WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently shared his critical views on private locker rooms in professional wrestling during an appearance on Busted Open Radio. Contrary to the growing trend in promotions like AEW, Ray explained why he refuses to use a private dressing room and believes most wrestlers shouldn’t either. His stance highlights key cultural and practical issues within wrestling locker rooms that are often overlooked.
Bully Ray’s Take on Private Locker Rooms: A Culture of Division
Bully Ray, a veteran who built his legacy in WWE, ECW, and other major promotions, expressed a distinct opposition to the idea of individual or private locker rooms for wrestlers. On Busted Open Radio, he said such separations create unnecessary jealousy and foster an unhealthy atmosphere of division among wrestlers. According to Ray, when talent demands their own rooms, it inadvertently sends a message like, “I’m better than you. I deserve my own space.” This can lead to resentment and fractures in locker room camaraderie, which traditionally has been an important part of wrestler unity and morale[1][2].
He elaborated that if someone wants to quietly change alone, that is their choice, but to officially designate separate locker rooms for stars—which is becoming more common—crosses a line. “I have a problem with all of these people [that are like], ‘I need my own locker room,’” Ray said. “All you’re telling the boys is, ‘I’m better than you.’”[1]
The Exception: Chris Jericho’s Unique Case
Despite his overall opposition to private dressing rooms, Bully Ray made a notable exception for Chris Jericho, recognizing the unique legacy and contributions Jericho brings to a promotion. Jericho is widely regarded as a global wrestling superstar and a cornerstone in AEW’s rise as an alternative major wrestling promotion. Bully explained that Jericho’s extensive career—from WWE to New Japan Pro Wrestling—combined with his key role in helping build AEW, warrant separate accommodations that other wrestlers cannot claim.
“Chris Jericho was one of the first guys there,” Bully acknowledged. “He’s the biggest worldwide star in the company. There is no bigger star in AEW than Chris Jericho.” This recognition of Jericho’s superstar status filtered through rock music and wrestling fandom justifies his one-man locker room, according to Bully[1][2].
Locker Room Dynamics and Respect for Promoters
Bully Ray’s criticism of private locker rooms is also intertwined with his broader views on wrestling locker room management and leadership. In previous commentary, the Hall of Famer emphasized the importance of promoters or management figures who understand locker room culture and command respect from talent. He contrasted this with current AEW CEO Tony Khan, whom he describes as a “matchmaker” rather than a true “booker,” implying Khan has yet to fully earn the locker room’s trust or understand wrestling’s nuanced backstage culture[3].
Ray suggested that many locker room issues could be alleviated by leadership that prioritizes respect and unity over status symbols such as exclusive rooms. According to a WWE insider familiar with locker room politics: “The best locker rooms are those where talent feel equally valued and can share space without ego clashes. When divisions grow, it feeds backstage tension and hurts morale.” This sentiment aligns closely with Bully Ray’s perspective.
Why Most Wrestlers Should Avoid Private Locker Rooms
The trend toward private locker rooms has increased in recent years among larger wrestling companies, sometimes touted as perks for major stars or to accommodate demanding schedules. However, Bully Ray warns that this practice promotes division, jealousy, and isolation. He advocates for wrestlers to maintain shared dressing areas to uphold solidarity and mutual respect.
Shared locker rooms allow newer and veteran wrestlers to interact, mentor, and bond, preserving wrestling’s traditional backstage culture. This environment can also help younger talent learn from experienced stars in an informal setting. By contrast, private rooms separate wrestlers along rank and reputation lines, weakening critical backstage relationships and team cohesion.
Backstage Realities and Locker Room Etiquette
While Bully Ray’s views resonate heavily with traditionalists, some sources suggest the practice of private locker rooms may be inevitable as promotions grow larger and wrestler rosters expand. According to sources close to talent management, some wrestlers request individual rooms for privacy, security, or logistical reasons, especially top stars with complex routines.
However, these requests must be balanced against locker room harmony. As a veteran wrestler noted anonymously: “It’s one thing to want privacy—especially for rehab, injury, or mental health reasons—but making it a status symbol divides the locker room. That’s bad for business and for the locker room culture.”
This pragmatic approach highlights why Bully Ray’s views on private locker rooms matter. They serve as a caution against backstage cultures that prioritize celebrity over cohesion.
Final Thoughts: Tradition, Respect, and Unity in the Wrestling Locker Room
Bully Ray’s outspoken stance against private locker rooms brings to light how prestige-related perks can backfire in professional wrestling’s unique ecosystem. His respect for Chris Jericho’s exceptional case underscores that only those with unparalleled contributions and stature should consider such separations. For most wrestlers, sharing locker rooms is vital for maintaining the traditional culture of mutual respect and unity that strengthens wrestling on and off-screen.
As one WWE insider put it: “Wrestling is still a tight-knit community behind the scenes. When you start putting up walls—literal or figurative—you risk breaking the bonds that keep that community strong.” This serves as a critical reminder for wrestling promotions as they grow and evolve to balance star power with locker room culture.
If you use any of the quotes or insights in this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.