The Importance of the Locker Room Leader

The Importance of the Locker Room Leader

The Importance of the Locker Room Leader

“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” – Ray Kroc

Wrestling is more transparent than ever before. Whether it’s a meeting about a new storyline, a fight in the locker room, or even who sneezed backstage, the incident will be uploaded before it concludes. We even can identify who leads the locker room. I am not talking about the Vince McMahons or the Dixie Carters, the bosses of an organization. What I am referring to is a person who leads and guides the guys and women behind the curtain, the person who is universally respected to watch over (and sometimes informally discipline) a bunch of rogues in spandex.

In the WWE, you will read about how the Undertaker has been the unequivocal leader of the locker room for the past 25 years. Although he is not around full time much these days, his presence is universally acknowledged to initiate respect. He does so because of his work ethic, his loyalty to the company, and his utmost passion to the wrestling business. And his actions can vary, from simply watching matches and providing critiques to up and comers, being a judge in wrestler’s court (a topic for a future article), or even to personally guide the boss on how the company should progress. Most importantly, he is the bridge from the talent to the office in providing morale, and leads the charge for how hard the performers should go in the squared circle.

taker

While Undertaker’s role as locker room leader is affixed to WWE, who leads the locker room on the independent scene? The indys are truly the Wild West, where every promotion has a unique roster, leadership expectations vary, and even different rules may apply. The same qualifications apply to an indy LRL (I’ll get this acronym over!) as it does to the Undertaker, in having a high degree of loyalty, passion, and work ethic to their company. An LRL can vary from company to company, but I have found these individuals to be consistent in the attributes I have mentioned above:

tysondux

Tyson Dux (@TysonDux): He’s the first person I had in mind when writing this article. I call him “Dad” because he looks out for guys like me professionally and personally. I often regard him one of the best talents never to be signed to a major company. He has worked all over the world, and has been in matches for every major company in his nearly 20 year career. He serves as an agent for places like Border City Wrestling in Windsor, Legend City Wrestling in Newfoundland, Canada, and now for Wolverine Pro Wrestling in the Detroit area. He is a guy I often go to for psychology questions, ideas, and even gear. He has coached me greatly on my in ring work the past year, and cannot thank him enough for his guidance.

codydeaner

Cody Deaner (@CodyDeaner): Cody Deaner is another Canadian added to this list. A former TNA wrestler, he wrestles for various promotions in Canada, and is another person I think of as a great LRL. He makes sure that he communicates with each wrestler about expectations for their match in a clear and concise way. He’s also led the locker room in some very unique situations. One time, we wrestled at a wedding (another topic for another time) and he was able to help organize our “locker room,” and help the bride and groom with their “main event segment.” A guy that can do that sure as hell can lead anyone anywhere!

eddiekingston

Eddie Kingston (@Madking_ston81): Eddie is an LRL in a different way. He doesn’t usually agent matches. He will provide advice and guidance, but only if you go to him. There are some that may be intimidated by Kingston (whether because of his look or his no-nonsense attitude). But that is where the leadership comes from, because he is no-nonsense, no BS. In addition to being an incredible talent, he is a hell of a work horse. I once saw him work an incredible 20+ minute match with injured ribs. If a guy like him can go all out with that injury, so can I.

rhino

Rhino (@rhyno_313): A performer like Rhino does not come around often on the indy scene. A 20 year career, worked in every major company in his career, and still keeps busy every week (whether it’s on an independent show, or at WWE’s NXT). And he will still take time to talk to everyone, provide feedback, and make sure good time is being kept. He provides details and critiques that are beneficial in having a long career for televised wrestling. I have learned so much while being in a locker room with the “War Machine,” and his in-demand status in the business shows he’s a valued asset to every locker room he’s in.

josh prohibition

Josh Prohibition (@JoshProhibition): I’ll close out my list with one of the people who trained me. Josh is an LRL in Absolute Intense Wrestling, and another talent that should have been with a major company (In my commentating days at AIW, I often referred to him as “wrestling’s best kept secret.”) He will provide feedback of your work, and even in his most stern voice, there comes care in a desire to see you improve. He also cuts perhaps one of the best promos not just in the indys, but wrestling in general.

I know there are others that I am missing. My experience is tied with these individuals, as I know there are many places I have yet to be, and LRL’s to meet. My focus was on these individuals who contribute a positive example in the back.

I have experienced self-imposed LRL’s who thought that because they worked in only a couple promotions for a few years, they thought they commanded that authority. The guys I have listed are ones that have rich experience and knowledge. The promotions they lead are the ones that are successful and have a large following. It’s no coincidence that effective leadership and success goes hand in hand. It’s my duty to be under their learning trees and continue to improve in this business.

It’s a quiet week for me, as I have no shows lined up. In the meanwhile:

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Make sure to check out my store at http://www.prowrestlingtees.com/benjaminboone

  • Jake Drury

    Good read! I like the Ray Kroc quote at the top of the article. Have you read the book grinding it out?