Deontay Wilder is no stranger to being in front of the cameras, but his next major appearance on the small screen is set to take place outside the ring. That’s because the former WBC heavyweight champion has agreed to take part in the forthcoming series of the reality gameshow The Traitors US.
Wilder will be joined by a host of celebrities from both sides of the pond including Michael Jordan’s son Marcus, former speaker for the House of Commons John Bercow, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Drag Race star Peppermint.
The show, which will be filmed at a remote castle in Scotland, pits contestants against each other as the group tries to figure out which one amongst them is ‘the traitor’. The cast will take part in a series of games in the daytime before one member is eliminated each night.
Another player is ‘killed’ or rather removed from the game by a slip of paper, before breakfast each day.
Scottish actor Alan Cummings will host the show, which will be broadcast via NBC’s streaming platform Peacock in the US. The US version differs from the UK model, which is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, as it features celebrities instead of ordinary people.
Wilder’s participation is a departure from his usual vocation. The 37-year-old’s last appearance in the ring was almost a year ago, when he knocked out Robert Helenius in Brooklyn last October.
But the Bronze Bomber has been in talks regarding a huge fight with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia next year, with reports suggesting that a deal for the bout may have already been agreed.
But with a venue yet to be determined, the fight is not likely to take place until early 2024. The delay will give Wilder plenty of time to take part in the Traitors, should he manage to stay in the competition until the end.
Another potential future opponent for Wilder is Andy Ruiz Jr. The two engaged in a war of words over the summer, with Wilder threatening to “splatter” his compatriot’s brains in a clear warning.
Wilder said: “With my team, with your team, and now it’s time to put it all together. Who acting scared? It isn’t me. You know, because what y ‘all talk about is unreasonable. Let’s face it, and it is what it is.
“So when you serious, holla at me until then. Do what you do, bro. You got a lot of weight to lose, man. You can talk that talk. But only a few walk that walk.
“You know what I mean? So if you want to see what a knockout feels like, get your brain splattered. Holla at me, bro. I’m not far.”
The Traitors will provide a significant change of pace for Wilder but not too many of his fellow contestants are likely to want to cross him.