AEWs latest Fighter Fest episode triggered a strong reaction from Bully Ray, who didnt hold back on Busted Open After Dark when breaking down what he saw as one of the most unbelievable segments involving the Hurt Syndicate.
During the show, a six-man tag match featured Commander, Speedball Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight picking up a win. But the aftermath led to a confrontation that left Bully absolutely furious. As Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin entered the ring to assert dominance, Knight and Bailey fought them off with basic offensesomething Bully found completely unrealistic. After laying out what happened, Bully snapped on the air.
Bully continued his rant by saying there were smarter ways to book the segment that wouldnt damage the credibility of Lashley and Benjamin.
This kind of criticism from someone with Bully Rays background is sure to get noticednot just by AEWs creative team but by fans who see Lashley and Shelton as legitimate threats. The decision to make them look weak in that segment could cost AEW in terms of credibility if it continues.
Elsewhere on the podcast, another intense moment came from a backstage promo involving Will Ospreay and MJF. Things got personal when MJF crossed the line.
That brief moment had major heat, with Ospreay immediately swarmed by Shelton and Bobby. Even Bully admitted Ospreay was smart to back off, saying:
This segment added a layer of real-life tension to the ongoing feud, as bringing up someones child is always a controversial move in wrestling. Whether this angle pays off or backfires depends on how AEW follows up from here.
AEW is clearly trying to raise the stakes ahead of their next big event, but according to Bully Ray, they might be taking shortcuts that fans wont forgive.
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Do you agree with Bully Rays take? Was AEWs booking disrespectful to Lashley and Sheltonor just part of the story? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
