WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray offered strong praise and a bold storyline direction for Mike Santana following his TNA World Championship loss to Trick Williams on the June 3rd episode of WWE NXT. Speaking on Busted Open After Dark, Bully didn’t hold back in backing Santana as the future face of TNA Wrestling.
“I believe more in Mike Santana than I do Joe Hendry. I really do,” Bully said. “Santana is the guy for TNA. His passion, his heart — that’s what this company needs.”
The match saw Trick Williams retain his title after interference from fellow TNA stars AJ Francis and KC Navarro, members of the faction First Class. Bully pointed to a heartfelt promo before the match, where Santana promised his daughter he would win the championship.
“When you tell me that you promised your little girl… that’s as close to a guarantee as it gets. And he didn’t deliver on that promise.”
Bully then urged TNA creative to capitalize on the emotional moment and storyline fallout:
“AJ Francis or KC Navarro need to go on TNA television this week and remind everyone that they’re the reason Santana couldn’t keep that promise. Put that heat on him. That’s how you build real stakes.”
He likened this angle to how John Cena should be “blamed” for R-Truth’s release in storyline terms — emphasizing that strong emotional narratives can drive audience investment.
Bully also called for a rematch between Santana and Williams to take place on TNA’s turf at Slammiversary 2025:
“That rematch needs to happen in the TNA house. I want to see Santana beat Trick Williams at Slammiversary. That’s how you put asses in seats.”
The veteran also praised Trick Williams’ development as a heel champion:
“Trick is maturing. He’s embracing this heel version of himself and it’s working. I’m digging it.”
With Slammiversary on the horizon, the seeds of a deeper story may have just been planted.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for full coverage and updates on the TNA World Title scene.
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
