Shane Helms:

To Shake Hands or To Not Shake Hands: A Helms Blog

I feel kind of silly even writing about this, but as it seems to be a wee “hot topic” at the moment, I’d thought I share my personal opinion for one reason and one reason only, I don’t want this to be an issue for any other upcoming talents! This business is hard enough to succeed in as it is, and to be honest it really is a stupid thing to have to debate anyway. That being said …

No need to discuss the particulars involved, I’m sure if you’re reading this, you probably already know them by name anyhow. But trust me, this isn’t the first time this has been an issue in the “locker room.” So, here goes: For those of you that don’t know, there is a tradition among locker rooms, not all, but I’d say a lot, and I’d definitely say in the WWE locker room of shaking hands when you get to the building. You go up to the vets, the other boys, the refs, the girls, just whomever you work with, and politely shake their hand … for no other reason than as a sign of respect. That’s ALL IT IS. It’s not a submissive motion, it doesn’t make you less of a man, it’s not a judgment (although you will be judged if you don’t do it) it’s just a way of saying hello in a polite and respectful manner. And in a locker room (such as WWE) that is inhabited by more than a few veterans and guys who have paved the way for us all, respect is kind of a big deal. And that applies to everyone that works there. I’ve seen Taker, HHH, Flair, Austin, Rock, all the big names and a ton I didn’t mention, for brevity’s sake, do this. I did it almost every fucking show! I’d get to the locker room and I’d walk around and say hey to everyone, the only exceptions would be if I just saw them in the last few hours or so. Hell, I do it on Indy shows! Whether it was WFX in Canada, BTW or PWG in Cali, LLUSA DreamWave, IGF in Japan, everywhere I work, I introduce myself to people if I don’t know them and I try to say hey to everyone. I’m sure I’ve missed a hand shake or two in my life but I always made a strong effort. Do some VETS who’ve been around for decades appreciate it if the younger talent makes the first move, of course they do. It’s a simple gesture of respect, which in most cases has been earned. It’s not a “this guy is a bigger star than me or that guy is a better worker than me” it’s not that at all. And if you take it as such, then maybe the problem is within you. And before anyone says anything, yes a VET can be disrespectful at times, I’ve been on the receiving end of that as well, but the difference is, they already have a job!

NOW … if you don’t work there, and you’re trying to get hired, MIGHT I SUGGEST to those of you who don’t know of this tradition that you JUST DO IT! I mean, why would you NOT wanna meet everyone in the locker room that YOU wanna be a part of?? Why would you NOT wanna introduce yourself to the commentators, or referees, or management?? Yeah, it kinda takes some people out of their comfort zone for a second, but so what?? Just do it! Because you know what … it WILL be noticed if you don’t! It WILL be taken as a sign of disrespect … and this is key here … whether that was your intent or not! And it WILL look bad upon you and may even have an effect on whether you get the job that you probably worked your ass off to get a chance at. It’s such a tiny gesture, just do it guys/gals because … and TRUST ME on this … you will have PLENTY of opportunities to get heat later!! Trust me! :-)

In final, to any talents reading this, if you get a chance to get a tryout match with WWE, TNA, LLUSA, ROH, or even if it’s your local Indy promotion, just assume that people are watching. You’re there to get noticed right? Right? So, don’t be shocked when people notice things. It’s the Entertainment world, and I wish it relied solely on your in-ring performance, but that’s not the world we exist in. It never has been and it probably never will be. Besides, would a lil more respect actually hurt our business?? Cuz I think, respect is one of the things it’s missing. Thx for reading.