The world of professional wrestling has undergone significant transformations over the years, with the WWE at the forefront of these changes. One individual who witnessed this metamorphosis firsthand is none other than Chris Masters, a former WWE Superstar who broke into the industry nearly two decades ago. In a recent conversation with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Masters shared his candid thoughts on the dramatic shift in WWE’s locker room culture, attributing the transformation to a pivotal moment in the company’s history.
A Wilder Era: Chris Masters’ Early WWE Days
When Masters first joined WWE in 2006, the company’s locker room was a far cry from its current state. During his time, the culture was marked by a more relaxed and party-oriented atmosphere. Masters recalled the camaraderie and the sense of camaraderie that defined the locker room back then. “It was a different era, for sure,” he said. “Guys would gather in the locker room, share stories, and just enjoy each other’s company. It was a great time, but also a time when the lines were blurred between what was acceptable and what wasn’t.”
The WWE’s locker room during Masters’ early days was often described as a ‘boys’ club,’ where the boundaries between work and personal life were fluid. While this close-knit environment fostered a sense of belonging among the wrestlers, it also created an environment where reckless behavior was sometimes tolerated or even encouraged.
A Turning Point: The Deaths of Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit
Masters credited the tragic events surrounding the deaths of Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit in 2005 as a pivotal moment that brought about significant changes within the WWE locker room. The double tragedy, which included the infamous Chris Benoit triple homicide, shocked the world and left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry.
“We lost two of our own, and it was a wake-up call for everyone,” Masters said, his voice filled with emotion. “It made us realize that our actions have consequences and that our personal lives can impact not only ourselves but also those around us.” The incident served as a catalyst for change, prompting WWE to reevaluate its policies and create a safer, more supportive environment for its talent.
A Cleaner Business: The Post-2005 Shift
Following the devastating loss of Guerrero and Benoit, WWE began to adopt a more stringent approach to maintaining a healthy and respectful locker room culture. This effort involved introducing stricter policies, providing mental health resources, and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor, both in and out of the ring.
According to a WWE insider, the company implemented a comprehensive program aimed at promoting a positive and respectful work environment. “WWE invested heavily in creating a culture of accountability and empathy,” the source revealed. “They introduced programs like the Wellness Policy, which focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and encouraged wrestlers to speak up if they felt uncomfortable or needed support.”
This shift towards a cleaner business was not without its challenges, however. Some veteran wrestlers who had grown accustomed to the old ways of doing things struggled to adapt to the new environment. Masters acknowledged that the transition was not without its difficulties, but ultimately, it led to a more positive and supportive locker room culture.
A New Era for WWE Superstars
Today, the WWE locker room is a vastly different place from the one Masters encountered upon his arrival. Gone are the days of excessive partying and reckless behavior; instead, the company has fostered a more professional and respectful environment. While some may lament the loss of the ‘old days,’ Masters believes that this shift has ultimately benefited the industry as a whole.
“It’s a cleaner business, and I think that’s a good thing,” Masters said. “Guys don’t even party anymore. It’s not that they can’t have fun; it’s just that they’re more aware of their actions and the impact they can have on others.”
As the WWE continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the company’s commitment to creating a positive and healthy work environment has paid dividends. The shift from a wild and carefree era to a more responsible and respectful one has undoubtedly had a lasting impact on the lives of WWE Superstars, including Chris Masters.
Conclusion
Chris Masters’ candid reflections on WWE’s locker room culture serve as a poignant reminder of the industry’s evolution over the years. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what professional wrestling can be, one thing remains constant: the importance of creating a supportive and respectful environment for its talent. While the old days may be fondly remembered, the new era of WWE has brought about a more positive and cleaner business, one that prioritizes the well-being of its Superstars above all else.