As a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, Becky Lynch has captivated audiences worldwide with her charisma, athleticism, and unwavering dedication to the sport. However, behind the scenes, Lynch has spoken out about a culture of fear and retaliation that once plagued the WWE, forcing many performers to navigate a treacherous landscape of unwanted advances and retribution.
Lynch recently opened up about her own harrowing experience, revealing that a prominent WWE star had a history of “blacklisting” women who rejected or rebuffed his advances. According to Lynch, this behavior created a culture of fear, where women felt powerless to speak out against their harassers.
“This was a really difficult time for me, and for a lot of women in the business,” Lynch said in an interview. “You were constantly walking on eggshells, trying not to make someone mad or upset them in any way. It was a really toxic environment, and it’s not something that I think a lot of people want to talk about.”
Lynch’s comments come as the WWE continues to grapple with the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, which exposed a culture of harassment and abuse that had long plagued the industry. While the company has taken steps to address these issues, many performers and insiders still speak out about the lingering effects of a toxic culture that once permeated the WWE.
According to a WWE insider, the “blacklist” mentality was a common phenomenon in the early days of Lynch’s career. “There was a certain guy who thought he could get away with whatever he wanted, and if you rejected him or didn’t play by his rules, you’d be blacklisted,” the source revealed. “It was a real power dynamic, and it was incredibly intimidating for women who were just trying to make a name for themselves in the business.”
This culture of fear and retaliation was not limited to any one individual, but was rather a systemic issue that permeated the WWE’s locker room. Lynch recalled an incident where a female performer was subjected to verbal abuse and harassment by a group of male wrestlers, who felt emboldened by the company’s lack of action.
“It was a really scary time, and it’s something that I think a lot of women in the business have experienced,” Lynch said. “The lack of support from the company was really frustrating, and it made it feel like we were on our own.”
In recent years, the WWE has made significant strides in addressing the culture of harassment and abuse that once plagued the company. The introduction of the WWE’s Code of Conduct, which outlines strict guidelines for behavior and consequences for violators, has helped to create a safer and more respectful environment for performers.
However, many insiders still feel that the company has a long way to go in terms of addressing the systemic issues that have contributed to a culture of fear and retaliation. According to a source close to the WWE’s top brass, “There’s still a lot of work to be done, and it’s going to take time to change the culture of the company. But I think the WWE is headed in the right direction, and I’m optimistic about the future.”
As for Lynch, she remains committed to speaking out about the issues that have affected her and her peers. “I want to use my platform to help create a safer and more respectful environment for women in the business,” she said. “It’s not going to be easy, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference.”
In a statement, the WWE said, “We take all allegations of harassment and abuse very seriously and have a zero-tolerance policy towards such behavior. We are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all of our performers and employees, and we will continue to work towards this goal.”
As the WWE continues to navigate the complex and often fraught landscape of the wrestling industry, Becky Lynch’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater accountability and a more comprehensive approach to addressing the systemic issues that have contributed to a culture of fear and retaliation.