New York: Former WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch has opened up about the darker side of the professional wrestling industry, describing the backstage environment she encountered earlier in her career. Lynch and her husband, WWE star Seth Rollins, discussed these experiences during an appearance on Bert Kreischer’s YouTube show, “Something’s Burning.”
While the pair spoke on several aspects of their lives inside and outside the ring—including how their friendship eventually turned romantic—Lynch also reflected on the challenges she faced as a woman navigating WWE’s backstage culture nearly a decade ago.
“Stay Away From the Boys”: Lynch on the Warnings She Received
Lynch explained that she was advised to be cautious around certain male wrestlers during her early years in WWE, particularly around the time she transitioned from NXT to the main roster.
“I’m not gonna name names, but there was a guy on the main roster where it was like, ‘Be careful,’” Lynch said on the show.
“One, he’ll try to sleep with you. If he sleeps with you, he’ll blacklist you. And if he tries to sleep with you and you don’t sleep with him, he’ll also blacklist you. So there was this line—you had to walk this tightrope.”
Lynch added that at one point the unnamed wrestler obtained her phone number, leaving her unsure how to protect herself while also maintaining her career momentum. She emphasised the fear women felt in situations where reporting misconduct could potentially jeopardise their positions more than their male counterparts’.
“If you get into a relationship and things go south, they’re not gonna fire the guy. They’ll fire the girl,” Lynch said. “It was a very, very scary thing.”
From NXT to WWE Superstardom
Lynch entered WWE’s developmental system NXT before making her official main roster debut in 2015, playing a key role in the launch of WWE’s women’s evolution. Today, she stands among the company’s most popular and influential performers—but her comments underscore the challenges she and other women faced on their way up.
Professional wrestling has long battled allegations of harassment, abuse, and behind-the-scenes politicking. Lynch’s recent remarks shed renewed light on those concerns, especially as the industry continues its ongoing conversations about safety, culture, and accountability.
