WWE Hall of Famer and TNA icon Bully Ray has shared his candid thoughts on the current state of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship picture, as the title continues to be held by NXT standout Trick Williams. Speaking on Busted Open After Dark, Bully offered both praise and critique of the unique cross-promotional storyline as it heads into its next chapter at Slammiversary.
The highly anticipated three-way main event at TNA Slammiversary on Saturday, July 20 in Montreal will see Trick Williams defend the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana and Joe Hendry—two of TNA’s top homegrown stars. Bully pointed out the intriguing dynamic at play: “Joe Hendry and Mike don’t like each other, but here’s what they have in common. They need to get that strap off of Trick Williams.”
Bully went on to highlight the tension between brand integrity and mainstream visibility, questioning whether TNA is better off having its top title represented by an outsider from WWE’s developmental system.
“Do you think it’s time for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to come back to TNA, or do you like it on the shoulder and around the waist of an NXT talent?” Bully asked listeners. “Let me know right now. I think TNA needs the help. I don’t know what TNA is doing that’s really knocking everybody’s socks off with their own product. It’s good, don’t get me wrong. It’s good—but not enough people see it.”
Despite the controversy, Bully acknowledged the value that Trick brings in terms of exposure. “If Trick Williams can hold on to that TNA championship, more people will see it, thus giving more credibility to TNA Wrestling.”
As the crossover storyline continues to spark debate, Slammiversary promises to be a turning point for both TNA and its championship landscape. With Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium set to host the company’s biggest event of the summer, all eyes will be on whether Trick Williams can maintain his reign—or if the gold finally returns home to TNA.
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
