During a recent appearance on the Busted Open Radio podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray addressed the tepid fan reaction to the Giulia versus Michin match that took place on the September 5 episode of WWE SmackDown in Chicago. He emphasized that Giulia, despite her talent and look, is still trying to establish herself in WWE’s environment.
Bully Ray pointed out that the Chicago crowd showed little interest in the match, underlining Giulia’s need to further adapt to WWE’s style and find her identity there. While she showed promise during her time in NXT and possesses the “it” factor, her current run with the strap around her waist has yet to elevate her status significantly.
He also mentioned the sidelining of Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer, expressing his desire to see both women do well on the main roster but questioning why they seem to have been placed on the back burner.
“That was one of the matches that the Chicago crowd had zero interest in. Giulia is in some interesting territory. Remember when Giulia first hit the scene, I told you about my concerns for her adjusting to this style. I think Giulia did well in NXT, I think Giulia definitely has the look, she definitely has the it factor, but I still think she’s finding her way here. The strap around her waist hasn’t really done anything tremendously for her, and I still think she’s trying to find her way.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
“It seems like Giulia and Stephanie [Vaquer] definitely got put on the back burner a little bit, not positive why. But those are two women that I really want to see flourish on the main roster.”
—Bully Ray, WWE Hall of Famer
Tommy Dreamer Voices Concerns Over Possible Jey Uso Heel Turn
On a recent episode of the Busted Open After Dark podcast, ECW legend Tommy Dreamer shared his thoughts about Jey Uso‘s recent behavior on WWE RAW, which many speculate might signal a future heel turn. Dreamer expressed hope that Jey does not fully embrace a villainous direction despite his provocative actions.
Dreamer acknowledged that Jey may have reasons behind his current conduct, but cautioned that fans have already started to turn against him. However, he noted that the crowd’s reaction to Jey’s signature “yeet” move remains positive, indicating a reluctance to see that charisma lost to a darker persona.
Dreamer also speculated on how the storyline could evolve, pondering whether Jey or his brother Jimmy might ultimately turn heel, or if LA Knight’s heel turn could shift fan reactions as well. His uncertainty reflects the complexity of the narrative direction WWE might take.
“[Jey] does have justification for his actions, but the fans turned on you. In this weird world that we live in, when he hits his ‘yeet,’ we still yeeted for him. I don’t want to lose the yeet.”
—Tommy Dreamer, WWE Legend
“I’m praying this will have some sort of outcome. I don’t know what that outcome will be. I don’t know if somehow, someway Jey turns heel, if it’s going to be Jimmy turns heel, which I don’t want to see either. If LA Knight turns heel, I don’t know if the fans would totally boo him. I think he might get over like Steve Austin. I don’t know which direction this is headed. Maybe we’ll do a poll. Do you want to see Jey Uso turn heel? I know I surely don’t.”
—Tommy Dreamer, WWE Legend
Jake Hager Responds to Royal Rumble Rumors, Confirms Retirement
Jake Hager, a former World Heavyweight Champion, recently dismissed the possibility of returning to WWE’s Royal Rumble match. Speaking in an interview with Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge, Hager bluntly stated that he doubts those who book the Royal Rumble favor him, effectively shutting down fan speculation about his return.
Hager, who left AEW last year, also officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling last month, closing the chapter on his in-ring career.
“I sincerely doubt it. I don’t think they like me very much. Whoever books the Royal Rumble.”
—Jake Hager, Former World Heavyweight Champion
Rey Mysterio Shares Excitement Over Daughter Aalyah’s Wrestling Training
WWE icon Rey Mysterio revealed on the Club 520 podcast that his daughter, Aalyah, has recently begun training inside the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Rey explained that he took Aalyah along during his injury rehabilitation, where she showcased a strong interest and natural enthusiasm for wrestling.
Though Aalyah has appeared on WWE television before, she had not competed in the ring until recently. She also received additional training at Natalya’s Dungeon 2.0, working alongside some of WWE’s top Superstars. Rey’s pride in her progress was apparent as he discussed her quick adaptation to the physical demands of being in the ring.
Rey also praised his son Dominik’s rapid development in WWE, highlighting his recent accomplishments as both Intercontinental Champion and AAA Mega Champion. Rey reflected on Dominik’s unique character evolution and the confidence he has gained throughout his career.
“My daughter, I just went out to the Performance Center in Orlando, the WWE Performance Center, and I had to go back in the ring, try get cleared from an injury my daughter had always had the curiosity to step in the ring so she goes when when are you taking me when he take me for about a year and a half so i said ‘okay I’m going to Orlando let’s go’, she went up with me she jumped in the ring and she loved it, man. She was hitting the ropes, rolling. I know you said the tumble. she was doing all that, like the generic stuff, basic stuff, beginner stuff. But, yeah, the ring brings it on another level, man. It’s crazy, especially the ropes. When you hit those ropes, she was all bruised from her back and shoulders.”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Superstar
“Deep down in my thoughts, I’ve always said or knew that he was going to be something bigger than what I did. I didn’t know how. My wife was the first one to spot and point that she never saw him as the good guy. She always saw him as a bad guy in the ring, which now it makes complete sense. She spent more time with him than I did because I was traveling so much. She was mom and dad. But to see his growth over the past four years and how he just evolved into this character and embraced it and just now completely owns it is awesome, man. His confidence is… I wish I had some of that when I was his age, and I wish I knew what he knows now when I was his age. I had no clue. I was learning as I was going. But I think the huge factor in this is he was… he was thrown in right away to swim with sharks and he figured that out. He learned how to swim with sharks. So, you know, I think personally that’s why he’s in the spot that he’s in now.”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Superstar
Ongoing Jey Uso Heel Turn Discussion Sparks Debate Among Wrestling Legends and Fans
The ongoing discourse about a potential Jey Uso heel turn has stirred anxiety and conflicting feelings among WWE veterans and fans alike. Tommy Dreamer’s public plea against Jey transforming into a villain highlights the tension surrounding this storyline, which could reshape his character’s future dramatically.
Jey Uso’s recent controversial actions have sparked a significant conversation about where his character is headed. The possibility of either him or his brother Jimmy turning heel has serious implications for their careers and fan reactions. Some voices in the wrestling community remain hopeful that Jey’s signature energy and charisma will remain intact, emphasizing the risk of alienating the audience by turning him fully against them.
This debate taps into larger themes within WWE storytelling about character evolution, fan loyalty, and the balancing act between heroic and villainous personas. As this storyline unfolds, the wrestling world waits in anticipation to see how WWE navigates these dramatic creative decisions and how fans will ultimately respond.
Significance and What to Watch Next in WWE’s Ongoing Storylines
These developments illustrate the complex crossroads wrestlers face when attempting to evolve their characters and connect with audiences. Giulia’s ongoing journey to find her niche highlights the challenges for international talent adapting to WWE’s rigors, while Aalyah Mysterio’s early training marks the start of a potential new career chapter for the legendary family.
Meanwhile, the intense debate over Jey Uso’s heel turn could lead to pivotal shifts on WWE RAW, influencing the landscape of rivalries and fan engagement. Tommy Dreamer’s input represents the broader concern for maintaining the delicate balance between character development and fan affection.
Jake Hager’s definitive retirement and dismissal of Royal Rumble appearances close the door on speculation, while Rey Mysterio’s pride in his children’s wrestling futures adds a hopeful note amid the drama. Wrestling enthusiasts should keep an eye on upcoming WWE Raw episodes and special events like WrestlePalooza for further storyline progression and surprises.
