Felix Upton on July 21, 2025
MVP is pulling back the curtain on what really ran the WWE locker room—and why The Undertaker was the guy no one wanted to disappoint.
Speaking on Marking Out with MVP and Dwayne Sees – Episode 11, the veteran didn’t sugarcoat what true leadership looks like in pro wrestling.
When asked how top stars control the locker room without creating resentment, MVP said there are only two types of “top guys” in the business—those who lead with fear through power, and those who lead with real respect.
“How do top guys maintain locker room control without creating resentment? That is an easy question. Top guys—so there’s only two ways about it. You’re either a top guy that maintains control with lots of resentment because you’re maintaining control by using your influence with the office, holding that over people’s heads… or you’re a top guy that maintains control via respect.”
He explained that in wrestling—where egos run wild—respect is earned through presence, not politics.
“If you are so respected by your peers, then the control of the locker room comes naturally. If you are a locker room leader, you’re a natural leader. And being in a room full of men who are alpha—let’s face it, professional wrestling is an ego-driven business—so those individuals who, in a room full of those types of personalities, can rise up and naturally gain the respect of their peers…”
When it came time to name a real example, MVP had one name: The Undertaker.
“I give Undertaker as a perfect example. Not to say that there weren’t people who didn’t resent Taker or didn’t like him—but overwhelmingly, he was liked and respected.”
MVP then revealed that when it came to performing with Taker, he wasn’t afraid of the crowd—he was afraid of letting the Deadman down.
“For me, it wasn’t fear about messing up in front of the fans—it was fear about disappointing the person I’m working with.”
“And one of the worst things ever was to come back from a match with Taker and have him just tell you it was bad. Or that you didn’t deliver. Just disappointment. Like, ‘Oh man, I let him down. I let the Deadman down. I’m sorry man. I promise we’ll do better tomorrow.’”
According to MVP, The Undertaker didn’t demand respect—he earned it by being the same guy behind the curtain as he was in the ring.
“And that just comes from him being a leader in spirit.”
For MVP, leadership wasn’t about power plays or politics—it was about consistency, accountability, and setting the standard. And no one did that better than The Undertaker.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
Do you think modern locker rooms still have leaders like The Undertaker? Or is that era long gone? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
July 21, 2025 1:56 pm
Disqus Comments Loading...