Logan Paul’s rise as WWE’s top celebrity wrestler has set a high bar for newcomers hoping to make their mark inside the squared circle. Now, as Season 2 of WWE Legends & Future Greats (LFG) premieres, attention is rapidly shifting to Brayden “BJ” Ray, who is generating buzz as a potential breakout star and possible successor to Paul’s extraordinary impact.
BJ Ray Emerges as a Major Talking Point for WWE’s Future
WWE has welcomed its fair share of celebrity Superstars over the years, but few have managed to command the spotlight quite like Logan Paul. His journey to WWE stardom has been fueled not just by his controversial history and larger-than-life persona, but also by his undeniable athletic skills, distinguishing him from many celebrity guests of the past. Even after a recent injury, Paul’s presence in WWE discussions remains powerful, especially among fans and industry veterans alike in Ohio and far beyond.
With the highly anticipated second season of WWE Legends & Future Greats set to debut at 10pm ET, the excitement is palpable. Season one wrapped up after introducing fans to rising names like Shiloh Hill, Zena Sterling, and Chris Island, and now viewers will see these participants return for the next chapter. Alongside them, BJ Ray will make a much-discussed comeback, having already caught the eye—and sometimes the ire—of WWE officials including Shawn Michaels during his earlier run on the Roku Next series earlier in 2024.
Comparisons to Logan Paul Fuel Hype for BJ Ray
The debate over who could follow in Logan Paul’s footsteps has only intensified with BJ Ray’s ascent. Paul’s reputation as a controversial celebrity, both inside and outside the ring, has become part of the WWE narrative, yet he quickly won over respected voices thanks to his rapid development in wrestling. BJ Ray has found himself being measured against this benchmark, with notable similarities in his knack for stirring conversation and capturing attention among fans and fellow Superstars alike.
Much like Logan Paul, Ray has shown a talent for engaging audiences, but his journey so far has not been without friction. He has become known for his social media controversies, including a viral moment with Nikki Bella, and has been involved in heated encounters with WWE veterans like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and his mentor, Bubba Ray Dudley. It is this blend of charisma, unpredictability, and raw ambition that has led insiders to see shades of Paul in the rise of BJ Ray.
Bubba Ray Dudley Sees Huge Potential—But Challenges Remain
Bubba Ray Dudley, an established mentor and WWE legend, is among those who believe BJ Ray could be the company’s next major star—but not without significant development, especially in the ring. When speaking with TV Insider to promote the new season of WWE LFG, Dudley gave a candid assessment:
“You’re going to see BJ this season. I know everyone wants to know what type of interaction there will be with BJ Ray and Bubba Ray Dudley. Things were tense last year. Here’s what I hope for this season. I hope he learned from Season 1. BJ has lots of potential and so much charisma and personality. He can be a home-grown Logan Paul for WWE. But you have got to get it, and you have to be able to get it in the ring. All of the feedback you heard from myself and other legends was, yeah BJ, you have it on the personality side, but in the ring, you’re just not getting the job done. Hopefully, he can put the two together and improve and evolve in the ring and turn into the version of BJ Ray I think we all hope he can turn into,”
—Bubba Ray Dudley, Mentor
This honest critique highlights the high expectations placed on Ray, particularly given the standard set by Logan Paul’s rise as WWE’s top celebrity wrestler. BJ’s ability to blend his magnetic personality with top-tier wrestling skills will be the deciding factor in whether he can ultimately live up to the billing of “home-grown Logan Paul.”
Mentorship Expands for Season Two of WWE LFG
The upcoming season of WWE LFG will see a formidable lineup of mentors, including The Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Booker T, and Bubba Ray Dudley himself. Michelle McCool steps in to replace Mickie James, adding fresh insights to an already experienced panel, while WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels and other notable stars are slated to make appearances throughout the season. Their collective experience working with up-and-coming talent, including the likes of BJ Ray, is expected to elevate the competition and guide the next generation of WWE Superstars.
Each mentor brings a unique perspective to the show: Booker T’s championship history, The Undertaker’s legendary status, Michelle McCool’s trailblazing career, and Bubba Ray Dudley’s tough-love approach are all part of the developmental process for participants. As the LFG series highlights these mentor-mentee relationships, all eyes will be on how BJ Ray responds to guidance and whether he can address feedback about his in-ring performance.
What BJ Ray’s Ascent Could Mean for WWE’s Future
With Season 2 ready to air, the WWE Universe will be watching closely to see if BJ Ray can turn his considerable hype into genuine ring excellence, following in the footsteps of Logan Paul, whose unique trajectory has redefined what celebrity talent can achieve in professional wrestling. Should BJ Ray successfully merge his on-screen charisma with consistent performances inside the ring, he stands positioned to become not just a headline-maker, but a lasting presence among the next generation of WWE stars.
The comparison to Logan Paul’s rise as WWE’s top celebrity wrestler is both an opportunity and a challenge for BJ Ray, setting the stage for an intense and passionate season. As returning mentors like Bubba Ray Dudley and new additions such as Michelle McCool guide this year’s crop of hopefuls, the coming episodes may determine if WWE has indeed found its next Maverick in BJ Ray.
