WWE Hall of Famer Tory Wilson recently opened up about the backstage politics of wrestling in a frank interview, sharing her experiences witnessing the rise and fall of an ego-driven wrestler while also dealing with criticism from seasoned wrestlers due to her non-physical role.
In her conversation with Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports on Shak Wrestling, Wilson discussed the tensions she faced early in her career, particularly her frustration when a talented wrestler was cast in a storyline that didn’t highlight athletic ability.
Wilson recalled, “I definitely felt some tension, especially at the beginning. Ivory was put into a bikini match against Stacey Cabler and went out to us in the ring. Though we laugh about it now, I completely understood her frustration because she was a legitimate wrestler, but we were suddenly expected to enter the ring in bikinis.”
The 2019 Hall of Fame inductee also acknowledged the uncomfortable situations both parties faced, highlighting the tricky balance between seizing opportunities and earning respect within the wrestling world.
She explained, “I’m sorry, but I wasn’t going to turn down the chances I was given, even though I didn’t have wrestling skills. At the time, I didn’t know what my role would really be, or if I would even become a wrestler.”
Wilson’s distinct viewpoint allowed her to recognize patterns in performers who allowed success to inflate their egos. Her understanding of wrestling psychology has given her valuable insight throughout her career.
She said, “I always had a keen perspective and knew when people were getting a lot of TV time. I noticed they would develop big egos, and I was never mistaken about that.”
Wilson described observing the predictable downfall of ego-driven wrestlers with near-scientific precision, stating, “Their egos got larger, they started acting arrogantly, and then their downfall followed. I had a front-row seat to all of that.”
She pointed out that wrestling’s fiercely competitive nature creates tension no matter someone’s personality.
“The business is tough because everyone is fighting for their spot and for the top talent. There’s a tendency to be a bit hostile regardless of who you are,” she noted.
Wilson’s approach was grounded in perspective, understanding that careers in wrestling can be suddenly cut short.
She reflected, “I see it as entertainment, and tomorrow it could be gone. Whoever is on TV today, can be off tomorrow.”
This mature outlook helped Wilson maintain strong relationships and build a reputation for professionalism, benefits that became clear in the years following her retirement.
Fan Take: Tory Wilson’s candid reflections shed light on the challenging dynamics behind the scenes in WWE, reminding fans that not every role in wrestling is about physicality. Her insights underline the importance of respect and professionalism, which are crucial for sustaining careers and evolving the sport in a healthy way.
