Behind the scenes at WWE, the choice of where to change clothes isn’t random or free for all. There is a structured system in place, and access to the TV locker room—the most prestigious and luxurious area—is a notable privilege.
Montel Vontavious Porter recently revealed how the WWE’s TV locker room, also known as TVL, operates differently from the regular male locker room. According to him, it’s not just a matter of where you store your gear; it’s a reflection of status within the company.
Porter explained on the Markout podcast, “I had a TV locker room for a long time in WWE, so I had a TV locker room for TVL.” The TV locker room is more than a prime location; it’s where behind-the-scenes TV segments are filmed. But even getting into this room requires an invitation.
He said, “If you’re just starting, you use the main male locker room, but once you reach a certain level, someone might invite you to dress in the TVL.”
For rookies, the main male locker room is where they change, relax, and get ready for shows, but it doesn’t hold the same significance. Offering someone an invite to TVL is a subtle acknowledgment of their rising status in WWE.
Porter also explained that this hierarchy extends beyond TVL, especially with legendary wrestlers like The Undertaker, who had a private locker room with stricter rules.
He shared, “I used to find it amusing that The Undertaker had his own room. You could only dress in his room if you had an invite. Looking around, I realized, ‘Oh, these are the important guys.’ But don’t act like you can just show up there—people will tell you to leave.”
This system highlights WWE’s internal ranking, even within locker rooms, which have their own pecking orders. TVL functions like an exclusive club reserved for top-tier stars.
Fan Take: This insider look into WWE’s locker room hierarchy sheds light on the backstage culture and how status affects even the smallest details. For fans, it’s a reminder that wrestling isn’t just about what happens in the ring—it’s also about the dynamics behind the scenes, which can impact the careers and exposure of performers.
