WWE’s rising heel Grayson Waller has sparked chatter backstage and among fans alike with his unapologetically disrespectful attitude on television. In candid recent comments, Waller acknowledged that some of his fellow WWE talent take offense to his provocative style, yet he revealed that at least one top WWE star — a reigning champion — fully understands and appreciates his character work.
“Some Wrestlers Think I’m Disrespectful” — Waller On Real Reactions
Waller, known for pushing boundaries and stirring heat with his brash promos and attitude, admitted that his approach rubs some locker room peers the wrong way. In an interview, he stated that certain wrestlers feel disrespected by his on-screen antics, which are intentionally designed to provoke and challenge the established hierarchy within WWE.
However, Waller also emphasized that this perception isn’t universal. He singled out a current WWE champion who “gets it” — recognizing that Waller’s disrespect is part of his role and ultimately adds value to the programming.
This nuanced reception behind the scenes reflects the complex dynamics of WWE’s locker room culture, where charisma and mic skills can be admired even when the character itself is meant to provoke.
Protecting Wrestling’s Integrity On and Off Screen
Waller’s controversial streak isn’t limited to scripted segments. Earlier in 2023, he made headlines for publicly defending the wrestling business during an Australian morning talk show. When a TV personality mocked wrestling and challenged Waller to take a real punch, he reacted strongly, stating he wouldn’t tolerate disrespect toward the industry he represents.
“The disrespect you give me when you act like this isn’t real,” Waller said, explaining he was genuinely upset at the dismissive attitude toward wrestling’s physicality[1][3]. Behind the scenes, sources reveal production staff were rattled by his intensity after cameras stopped rolling, underscoring how seriously Waller takes defending wrestling’s legitimacy.
“He despises people treating what we do as a joke,” a WWE insider noted. “Grayson’s passionate about the craft — it’s something his character reflects and that passion is real, not just an act.”
Backstage Tensions and Respect Among Peers
While Waller’s bold persona earns him detractors, insiders say the divide is partly generational and stylistic. Some veterans prefer a traditional approach to respect and hierarchy, while younger talents like Waller push boundaries with confrontational character work.
One backstage source shared, “Some older guys don’t like how Grayson crosses the line, but others see him as a breath of fresh air — someone willing to shake things up.” This insider added that a champion close to Waller sees his disrespect as part of storytelling rather than genuine malice.
This split highlights a classic tension in WWE’s evolving locker room culture, where the mix of characters and personalities both fuels creative conflict and occasionally causes friction.
From Controversy to Championship Success
Despite the occasional backlash, Waller’s approach has not negatively impacted his standing in WWE. In fact, he and partner Austin Theory formed a successful tag team that won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship heading into WrestleMania XL, showing that WWE brass values his contributions.
Waller himself recounted that he has no desire to cross the line into real hostility or legal trouble, referencing infamous incidents involving Hulk Hogan and David Schultz as cautionary tales.
“I don’t want to end up on that list,” he said, indicating his professionalism despite his edgy persona.
What This Means for WWE Fans and Future Storylines
Grayson Waller embodies the modern WWE star who blurs lines between in-ring talent and outspoken personality, both endearing and antagonizing peers and audiences. His willingness to stand up for wrestling’s legitimacy in public forums and his on-screen disrespect create layered storytelling potential.
As WWE continues developing Waller’s character, fans can expect more provocative segments that challenge other wrestlers and established stars—fueling intrigue and compelling narratives.
Whether viewed as disrespectful or disruptive, Waller is undeniably a figure stirring conversation in WWE, affirming his place as a talent to watch for fans seeking fresh and controversial angles.
According to a WWE insider familiar with locker room dynamics, “Grayson may rub some people the wrong way, but his passion and commitment to wrestling’s authenticity earn respect from the right circles — especially among top-tier champions who understand the importance of his character.”