At WrestleMania 40, Grayson Waller celebrated winning the WWE Tag Team Championship, marking his first WWE title. However, the night nearly turned chaotic at a hotel bar when a fan began harassing WWE’s female performers, prompting intervention from Shayna Baszler, an AEW star and former UFC Champion, who stepped in to de-escalate the situation.
The showdown occurred shortly after the intense ladder match where two teams claimed different versions of the WWE tag titles, with A-Town Down Under securing the championship alongside Waller. What was supposed to be a memorable moment almost became a dangerous encounter when unruly fans intruded on the wrestlers’ celebration.
Unexpected Trouble After WrestleMania Celebration
Following the match, Grayson Waller and several WWE stars gathered at the hotel bar to unwind, but their relaxation was interrupted by fans aware of their location. Waller explained on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast that some fans, particularly one intoxicated individual, began bothering NXT female wrestlers by trying to grab and speak to them against their wishes.
In response, Waller confronted the disruptive fan and politely asked him to stop harassing the women, but the situation escalated as the drunk man became aggressive and attempted to push Waller.
“WrestleMania 40, after I won the Tag Team Championships, we go back to the hotel bar, and sometimes when WrestleMania stuff happens, the fans know what hotel we’re at. So we’re trying to have a good time and chill, and all these fat flops in black shirts who stink are just like roaming around trying to grab you and all this. It’s the worst, it’s very frustrating. So there was a guy who kept trying to grab and touch and talk to some of the NXT girls, and they were telling me, ‘This guy’s bothering us,’ so I went up to the bar to talk to him and I was like, ‘Hey, can you leave the girls alone, they’re trying to have a good night.’ And this guy was very drunk, he starts firing back at me, he goes to push me, and I’m like, ‘I just won the Tag Team Championships and I’m gonna get in a fight at the bar at WrestleMania, this is gonna be the story…”
—Grayson Waller, WWE Tag Team Champion
Waller’s reluctance to escalate the conflict was clear as he admitted he did not want a fight to overshadow his hard-earned moment in the spotlight. The threat of the confrontation rising at such a public event added tension to the evening’s celebrations.
Shayna Baszler and WWE Allies Step In to Protect
Before the confrontation could escalate further, Waller received crucial support from prominent figures nearby, including Shayna Baszler, who immediately intervened to check on the situation. Her presence, along with that of other respected wrestling personalities, quickly diffused the threat posed by the aggressive fan.
“All of a sudden, first person that walks up next to me, Shayna Baszler. She’s like, ‘Is everything all good here?’ Then as she’s talking to me, MVP walks up next. Now I’m feeling pretty good, you know? Then, Josh Barnett, who I must admit, I’ve never met Josh Barnett, like I know of him, I know he’s a badass. He steps up next and goes, ‘Is everything alright here guys?’ I sat down. I sat down at the bar and I just looked at the guy like, ‘Hey, I’m good, Shayna Baszler, MVP and Josh Barnett have my back – there isn’t a man alive who I think can mess with this team of four.’ So I almost had like my own super team at the bar at WrestleMania, and that guy, he disappeared real quickly, which was nice. So I think I actually had a real-life team of four WarGames bar team.”
—Grayson Waller, WWE Tag Team Champion
Waller described the moment as forming a “super team” with Baszler, MVP, and Josh Barnett, an established figure known for toughness. Their combined presence ensured the threatening individual backed down swiftly, allowing the WWE stars to continue their evening without further incident.
Significance of Wrestlers Supporting Each Other Beyond the Ring
This incident highlights the often-overlooked challenges wrestlers face outside the squared circle, especially during high-profile events like WrestleMania when fans can become intrusive. The quick response from Shayna Baszler and others underscores the importance of solidarity among performers, not only as competitors but also as protectors of one another’s safety.
Waller’s recounting of the event reflects a tense yet hopeful atmosphere where even in moments of potential danger, camaraderie reigns. The presence of veterans like MVP and Barnett further provided a reassuring backdrop to younger talent like Waller, boosting his confidence amid the unpredictable environment.
For Shayna Baszler, a star in AEW and a former UFC Champion, stepping into this role exemplifies her commitment to supporting her peers beyond her own organization. This cross-promotional respect illustrates the increasing bond between wrestling communities, even amid fierce competition.
The Future After a Night of Triumph and Trial
Grayson Waller’s first WWE title win and the subsequent bar incident may become a memorable story in his career, representing both triumph and the reality of being a public figure in professional wrestling. The swift resolution ensured his WrestleMania 40 celebration remained positive while illuminating the ongoing need for protective measures when stars interact with fans outside arenas.
As Waller continues to advance in WWE, the experience likely strengthened his resolve and highlighted the value of having trusted allies like Shayna Baszler nearby. For WWE and AEW fans alike, the episode serves as a reminder of the real dangers performers sometimes face and the strength found in unity.
