Braun Strowman has delivered a scathing critique of WWE's backstage culture, revealing that a loss of respect among talent was one of the things that bothered him most during his time with the company.
Speaking candidly on Something's Burning with Bert Kreischer, the former Universal Champion discussed the changing dynamics in WWE locker rooms and the challenges of being an outsider in a business dominated by wrestling families.
What chapped my ass on my way out of the business was how much of the respect was lost," Strowman said. "Roman Reigns and I going out there 45 minutes doing a street fight and coming back and there's nobody in the gorilla and they're already in their hotels in the next town. They paid to see us. You couldn't even stay around to watch our stuff.
Strowman contrasted this with the old school mentality that once ruled WWE locker rooms, where missing the main event would result in consequences from respected veterans.
The former Monster Among Men also addressed the challenge of navigating wrestling's political landscape as someone who didn't come from a wrestling family or work the independent circuit.
Coming in, not born into the business, didn't come through the indies. I was an outsider. I was hated," Strowman revealed. "Everyone was like, 'This big guy.'... I'm sleeping in my car. I'm traveling around the world. I was North America's strongest man in 2011.
When it comes to wrestling's biggest obstacle, Strowman didn't mince words about what holds many talented performers back.
The hardest opponent in wrestling is nepotism, but that's in any business," he stated. "It's like this mafia fraternity, very inner circled thing... navigating those waters.
Despite the challenges, Strowman credited WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry with giving him crucial advice for surviving in the business. "God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice as much as you talk," Strowman recalled Henry telling him.
Strowman was released from WWE in May 2025. Since his departure, he has been vocal on social media about his feelings toward his former employer, previously accusing the company of prioritizing "nepotism" and "ass-kissers" over fans.
The former Universal Champion now hosts Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman on USA Network. The fun, appetite-driven travel series airs after SmackDown and follows Strowman as he embraces his "Monster Among Men" persona by visiting local eateries across the country and literally ordering one of everything.