The Disturbing Truth Behind WWE's Backstage Talent Crisis

According to recent reports, much of Rush's backstage heat stems from his purported refusal to conform to a decades-old custom stipulating that junior locker-room members should, among other things, carry water bottles and luggage for WWE veterans. Traditionalists took the opportunity to bury this supposed miscreant for refusing to "pay his dues," though Lio has a different take, telling Fightful:-

"Public perception is important to me, and when we have fans that travel all over the globe and watch us get off of buses and into hotels, the look of a black kid carrying waters and bags for other wrestlers is just not a good look, especially when I’m trying to portray myself as a superstar as well."

Nobody has the right to judge his stance on this if they haven't been in a similar position themselves. Mark Henry has, so his rebuttal is valid.

Circling back to the monetary aspect, Rush is one of several WWE Superstars currently advertising their personalised video clip services via Cameo. He charges $20 a pop. He likely has fun with it, but that a full-time WWE Superstar should feel the need to supplement the income is absurd.

Wrestler pay can be a difficult topic to analyse because specific salaries don't often make it to the internet, and when they do, they're often inaccurate. That said, we can all agree that a performer should be able to meet their road expenses and live a comfortable lifestyle without being broke, as Lio alleges.

Unfortunately, 'The Man Of The Hour' may not be the only undervalued performer on WWE's payroll.

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