Ryan Reynolds Delivers Epic Three-Word Response as Wrexham Draws Chelsea in FA Cup Showdown
At first, Ryan Reynolds was completely speechless.
Sitting beside fellow Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman on a couch, watching the FA Cup fifth round draw on an iPad, Wrexham's co-owner could only stare in amazement at the screen as his team was matched against Chelsea while Wolverine poked his arm (thankfully not in character).
Reynolds was reduced to making sounds and partial vowels instead of complete sentences. An "ooo" escaped his lips as Jackman pointed out that this was precisely the kind of matchup he had hoped for: a major Premier League team visiting Wrexham's Racecourse stadium.
After Reynolds confirmed that the March fixture would be played on Welsh territory, he took a moment to gather himself before concluding the video with a single query: "What the f---?"
Wrexham's Previous Encounter With Chelsea Reveals Squad Turnover for Both Teams
Wrexham's Previous Encounter With Chelsea Reveals Squad Turnover for Both Teams
Wrexham faced Chelsea in a pre-season exhibition match during summer 2023. Two-and-a-half years on, just one player from the Welsh team's starting lineup remains at the club—and Thomas O'Connor has only recently rejoined the Racecourse after spending the season's first half on loan at Peterborough United.
This roster turnover makes sense. Wrexham was operating in an entirely different sphere at that time. The Red Dragons had just claimed the top spot in England's fifth division when they met Chelsea in North Carolina and now sit potentially 15 matches from Premier League advancement.
This rise has meant losing some beloved figures. Supporter favorite Elliot Lee transferred to Doncaster Rovers in February after seeking a new team where he could secure regular playing time. Others were pushed out involuntarily.
Paul Mullin led Wrexham in scoring across three different campaigns but struggled to adapt to League One's standard last season. He wasn't given an opportunity to test himself in the Championship and angrily rejected his departure.
Wrexham's Starting Formation vs. Chelsea (2023)
Wrexham's Starting Formation vs. Chelsea (2023)
Player | Present Club |
|---|---|
Ben Foster | Retired |
Ben Tozer | Retired |
Thomas O'Connor | Wrexham |
Eoghan O'Connell | Barnsley |
Elliot Lee | Doncaster Rovers |
James Jones | Burton Albion |
Andrew Cannon | Burton Albion (on loan from Wrexham) |
Jacob Mendy | Peterborough United |
Anthony Forde | Altrincham |
Paul Mullin | Bradford City (on loan from Wrexham) |
Sam Dalby | Bolton Wanderers |
Chelsea has experienced similar roster changes since that 5–0 exhibition victory. Actually, all four players who scored that day have subsequently departed the club.
Ian Maatsen scored twice against Wrexham but lasted only six additional months before moving to Borussia Dortmund on loan prior to a permanent transfer to Aston Villa. Conor Gallagher was sold to Atlético Madrid in 2024 while Christopher Nkunku finally left Stamford Bridge last summer.
Ben Chilwell remains within the BlueCo structure at affiliate club Strasbourg but harbors no affection for the Blues. "Chelsea was straightforward with me and I hold no grudges, but naturally I have pride," the left-back acknowledged this season, "so it would feel satisfying to prove some doubters wrong."
A Wrexham victory in March's fifth round match would vindicate many different skeptics. Considering the positive momentum generated by their significantly altered roster, it's not completely impossible.