Bully Ray Weighs In on WWE-TNA Partnership and Joe Hendry’s NXT Appearance

The collaborative efforts between WWE and TNA continue to grow, with the latest example seen on a recent episode of “NXT” featuring Joe Hendry, Kazarian, and TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace.

The crossover is part of an ongoing relationship between the two promotions, with each appearance adding to the storyline and fan interest. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray, who has a history with both WWE and TNA, discussed the impact of Hendry’s participation in a No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal on “Busted Open Radio.”

Bully Ray expressed reservations about how Joe Hendry was used in the Battle Royal, noting that Hendry was eliminated first, which might not have reflected well on him or TNA.

Despite this, Ray highlighted a social media video featuring Hendry and WWE legend Shawn Michaels, where Michaels expressed his belief in Hendry, which Ray saw as a positive sign for Hendry’s future in WWE.

Ray acknowledged the spotlight given to Hendry, including his grand entrance and music, and believed that the interaction with Shawn Michaels provided hope for more substantial opportunities for Hendry within “NXT.” However, Ray emphasized the importance of protecting TNA’s talent in these cross-promotional appearances, expressing concern that improper handling could harm TNA’s reputation.

Bully Ray also noted that while the partnership may not directly boost TNA’s television ratings on AXS TV, it significantly increases TNA’s visibility on social media platforms. He pointed out that the exposure received by Hendry, Kazarian, and Grace on WWE programming raises their profiles in ways that are not necessarily captured by traditional viewership metrics like Nielsen ratings.

WWE officials reportedly were pleased with the enthusiastic crowd reaction to Hendry during “NXT,” suggesting that Hendry will continue to appear on the developmental brand in the near future. This continued presence indicates WWE’s interest in capitalizing on the buzz generated by TNA talent, potentially leading to more collaborative efforts and mutual benefits for both wrestling promotions.