Brock Lesnar has never been one to mince words, and his recent comments about WWE’s locker room are no different. Recently, The Beast Incarnate talked openly about how much things have changed since he first joined WWE. Moreover, he remarked how WWE has gotten a lot “softer.”
Looking back at his early days, Lesnar said the environment was much tougher. Respect didn’t come easily. The newcomers had to earn it by proving themselves. Even though he came in with a strong amateur wrestling background, he still had to go through the same challenges. In fact, he felt his achievements made other wrestlers test him even more.
Brock Lesnar reflects on WWE locker room differences
During an appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Brock Lesnar talked about the locker room environment in the old days and how much it has changed now. The Beast explained that “paying dues” was a big part of the culture back then. Veterans pushed new wrestlers hard, both physically and mentally, to prepare them for the business.
“I was a shooter, an amateur guy. I had a lot of credentials to my name. Of course, I got tested along the way by the old-timers. You have to pay your dues. Back then, you paid your dues, and you had to get your respect,” he said.
He also mentioned the “kangaroo court,” where senior wrestlers would impose rules and keep discipline in the locker room. While it might sound harsh now, it was seen as normal at the time. According to Lesnar, the locker room has become “softer.”
“It’s different now, obviously. Things have gotten a lot softer. There isn’t no more kangaroo courts. It’s different now, but I go there; I’m the old guy now,” Lesnar added.
A large chunk of this shift started when WWE moved to a more family-friendly style around 2008. The company adopted a TV-PG rating, which changed both the shows and backstage culture. Moves like blading and chair shots to the head did not receive the green light, mainly because of safety concerns. Storylines also became more suitable for sponsors and a wider audience.
From a business point of view, these changes worked. WWE has grown massively, signed blockbuster deals, and expanded its global reach. A safer environment has also helped wrestlers have longer careers.
At the same time, some fans argue that WWE has lost its grit and edginess that made it popular back in the day.
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