5 things you don't know about WWE life on the road

Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman travelled together as part of WWE Ride Along.
Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman travelled together as part of WWE Ride Along.

When you sign with WWE to become their next big Superstar, you get to be watched by millions every week and adorned by countless fans around the world.

But once the cameras stop rolling, and the crowds go home, you're faced with one of wrestling's most grinding efforts, travelling on the road.

Ever since wrestling burst nationally in the United States, Superstars have been expected to make their way to and from arenas, as well as hotels to sleep in, gyms to keep in shape, and local stores to do public appearances.

It is a tough time, though made a lot easier when you have a friend you trust by your side, as you drive the miles. Even then, there are some strict rules on what WWE Superstars can and cannot do.

Here are five things you don't know about WWE life on the road.


#5: The WWE pays for Airfare

The Big Show poses for a photo with a fan, whilst between flights.
The Big Show poses for a photo with a fan, whilst between flights.

It's one thing to be on the road travelling from New York to Rhode Island, but it's a whole different story when the WWE travels overseas.

Instead of opting for a ferry though, the company pays for wrestler's airfares, allowing them to travel all across the world, with plenty of time to make it from New York to Italy, and still have time for the show.

However, the tickets WWE provide are not first-class, as this is a luxury only allowed to certain established Superstars, such as The Miz, Randy Orton and John Cena.

Instead, Superstars are given decent tickets, though, given the massive size of some members of the WWE roster, it cannot be easy to be crammed into those tiny seats with very little legroom.

#4: Holidays don't mean days off

Alberto Del Rio definitely made the naughty list after running over Santa Claus with his car.
Alberto Del Rio definitely made the naughty list after running over Santa Claus with his car.

With festivals such as Christmas, millions of people across the world are allowed a few days off work, to connect with their families, open presents and feast until their bellies are full.

But for WWE Superstars, a holiday such as Christmas doesn't automatically mean time off, with the WWE hosting RAW last year on Christmas Day live, in an act that drew some backlash from fans.

Perhaps to save face and calm the roster, WWE hosted a special Christmas party, and this year decided to give the men and women of both RAW and SmackDown Live the time off, pre-recording both shows to be aired on the 24th and 25th.

This, however, did receive backlash from some fans, who complained about the company airing pre-recorded shows. It just goes to show that you can't really please everyone.

#3: The Superstars are responsible for their food on the road

Whilst WWE offer catering, many Superstars have decided to provide their own meals.
Whilst WWE offer catering, many Superstars have decided to provide their own meals.

As highly trained athletes, the men and women who appear on WWE TV need to be well-conditioned and receive the highest quality foods that will maintain their incredible physiques.

Unfortunately for them, the WWE insist that the Superstars are responsible for their own meals whilst travelling to and from different cities. With that said, the WWE backstage area does have catering where Superstars can grab a bite to eat at the arena.

However, many wrestlers have taken to providing their own meals, so that they are able to have full control over all aspects of their meals, including portion sizes, calorie intake, as well as nutritional requirements.

It's a smart move and one that shows the dedication of Superstars to look after themselves at all times.

#2: The Private Plane is no longer used

Mr Perfect was just part of the Plane Ride From Hell.
Mr Perfect was just part of the Plane Ride From Hell.

Nearly two decades ago, the WWE private jet was the ultimate tool for allowing groups of Superstars to travel overseas. That was until 2002 when the infamous 'Plane Ride From Hell' stopped this tradition for good.

The journey from the UK saw the plane be completely wrecked on the inside by several stars, including a fight between Mr Perfect and the rookie Brock Lesnar, as well as X-Pac cutting the mullet of Michael P.S. Hayes.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Goldust allegedly drunkenly serenaded his wife Terri over the intercom, and Scott Hall got so drunk, that he had to be wheeled through customs, much to the embarrassment of the Boss, who fired him not long after.

Whilst the WWE still has a private jet, it is now only for very special occasions.

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#1: The WWE Superstars have to agree

Matt Hardy is spotted by a member of the WWE Universe whilst at an Airport.
Matt Hardy is spotted by a member of the WWE Universe whilst at an Airport.

With so many restrictions about what they can and cannot do whilst travelling, you wouldn't be blamed for wondering why so many Superstars agree to all of this. Well, these rules mentioned are all standard parts of a WWE contract, and if you don't agree, you don't have a contract.

Fortunately, when a Superstar's first contract ends, and they are given the option to re-sign, they are able to tweak their new contract if the WWE feels they are worth the trouble. In addition, there are certain Superstars who have locked holds in their contract, that allow them the best sort of travel, such as current Universal Champion Brock Lesnar,

The Beast's rare appearances may have angered countless fans, but he is always guaranteed first-class travel, wherever he goes.


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