that strongmen coming over it’s not it’s definitely not a joke,” Shaw previously stated on his podcast, making it clear this isn’t a novelty crossover.
Instead, he sees untapped potential. The foundation of strength built through years at the top of strongman competition, he believes, offers more than people realise — provided it’s applied correctly.
He suggested that if that strength is properly “connected in the right way” to the technical side arm wrestling demands, there are multiple layers of performance that could be unlocked.
But Shaw isn’t naïve to the realities of the sport.
Arm wrestling isn’t just about power — far from it.
Technique, positioning, timing and tactical awareness all play decisive roles, and Shaw has openly acknowledged the steep learning curve that comes with stepping into a specialist arena.
Still, he’s not dismissing what he brings.
Instead, he’s embracing the challenge — and betting on the idea that elite strength, combined with the right adjustments, can disrupt expectations.
And Shaw has certainly been putting in the reps, recently training with Ermes Gasparini at his home gym.
Featured image credit: Instagram/ShawStrength
