During a recent episode of Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his views on Cody Rhodes capturing the WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre on last week’s Friday Night SmackDown. Bully Ray expressed that Rhodes reclaiming the title was a smart decision, emphasizing the broader implications for the WWE storyline. The intense moments surrounding the Drew McIntyre WWE Championship match have sparked mixed feelings due to certain match stipulations.
Evaluating the Match Rules and Presentation
Bully Ray admitted to feeling both satisfaction and frustration over the television world championship contest but clarified that his discontent was unrelated to either Cody or Drew as performers. Instead, his concerns centered on the match’s rules and the absence of additional stipulations that could have enhanced the storyline. He likened his issues with this match to those he had observed in the Kenny Omega vs. Okada bout at Wrestle Kingdom, highlighting how important match conditions are for delivering a compelling main event on television.
I was happy with that television world championship match and I was unhappy with that television world championship match. The unhappiness does not have anything to do with Cody or Drew. It has to do with the rules, the regulations, and the lack of stipulations. And I have the same problem with Cody and Drew’s match, the stipulations on that match, that I had with Kenny Omega and Okada at Wrestle Kingdom, but as far as a television main event is concerned, mission accomplished.
?Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Support for Cody Rhodes as WWE Champion
When discussing the creative choice to have Cody Rhodes regain the WWE Undisputed Championship, Bully Ray voiced unequivocal support. He described the decision as not only a great idea but as a strategic, business-driven move that improves the overall narrative within WWE programming. The renewed momentum for Rhodes signals a shift in focus that could revitalize storylines moving forward.
I have zero problems with this creative decision. I have zero problems with this change of direction. None. I think it was a great idea. Forget about great idea, I think it was a smart idea. I think it was a ‘best for business’ idea. And at the end of the day, it makes for a considerably better story.
?Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Upcoming Match Set for WrestleMania 42
Following his championship win, Cody Rhodes is slated to face Randy Orton, the Elimination Chamber winner, at WrestleMania 42. This flagship WWE event will be held on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Fans in the United States can watch both nights live via the ESPN App, while viewers internationally will have access to the event on Netflix. This matchup is expected to be a key highlight leading up to and during WrestleMania, shaping the WWE landscape in the months ahead.
