Cody Rhodes, known as the quarterback of the WWE talent roster, recently identified the person who serves as the WWE Raw locker room leader. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on October 2, the Undisputed WWE Champion discussed who motivates and inspires the WWE locker room ahead of major events, comparing this role to that of a quarterback rallying a team before a big NFL game.
How The Undertaker Motivated WWE Talent Before a Historic Raw Event
In the interview, Cody Rhodes highlighted a memorable moment when The Undertaker addressed the entire WWE locker room before the historic debut of WWE Raw on Netflix. Rhodes explained that such speeches are rare and carry significant weight, especially coming from a respected figure like The Undertaker.
I think the last time we had somebody talk to the whole group was Undertaker talking about Netflix Raw and just what that meant, which was really great because some of the younger ones might not realize who The Undertaker was as an actual in-ring performer,
Rhodes said.
And for him to explain how big of a deal this was, that this was happening, that was one where you wanted to run through a brick wall.
Additional Influential Figures Behind the Scenes in WWE
Besides The Undertaker, Rhodes named several other leaders within WWE who provide vital encouragement to talent, albeit in less public ways. These include Paul Heyman, Michael Hayes, and Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, who deliver motivating messages and insights that prepare wrestlers mentally and emotionally.
The other guys who will do it, who are more subtle, it’s not a pep talk — it’s more of a pull you aside and hit you with something that’s like, ‘Whoo,’ is, again, Mr. Heyman. He doesn’t take me as one of his guys, I usually am fighting his guys, but when he says something, it matters. And Michael Hayes, Michael Hayes is one that — he’s just a wild, he’ll hit you with something or pull the curtain back and show you all of the people and where they are. Just, again, don’t want to take any of this for granted… Those are good pep-talk guys. Hunter’s good too. Now that I think about it, we got a lot of good leaders on the squad, for sure.
The Role and Impact of Leadership in WWE’s Locker Room Culture
Leadership in WWE’s locker room extends beyond public speeches; it often involves subtle moments of connection that build resilience among wrestlers. These leaders provide vital support, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and dedication behind the scenes. Paul Heyman’s ability to offer meaningful advice, Michael Hayes’s candid perspectives, and Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque’s steady guidance help sustain the locker room’s morale and determination.
This leadership dynamic is critical as WWE continues to evolve its programming and talent development. The historic Netflix Raw event, for example, was a pivotal moment, and The Undertaker’s speech underscored the significance of such milestones to both veteran and emerging stars. As Cody Rhodes illustrated, these moments fuel the drive necessary for performers to excel in and out of the ring.
Looking Ahead: Leadership’s Influence on WWE’s Future
The WWE Raw locker room leader plays a crucial role in shaping the attitudes and performance levels of the roster, impacting storylines and the overall success of WWE programming. With figures like Cody Rhodes, The Undertaker, Paul Heyman, Michael Hayes, and Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque providing steady leadership, the future of WWE’s talent appears supported by a blend of experience and inspiration.
As WWE navigates both its historical legacy and modern entertainment challenges, this mix of vocal and subtle leadership is likely to remain indispensable. For the wrestlers, having trusted mentors and motivators before major events can make the difference between routine performance and memorable moments that define careers.
