Jim Ross agrees with MJF’s take on the wrestling locker room environment, emphasizing that most wrestlers can’t help but “work” or manipulate others, making them the norm rather than the exception. MJF, speaking to Bleacher Report before All In, criticized young wrestlers for seeking advice from veterans, claiming that 99 percent of these veterans don’t have the newcomers’ best interests at heart since they see anyone better than themselves as competition. Conrad Thompson shared this quote with Ross on the podcast Grilling JR.
Ross concurred, calling the wrestling business a “con man’s business” due to the nature of the people involved. He explained that many wrestlers never turn off their manipulative mindset, believing their own falsehoods as they constantly try to get ahead. Ross acknowledged that MJF might exaggerate for impact but noted that this behavior is common in the world of show business, where everyone looks out for themselves and their position. While self-interest isn’t inherently wrong, Ross felt that the way some handle it can be distasteful.
Going beyond MJF’s point, Ross warned that aspiring wrestlers should avoid embracing this con mentality because it’s not sustainable long-term. He cited wrestling conventions as evidence, where many of these “con men” end up relying on autograph signings as a main source of income—indicating they failed to properly manage their finances. Ross sarcastically questioned how many luxury items they had to buy and how such a lifestyle wrecks their future.
This insight highlights a real issue in wrestling’s evolution. Many performers from the territory days and the 1990s era worked without guarantees like contracts or pensions, and now depend on convention appearances as their livelihood. Ross argues those who spent their careers manipulating peers are often the ones stuck behind these tables today.
Finally, Ross touched on a rarely discussed issue: the personal toll of this mindset. He noted that constant scheming damages relationships, contributing to wrestling’s notoriously high divorce rates. Unlike Eric Bischoff, who estimated the problem affects closer to 50 or 60 percent of wrestlers, Ross fully agrees with the 99 percent figure MJF quoted. Bischoff and JBL offered slightly differing perspectives—Bischoff compared it to veterans undermining rising stars, while JBL felt the number was exaggerated but the advice valuable. Ross’s experience is unique as he handled talent relations for WWE and interacts directly on the convention circuit.
MJF made his initial comments ahead of All In: London, where he competed in the Casino Gauntlet but did not win; Andrade El Idolo earned the future AEW World Championship opportunity.
Fan Take: This candid acknowledgment from industry veterans like Jim Ross sheds light on the harsh realities behind professional wrestling’s glitz, reminding fans that the business is as much about personal survival as it is about performance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for appreciating the challenges wrestlers face both inside and outside the ring, which could push the industry toward fostering a more supportive and sustainable environment for future talent.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
