The Funk in the Locker Room: Wrestling’s Dirty Little Secret (and How to Fix It)

 

Let’s talk about something that no one wants to mention — but everyone smells.

If you’ve been around independent professional wrestling for any length of time, you already know: the locker room can reek. The odor of feet, unwashed gear, damp boots, body odor, and sweat fills the air like a punch to the face the moment you walk in.

This isn’t a one-time issue. It’s not just one guy or one show. It’s a problem across the board in the wrestling business — and it’s time someone addressed it.

A Wake-Up Call from a Legend

I once did a show with WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Morton — I’d worked with him plenty of times before, but on this particular night, he stepped into the locker room, didn’t even take a seat, and immediately said:

“Someone needs to wash their feet!”

And he wasn’t wrong.

On another show, a wrestler smelled so badly — from his armpits and entire body — that his opponent nearly vomited in the ring. After the match, the opponent came through the curtain and said:

“That guy is the worst smelling guy I’ve ever worked with.”

Think about that.

You can be a great worker, cut killer promos, and pop the crowd, but if no one wants to be around you because of your stench, you’re going to lose bookings. Period.

Let’s call it like it is. This issue is usually the result of poor hygiene and laziness — both in and out of the ring.

Why This Happens

Common reasons include:

• Wrestling Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the same, unwashed gear

• Wearing the same socks for days

• Using filthy boots or shoes that haven’t been cleaned or aired out in months

• Not packing extra clothes or gear

• Refusing to throw away gear or shoes that are beyond saving

• Skipping showers altogether — before the show and in everyday life

Let’s be clear: If you’re not clean in your personal life, you’re definitely not clean in the ring. Hygiene isn’t just about how you smell — it’s about how much respect you show to your opponents, the promotion, and yourself.

How To Fix It

 If you want to be taken seriously in this business, start acting like a professional — and that includes your hygiene.

1.) Pack Enough Clean Gear for the Weekend

If you’re working a multi-show weekend, don’t show up with just one set of gear. You should bring:

• At least 2–3 pairs of clean trunks/tights

• Multiple pairs of socks and shirts

• Extra elbow/knee pads or compression sleeves

• A spare towel or two

Never wear the same sweaty gear twice in a row. That’s not hardcore — it’s gross.

2.) Do NOT Mix Dirty Gear with Clean Gear

• Use a separate bag or sealed pouch for your dirty gear

• Never toss sweaty trunks, used socks, or damp towels into the same space as your clean gear

• Doing so contaminates everything and makes your entire bag smell like a dumpster fire

Your gear should be as protected as your gimmick. Keep it clean.

3) Wash Your Gear Immediately

Don’t leave your used gear wadded up in your trunk or duffel bag for a week. That’s how mold, mildew, and stink build up fast.

• Wash gear in cold water with antibacterial detergent

• Hang dry when necessary

• Use odor-fighting laundry boosters for extra cleaning power

4) Clean Your Boots

Your boots are often the smelliest part of your kit.

• Wipe down the inside with rubbing alcohol or disinfectant spray

• Let them air out fully before putting them back in your bag

• Use charcoal pouches, cedar inserts, or dryer sheets inside boots and gear bags to absorb odor between shows

5) Use Deodorant, Foot Powder, and Body Spray

This isn’t optional.

• Apply deodorant before every show

• Use foot powder or antifungal spray inside socks and boots

• Bring a travel-size body spray or hygiene kit with you

If your feet stink, fix it. If your pits stink, fix it. There are no excuses.

6.) Shower Before the Show

Even if you wrestled the night before — especially if you did — take a shower before you show up at the venue.

And no, wiping down with baby wipes doesn’t count.

Set the Standard

If you’re a promoter, trainer, or locker room veteran, speak up. You’re not being rude — you’re protecting the locker room.

Set expectations:

• Make hygiene part of your locker room rules

• Don’t be afraid to pull someone aside if it’s a problem

• Promote locker room respect, and that starts with cleanliness

Final Bell

Wrestling is a close-contact sport. You’re sweating, grappling, and breathing inches away from another person’s body. The very least you can do is make sure you’re clean.

You want to be respected? Start by not smelling like a landfill.

• Keep your gear fresh

• Respect your space

• Respect your opponent

• Respect the business

Fix the funk — or don’t be surprised when your bookings dry up.