Imagine the frustration of a dedicated WWE superstar who pours her heart into staying for every match, only to witness a shift in locker room culture that's leaving valuable lessons behind—and it's absolutely blowing her mind! Bayley, a beloved figure in the wrestling world, is speaking out about this eye-opening trend that could change how we view the future of pro wrestling. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just a generational gap, or a sign of deeper issues in how athletes prioritize their craft? Stick around to dive into her passionate insights and see why this might be dividing fans and wrestlers alike.
Bayley, a highly regarded leader in the WWE locker room, is currently living out her dream by offering complimentary training and mentorship sessions to a select group of independent wrestlers. This hands-on commitment to nurturing the next generation might explain why her recent words on the 'Six Feet Under' podcast—featuring The Undertaker and Michelle McCool—really hit home for many. During the chat, McCool mentioned how she and her husband point out to their daughter, who's aspiring to be a pro wrestler, how Bayley consistently attends every show and remains until the very end, soaking in all the action. Bayley's response was filled with emotion as she reacted:
"Don't even get me started on that... Yeah, it absolutely astonishes me when folks bail out early from events. I can't fathom what it must have been like back in the days of Taker and McCool... When I started touring, it was all about those live performances—you'd watch every single one. John Cena was always there, observing everything, and Roman Reigns did the same.
"And in recent years, Seth Rollins is constantly glued to that front monitor—if you're out there for the live shows, you return through the curtain and see that screen right there... Plus, there's the talent viewing area. I personally enjoy watching from the front monitor because the crowd reactions come through so clearly, and it gives me a chance to overhear when people come back and ask Seth for his thoughts. I get to learn from his feedback too.
"But lately, I've noticed some talent just walking away afterward. Then, when Seth returns from headlining the main event, the room is empty. It's like, 'What? You were just seeking his guidance, and now no one's around?' That really gets under my skin.
"Or these days, if someone isn't even on the card, they just vanish, and I... I've brought this up with certain individuals, and I just can't wrap my head around it. Times have changed, and I'm not sure what's lacking. For me... I'm striving to set an example, hoping that some of the younger women notice I'm still present. Even if I'm not scheduled to compete, I'm hanging out in Gorilla position—explaining for beginners, that's the backstage area where producers call the matches and keep tabs on everything. Or if I'm not performing, I'm still watching the women's matches, no matter what."
Bayley expresses optimism that her dedication might inspire a few of the up-and-coming wrestlers to follow suit, although she acknowledges that only a handful are likely to pick up on it. For those new to wrestling, think of it like this: In a sport where every match is a masterclass in storytelling, psychology, and physicality, skipping out early means missing potential mentorship from icons who have built this world. It's akin to a student leaving class before the teacher reveals key insights—shortsighted, yet increasingly common.
This viewpoint, as expected, resonated deeply with The Undertaker, who has long championed a strong locker room ethic. But here's the part most people miss: Even if you're all for unwinding with video games or scrolling through TikTok backstage after a grueling night, overlooking the chance to study your trade when top professionals are right there to demonstrate and discuss seems like a missed opportunity. Is this evolution in wrestling culture a necessary adaptation to modern life, balancing mental health and personal time? Or is it eroding the immersive passion that built the industry? And could it be that the pressures of constant travel, social media demands, and a packed schedule are simply too much, leading to these shortcuts?
What are your thoughts? Do you side with Bayley's call for dedication, or do you see this as an outdated expectation in today's fast-paced world? Share your opinions in the comments—let's spark a debate on whether staying till the end is essential for greatness or just an unnecessary burden on performers!
