One big thing: Sylvain Grenier admits to cultural missteps in OVW
Former WWE star Sylvain Grenier recently opened up about his time in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), WWE’s developmental territory at the time, describing himself as a “f***ing idiot” who nearly got himself killed due to his lack of understanding of wrestling culture.
Key points:
• Grenier, known for his role in La Résistance tag team, shared his experiences on the “Developmentally Speaking” podcast.
• He came from a background in performance and acting, which didn’t prepare him for wrestling’s unique culture.
• Grenier struggled with the unwritten rules of respect in the wrestling world.
The big picture
Grenier’s candid reflections shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by newcomers to the wrestling industry, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds.
OVW’s diverse roster
Grenier described OVW as a melting pot of talent:
• “F**king monsters, and midgets, and f**king fat guy, and phenomenal girls, athletes…”
• He noted the presence of “a lot of great wrestlers, a lot of phenomenal, technical wrestlers.”
Cultural missteps
Grenier’s previous experiences with big names like Hulk Hogan and The Rock led him to believe he was “one of the boys,” but he quickly learned otherwise:
• He received heat for addressing Big Show as “Paul” instead of his ring name.
• This incident highlighted his lack of understanding of backstage etiquette.
Why it matters
Grenier’s story underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the unique culture within professional wrestling. It serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring wrestlers from non-traditional backgrounds and highlights the steep learning curve faced by newcomers in the industry.
What do you think about the unwritten rules in professional wrestling? Are they necessary, or do they create unnecessary barriers for newcomers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
