The WWE Draft has concluded, and special guests like the Dudley Boyz, Bubba Ray Dudley (Bully Ray), and D-Von Dudley, were on hand to announce picks for both Raw and SmackDown. Reflecting on his time backstage at WWE during Busted Radio, Bully shared his observations on the changes in the company’s atmosphere, particularly under the helm of Paul Levesque.
Bully remarked, “I can’t even begin to describe the difference in WWE now. The entire vibe of the show, especially with certain figures absent, has shifted noticeably. The tension and cautiousness seem to have dissipated.”
He continued, “Under Paul Levesque’s leadership, WWE feels more relaxed, less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable. There’s a sense of teamwork like I’ve never seen before, with minimal backstage politics or power plays. It was genuinely a fantastic experience, and if it weren’t, I’d be honest about it.”
Addressing some fans’ sentiments that this year’s WWE Draft lacked excitement, Bully acknowledged, “I’ve heard some folks say they found the draft underwhelming or uninteresting. Personally, I was quite busy with other aspects like digital media and interviews, so I didn’t catch everything. But the parts I was involved in, alongside D-Von, were enjoyable. The crowds in Cincinnati and Kansas City seemed to have fun too. Whether it will be deemed a successful draft remains to be seen. Hopefully, under Paul Levesque’s guidance, they’ll stick to the rules and refrain from swapping talent too frequently.”
While many wrestlers have echoed similar sentiments about the positive changes in WWE’s backstage environment, the draft saw most talent staying put on their respective brands, with a few exceptions and some NXT call-ups. Additional draft picks were announced post-Raw and SmackDown, further shaping the landscape of WWE’s roster.
What are your thoughts on Bully Ray’s observations about the changes in WWE’s atmosphere under Paul Levesque’s leadership? Do you agree with his assessment that WWE feels more relaxed and enjoyable backstage? Share your perspectives on the WWE Draft and any hopes you have for the company’s future direction in the comments below!