On a recent edition of the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray labeled CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ RAW promo segment as “the next evolution of wrestling.”
Ray also compared Punk’s unceremonious firing from AEW to Vince McMahon never firing Shawn Michaels despite HBK’s backstage issues throughout the 1990s.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ segment: “The reality of things like a Punk and a Seth Rollins and how you could hear it in their voice how things were very real, that’s what people want to hear. I thoroughly believe that the next evolution of wrestling should be very reality-based on all levels.”
On their genuine vitriol during their segment: “When you hear real vitriol for one another, that sucks you in and then you hear something that’s canned or scripted and you know now, we’re getting [staged] pro wrestling. I thought Nia [Jax] and Becky [Lynch] did a great job of taking something that really happened and making it feel real the other night.”
On how Vince McMahon dealt with Shawn Michaels: “Let’s take a look at history for one second and learn from it. Back in the day, how big of a headache was Shawn Michaels to Vince McMahon? Did Vince ever fire Shawn? … He dealt with him. He did the best he could with him. He tolerated. He did everything he possibly could, and look where Shawn is today as far as his standing within the WWE …”
On Tony Khan only wanting to deal with stars who want to be his friend: “Do I think Punk is Shawn Michaels? No, but I can compare Punk to Shawn Michaels as far as being that kind of star. And you, as an owner, have to know how to deal with certain wrestling personalities. There’s only one type of wrestling personality I believe Tony Khan can handle and deal with — the kind that wants to be friends with him.”
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The recent RAW promo segment featuring CM Punk and Seth Rollins has been hailed as “the next evolution of wrestling” by WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray. In a discussion on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, Ray expressed his belief that the future of wrestling should be grounded in reality and praised the genuine vitriol displayed by Punk and Rollins during their segment.
Ray drew a comparison between Punk’s unceremonious firing from AEW and Vince McMahon’s handling of Shawn Michaels’ backstage issues in the 1990s. Despite Michaels causing headaches for McMahon, he was never fired and eventually became one of the most respected figures in WWE. Ray suggested that McMahon’s approach of dealing with difficult personalities and tolerating their behavior could serve as a lesson for Tony Khan, the owner of AEW.
Ray also commended Nia Jax and Becky Lynch for their ability to take real-life incidents and make them feel authentic in their performances. He emphasized the importance of genuine emotions and interactions in wrestling, as opposed to scripted or canned moments.
The podcast discussion highlighted the need for wrestling to evolve and embrace a more reality-based approach. Fans are drawn to the authenticity and realness of performers like Punk and Rollins, who can convey their emotions and engage the audience on a deeper level.
The segment between Punk and Rollins showcased their ability to create a compelling narrative through their words and actions. Their genuine animosity towards each other captivated viewers and added an element of unpredictability to the storyline.
In conclusion, the CM Punk and Seth Rollins RAW promo segment has been praised as a significant step forward in the evolution of wrestling. The emphasis on reality-based storytelling and genuine emotions has resonated with fans, who crave authenticity in their entertainment. As wrestling continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more segments and storylines that blur the lines between fiction and reality, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for viewers.