The world of professional wrestling is known for its over-the-top storylines, electrifying matches, and larger-than-life personalities. However, behind the scenes, WWE Superstars often face strict rules and regulations that can be just as dramatic as the action in the ring. One such example is the infamous wardrobe restrictions that female Superstars had to adhere to during their time on the roster.
CJ Perry, formerly known as Lana, is one such Superstar who has come forward about the strict wardrobe rules she had to follow during her time in WWE. In a recent interview, Perry revealed that the company had a major problem with her ring gear showing too much.
The Stricter the Better
According to Perry, WWE had a strict dress code for female Superstars, which included guidelines on what could and couldn’t be shown in ring attire. While the specific details of these guidelines are not publicly known, it’s been reported that the company was extremely cautious when it came to revealing too much skin or suggestive content.
Perry, who was a member of the popular faction The Kabuki Warriors alongside Naomi, claims that she often found herself in conflict with WWE officials over her ring gear. The Superstar revealed that she would often try to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable, but was ultimately forced to tone down her designs to meet the company’s strict standards.
“I remember having to make changes to my ring gear all the time,” Perry said in an interview. “They would tell me that something was too revealing or too suggestive, and I would have to go back to the drawing board and come up with something new. It was frustrating, but I understood where they were coming from.”
Backstage Insiders Weigh In
While Perry’s account of the strict wardrobe rules is certainly eye-opening, it’s not the first time that WWE’s approach to female Superstar attire has been called into question. Sources close to the company have revealed that the strict dress code was a major point of contention among female Superstars, with many feeling that it was too restrictive.
“Female Superstars were always being told what they could and couldn’t wear, and it was often at the discretion of the company’s creative team,” a WWE insider revealed. “It was a very patriarchal environment, and the women were often seen as sex objects rather than athletes. It’s a shame, because some of the most talented women in the business were being held back by these outdated rules.”
The Impact on Female Superstars
The strict wardrobe rules may have been a necessary evil for the company, but they certainly had an impact on the female Superstars who had to adhere to them. Perry, for one, claims that she often felt like she was being forced to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, rather than being able to express herself as an athlete.
“I felt like I was being objectified, rather than being seen as a legitimate competitor,” Perry said. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s like they didn’t see me as a Superstar, they saw me as a sex object. And that’s not something that I want to be remembered for.”
A Changing Landscape
While the strict wardrobe rules may have been a necessary part of WWE’s past, it’s clear that the company is slowly evolving to become more inclusive and accepting of its female Superstars. The introduction of new talent like Ronda Rousey, Sasha Banks, and Shayna Baszler has brought a fresh perspective to the company, and has helped to pave the way for a more modern and progressive approach to female Superstar attire.
“It’s a new era for women in WWE,” a WWE source revealed. “We’re seeing more and more talented women come into the company, and we’re learning to adapt to their needs and preferences. The days of strict wardrobe rules are slowly coming to an end, and I think that’s a great thing.”
Conclusion
The world of professional wrestling is known for its drama and intrigue, but the story of WWE’s strict wardrobe rules is one that deserves to be told. From CJ Perry’s shocking revelation about Lana’s ring gear to the insider accounts of the company’s patriarchal environment, it’s clear that the past was a very different time for female Superstars.
While the company may have been well-intentioned in its approach to wardrobe rules, the impact on female Superstars cannot be denied. However, with the introduction of new talent and a more progressive approach to female Superstar attire, it’s clear that WWE is slowly but surely moving in the right direction.
As for CJ Perry, she’s happy to be speaking out about her experiences, and hopes that her story will serve as a wake-up call for the company and its fans.
“I just want to make sure that the women who come after me have it easier,” Perry said. “I want to make sure that they’re seen as Superstars, rather than sex objects. And I’m proud to be a part of that movement.”