Following an exhilarating night at WrestleMania 40 where Grayson Waller and Austin Theory captured the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, Waller found himself in a tense situation that nearly escalated into a bar fight. As he recounted recently on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, the talented WWE star revealed how some well-known WWE personalities stepped up to back him when a very intoxicated fan began harassing NXT talent in a hotel bar in Philadelphia.
The Incident: From Celebration to Confrontation
The atmosphere was celebratory immediately after WrestleMania 40, with Waller and Theory returning to their hotel bar to unwind and enjoy the moment. However, the night took a sharp turn when Waller noticed a fan “trying to grab and touch and talk to some of the NXT girls” in a way that made them uncomfortable. Waller stated, “I went up to the bar to talk to him, and I was like, ‘Hey, can you leave the girls alone? They’re trying to have a good night.’”
The fan, described by Waller as “very drunk,” responded aggressively by pushing Waller. Realizing things could get physical, Waller said, “Man, I just won the Tag Team Championships. I’m going to get in a fight at the bar at WrestleMania. This is going to be the story.” The prospect of fighting at such a high-profile event’s aftermath was something Waller clearly wished to avoid[1][2][4].
Wrestlers Who Came to Waller’s Aid
Before the situation escalated, three important figures from WWE and MMA circles suddenly appeared to support Waller, turning the tide of the confrontation. First to step in was WWE’s Shayna Baszler, a former MMA fighter and WWE star known for her intimidating presence. Baszler approached Waller and the fan to assess the situation, signaling she had Waller’s back.
Shortly after, WWE veteran MVP showed up to reinforce the solidarity. The final person to arrive was Josh Barnett, a former WWE star and renowned MMA fighter well respected for his toughness. Waller admitted he had never met Barnett before but recognized his reputation and felt confident with him there.
Waller recalled the moment of relief: “All of a sudden, first person that walks up next to me, Shayna Baszler. She’s like, ‘Is everything all good here?’ Then MVP walks up next. Now I’m feeling pretty good. Then Josh Barnett, who I must admit, I’ve never met him but I know he’s a badass, steps up… and says, ‘Is everything alright here, guys?’” The fan backed down once he saw the collective support standing with Waller[1][2][5].
A WWE Insider’s Perspective on Backstage Camaraderie
Sources close to WWE backstage confirm that wrestlers often form tight bonds, especially during large events like WrestleMania where tension can run high. A WWE insider explained, “It’s not just about the in-ring stories; outside the ring, wrestlers look out for each other, especially during high-pressure times like WrestleMania weekend. Support like Shayna’s, MVP’s, and Barnett’s for Grayson Waller exemplifies the unity and respect the locker room cultivates.”
This camaraderie extends beyond scheduled matches and promos, protecting each other from real-world conflicts such as confrontations with overly aggressive fans.
The Importance of Staying Composed Post-Match
Waller’s experience underscores a recurring theme in wrestling culture: the importance of professionalism and composure after high-stress performances. Bar fights involving wrestlers used to be seen as damaging to careers, often described as “killing the business.” Though attitudes have softened, incidents are still taken seriously by WWE management.
Waller himself acknowledged how surreal the near-fight felt, knowing it could have damaged his image. Thankfully, the presence of experienced superstars helped de-escalate the situation without physical altercation. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of fan interactions during major wrestling weekends[4].
What This Reveals About WrestleMania Culture
WWE’s WrestleMania is the biggest annual event in sports entertainment, drawing passionate fans worldwide. While most interactions between wrestlers and fans are positive, the high energy combined with alcohol and excitement can sometimes lead to tense moments like Waller’s near altercation.
The vigilance of the wrestlers and seasoned support shows the extensive measures WWE talent take to ensure safety and respect, even when off-camera. Grayson Waller’s story highlights how this culture of mutual respect and guarding each other’s backs is alive and strong among WWE performers[3][4].
Looking Ahead for Grayson Waller
Despite this unexpected challenge, Grayson Waller is riding high after a milestone victory alongside Austin Theory. His candid recounting of the bar incident adds depth to his rising star persona — showing not only his fighting spirit in-ring but also his willingness to stand up for his colleagues in real life.
With such strong allies like Shayna Baszler, MVP, and Josh Barnett, Waller is positioned well for continued success both onscreen and behind the scenes. His ability to navigate such moments with composure will serve him well as his WWE career progresses.
This story adds a fascinating backstage perspective on the realities WWE stars face annually around marquee events and demonstrates the importance of having trusted allies when tensions unexpectedly rise.
“Wrestlers look out for each other — that’s not just a saying, it’s a way of life,” one backstage source added. “What happened with Waller at WrestleMania 40 is a reminder that in WWE, the team isn’t just inside the ring.”