Steve Carrier on October 30, 2023
In the world of professional wrestling, sparks flew on “Busted Open Radio” following AEW World Champion MJF’s title defense against Kenny Omega. But it wasn’t just about the in-ring action; it was the controversial moment that stole the spotlight.
In the midst of an intense showdown, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray didn’t hold back when he voiced his concerns about a specific incident during the match. He couldn’t fathom how a table was brought into play, used right in front of the referee, and yet, no disqualification was called. This left him scratching his head, and he offered a solution—maybe a simple referee bump could have added more drama, according to the WWE legend.
Bully Ray, who knows the WWE game inside out, made it clear that such an unconventional move wouldn’t have passed muster in the WWE universe. He went further to speculate what might have happened if he and fellow wrestling powerhouse Mark Henry were in a championship match. The outcome? Well, it wouldn’t have been pretty, as they would have likely found themselves packing their bags and receiving a personal pink slip from none other than Vince McMahon himself.
“A table is pulled out. A table is used. Right in front of the referee. How is that not a disqualification?” Bully asked, suggesting that something as simple as a referee bump could’ve made the moment land better with the WWE Hall of Famer. Ray believes that the sloppy planning wouldn’t have flown in WWE.”
“If me and Mark Henry were wresting a match for [a world championship] you can bet your ass that me and Mark would never sit down and plan to pull out a table right in front of the referee and use it,” Bullys said. “Because we know it would be wrong psychology, and we know that by the time we get through Gorilla [Position], me, Mark, and the referee would have our bags packed and would be fired by Vince [McMahon] personally.”
Mark Henry confirmed this notion, adding that while they might not have been fired, hefty fines would undoubtedly be in order. In Bully’s eyes, such blatant disrespect for the referee isn’t just an affront to one person but a slight against the entire profession of professional wrestling referees.
And the plot thickened as legendary referee Earl Hebner joined the discussion. Hebner shed light on how referees should be discreetly removed from a scene or performers should ensure that their actions don’t make referees appear foolish. It’s all about preserving the illusion of the sport.
“It’s either drop me so I don’t see it, make it so I don’t look stupid … but other than that, it’s like nut shots,” Hebner explained. “I tell guys, ‘If you got nut shots, tell me now,’ because I can work around them, but if I see them I call for the bell.”
Bully Ray and Mark Henry took some satisfaction in having Hebner echo their sentiments about the match’s impact on wrestling’s authority figures. However, they weren’t finished voicing their concerns.
They both believed that moments like these not only detract from the match itself but also diminish the credibility of everyone involved. Bully Ray argued that elements like tables should serve a purpose and enhance the storytelling of the match. He questioned why the referee just stood there, emphasizing that wrestlers need to be smarter about protecting referees, and referees should have the confidence to speak up if they feel their credibility is at risk.
“To me, it takes credibility away from everybody,” Bully said later with a caller. The longtime table advocate felt that the way the table was used in the “Collision” main event not only undermined the match but the moment itself, as the use added nothing to the contest itself or the stakes.”
“Don’t just use it for the sake of using it,” Bully said. “Why is the referee just staring at it? … Wrestlers have to be smarter about protecting referees, and referees need to have enough confidence in themselves to speak their mind if the wrestlers aren’t protecting them in the first place.”
This passionate debate underscores the complexities and storytelling challenges in professional wrestling while emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency and credibility within the wrestling ring. As the industry evolves, wrestling fans can expect more of these spirited discussions.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe such moments should result in disqualifications, or do they add excitement and drama to wrestling matches? Leave us a comment below.
October 30, 2023 8:56 pm
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