In what has become the ultimate rags-to-riches story, Wrexham AFC, owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has made history by becoming the first professional football club in English history to record three successive promotions. This remarkable achievement means that Wrexham will now compete in the EFL Championship, just one step away from the coveted Premier League.
After a stunning 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Wrexham secured their place in the Championship, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Reynolds, who is best known for his role as Deadpool, expressed his disbelief at the achievement, stating, "It just seemed like an impossible dream, and we do what we’re lucky to do … be storytellers. And when you’re a storyteller, you look as much as you can at the sort of macro view of this history."
Four years ago, when Reynolds and McElhenney first floated the idea of purchasing Wrexham along with a pitch for a documentary, few could have imagined that the club would rise so quickly through the ranks. The duo had set a clear goal from the beginning: to reach the Premier League. Reynolds recalled, "We were standing there doing a press conference four years ago, and said our goal is to make it to the Premier League. And there was understandably a lot of titters and laughter and giggles, but it starts to feel like a real, tangible thing that could actually come to fruition in this moment."
The Red Dragons' promotion is particularly impressive considering they were a non-league team just four seasons ago. The excitement surrounding the club has grown exponentially, fueled by the North American ownership and the success of the documentary series "Welcome to Wrexham," which has captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
After the match against Charlton, McElhenney was seen enjoying the moment, joking about when the team should start preparing for the Premier League. "Well, that’s for tomorrow to think about. Today is just enjoying the moment. We could probably wait until 12:01," he quipped. Reynolds chimed in, saying, "We have to wait ’til tomorrow? I’ll erase the whiteboard I put up at halftime." Their light-hearted banter showcased the camaraderie and excitement surrounding the club's achievement.
The atmosphere at Racecourse Ground during the match was electric, with fans cheering their team on to victory. The crowd showed their appreciation for the owners, who were both down on the pitch celebrating shortly after the final whistle. The players were wrapped in giant hugs, highlighting the strong bond between the team and its owners. McElhenney remarked, "Ryan and I have the easiest job in the world, which is to show up and watch this incredible football team and this incredible story continue to unfold."
Reynolds added, "If you want to see what it means to them, you go into that dressing room after a loss and there’s nothing that can console them. That’s where you see the grit and the mettle that these players have. It means everything to them." The emotional investment from both the owners and the players has been a driving force behind the club's success.
As Wrexham prepares for their inaugural season in the Championship, the excitement is palpable. The potential to reach the Premier League is now within reach, and the club's supporters are buzzing with anticipation. Reynolds and McElhenney's commitment to the team is evident, as they continue to be actively involved, unlike many celebrity owners who tend to remain distant.
Reynolds, who attended the match with his wife, actress Blake Lively, spoke about the stress of ownership, humorously stating that it felt like having "an 8-inch ulcer in my stomach" during the games. Their presence at the matches has endeared them to fans, who appreciate their genuine passion for the club.
As the dust settles on this remarkable achievement, Wrexham's journey is far from over. The club's management and players will need to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the Championship, where competition is fierce and every match counts. However, with the momentum they have built and the unwavering support of their owners, the future looks bright for Wrexham AFC.
With three promotions in three years, Wrexham has turned from underdogs to contenders, and the dream of reaching the Premier League is now closer than ever. As they bask in the glory of their latest triumph, the focus will soon shift to the next chapter in their remarkable story.
