WWE wrestlers claim morale is at an all-time low for them
Added 2022-02-03 21:30:00 +0000 UTCWWE's morale seems to be near a decades-long low, if not an all-time low in the locker room.
Since this past week's heavily criticized WWE Royal Rumble, Fightful has heard from a wealth of discouraged and disappointed WWE talent frustrated with the direction of the company. Ranging from those who are rarely on television to consistent main eventers, new names and veterans, we've heard of decreasing morale within the locker room.
The Royal Rumble was a major point of frustration. Issues with how the match was produced, and the lack of most talent not being highlighted to maximize their presence was repeatedly noted. There were also issues with moments not being created, and the lack of capitalizing on a lot of the angles that built the match itself.
One longtime talent said that nothing matters, outside of four people "maybe," as the vibe that they get. Over a half dozen main roster talent pointed to issues with continuity and nobody else being designed to do anything. Several talent have felt like they're without a voice and are reduced to making pleas on social media.
Another talent said in the time they've been there, they've never felt "less heard," and their attempts to speak with Vince McMahon go ignored, met with haste, or sometimes seemingly spitefully go the other way based on their recommendations. We've also heard of several contradictory decisions over the course of a number of months that have reversed course to something the talent had already pitched and had denied prior.
One wrestler stated "if you see a complaint with merit and in good faith about something that lacks sense, logic or continuity, I almost guarantee we have complained too, it just never changes anything,"
Several of the talent we spoke to believe WWE eventually will sale, with one saying that's the only way they can possibly rationalize some of the decision making.
It should be noted that this report doesn't reflect the locker room as a whole, only those that we spoke to and their experiences.
Comments
I almost wonder if they only hired him cause of his last name and how good Tony's been doing AEW lately.
CSDX
2022-02-09 23:25:49 +0000 UTCLOL Not even
KPnDC
2022-02-05 20:54:54 +0000 UTCIt's really interesting that all of this is happening in the WWE at the same time as all the shady shit that's coming to light within the UFC. Vince McMahon and Dana White are two guys who (for better or worse) have never taken "no" for an acceptable answer. And they were able to make the WWE and UFC into successful companies because of that attitude AND in spite of it. But now both companies are seriously reaping what they've been sewing as their shitty and or shady business practices continue to catch up with them. Now, will things get better or worse in WWE if the company actually is sold? Possibly. New management could honestly be the shot in the arm that the company needs, at least in terms of creative direction and company morale. At the same time, when the UFC sold to WME, some might have assumed that fighter pay would go up, and instead its just given the higher-ups in the UFC more leverage to exploit their roster when negotiating contracts. I've heard stories from fighters that Dana White is sometimes generous enough to give fighters bonuses under the table, but that doesn't excuse the fact that there are still fighters on the UFC roster who are working side-jobs just to fund their fight camps. WWE isn't going to have that problem with their main roster members, but its a much different story for the developmental talents who are uprooting themselves to Florida with no guarantee that they'll still be with the company six months later. Same goes for the behind the scenes people who have to uproot themselves to Connecticut. Whether we like it or not, whether we're fans of theirs or of their competition, the WWE and UFC are the biggest combat sports entertainment companies in North America (at least in the eyes of the mainstream media). And its because of that perception and because their competition are still building themselves up to that same level of notoriety (AEW included, but they're definitely the closest to dethroning the kings) that WWE and UFC have been able to get away with their bullshit for so long. They are the Amazon's of their industries, and both of those industries are in need of CostCo equivalents to put WWE and UFC in greater positions of mainstream public scrutiny. Because until that happens, the only option we have to create a better WWE is the sale we're all speculating about (if the buyer is someone competent). And as for the UFC, until Bellator or PFL step up their game, all we have are the two Anti-Trust Lawsuits that are still currently in legal limbo.
Nico Suave Regoli
2022-02-04 21:03:20 +0000 UTCNick Khan has destroyed WWE
Gavin Provost
2022-02-04 17:58:34 +0000 UTCI can't image what would have happened to this company if the economics of the business hadn't changed. If this company was still dependent on live attendance and PPV buys, I can't imagine them being so financially viable. I don't think since the history of the network, I've ever thought a PPV or now Premium Live Event would have been worth 50 bucks to watch.
Doogie
2022-02-04 12:51:36 +0000 UTCNo. It's not. They have families to care for
Fightful Select
2022-02-04 06:30:41 +0000 UTCBut the performers keep singing there that’s on them
2022-02-04 06:27:02 +0000 UTCI know sting is wrestling at 62.....but his style is a bit different than Goldberg. IS WWE going keep Goldberg until 62 or even later? he might be a draw...but...his in-ring work was never stellar...now its....high risk of injury to himself, whomever he is wrestling, and the ring or any doors in his immediate vicinity.
David Feig
2022-02-04 03:02:30 +0000 UTCAnyone else go UGGGGGH when a Goldberg match is mentioned?
Nick O’Shea
2022-02-04 01:49:01 +0000 UTCThey made a billie in revenue while being creatively bankrupt, ya hate to see it
bill-i-am
2022-02-04 01:46:09 +0000 UTCGIven that WWE had another earnings call and made a ton of money....and they only seem to really care about a few of their top stars--at what point will a Roman Reigns ask to be paid like a top NFL player/QB at 30 to 40 million a year? Compared to pro sports, a top WWE champ is way underpaid compared to the top NBA/NFL players....
David Feig
2022-02-04 01:06:36 +0000 UTCShit being so bad just two months out from WM is very concerning. Things need to improve badly. I’ve been distancing from the product.
Magan Yusuf
2022-02-04 00:15:34 +0000 UTCThe product is absolute dogshit, nothing about it makes sense
Marshall Enloe
2022-02-03 22:28:54 +0000 UTCI feel like the product itself is currently better than it was the past few years in ways but I feel bad for the morale. I’d have to say the releases had a lot to do with it. Especially from those who were top stars - you have to fear there’s no job security or stability within the company itself.
ARose Lab
2022-02-03 22:17:13 +0000 UTCre-signed
Fightful Select
2022-02-03 22:09:34 +0000 UTCIt’s important, but it’s not. KO resigned. Zayn is a total clown there and yet resigned. Morale or not nothing is changing anytime soon.
BetterCallMaul
2022-02-03 22:04:26 +0000 UTCI hate reading this. I loved WWE like 2014-2018 ish
2022-02-03 21:52:39 +0000 UTCI’ve said for weeks (to friends) but since SummerSlam, they’ve made it clear all that matters are Brock, Roman, Charlotte, Becky, and celebrities. There are several a level below that occasionally get crumbs and the rest interchangeable
Brian Bayless
2022-02-03 21:48:00 +0000 UTCI don't know what the answer is, but this really stinks for the talent.
David Blumberg
2022-02-03 21:44:09 +0000 UTCMorale is low for the performers but profits are up for the company. Hmm.
Sheila Antonio
2022-02-03 21:43:39 +0000 UTCThat’s…heartbreaking. As someone who uses creativity in the workplace it would be unbelievably frustrating if that creativity went unheard or was completely undermined by a certain decision. I hope this changes because this company will have a hard time attracting fans if the wrestlers themselves aren’t having fun.
Bryant Heath
2022-02-03 21:43:09 +0000 UTCThis all has been very depressing to witness. What is there to look forward to — hoping that Triple H starts his own promotion? 🥺
Ivan Yagolnikov
2022-02-03 21:40:25 +0000 UTCI mean, you're here aren't ya dumbass? And have been since APRIL
Fightful Select
2022-02-03 21:37:28 +0000 UTCEverybody in that locker room hope they’re selling, yesterday disney was brought up bur honestly i belive it would not change that much cause they would like to approach mostly to children
Victor Hugo
2022-02-03 21:36:21 +0000 UTCDamn…
Busby
2022-02-03 21:33:38 +0000 UTCIf only there was a... voice for the voiceless. 👀
Rincewind
2022-02-03 21:32:15 +0000 UTC