Just a few days after making a return to TNA IMPACT Wrestling, well-traveled veteran and tag team wrestling icon Bully Ray is teasing a debut on WWE NXT, via his Twitter page.
Thanks guys…Im out…good talk. See you next time. Keep watchin!!… Not about “Who’s NEXT…it’s where’s NXT”
— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) May 9, 2015
The formerly known “Bubba Ray Dudley” during his run with WWE made his return to WWE earlier this year at the Royal Rumble. He entered at No. 3 and brought the fans in Philadelphia to their feet. Although he wasn’t victorious in his return, Ray was well-received and claimed afterwards that was back home .
Despite the positive vibes and reports claiming that both sides were open to working together in the future, nothing came of it. That allowed the former TNA World Heavyweight champion to make his return on this past Friday’s IMPACT.
Ray’s return saw him play the role of special guest referee on the night’s main event for the TNA World Heavyweight championship match between Eric Young and Kurt Angle. Although Ray’s decorated past with TNA and currently not being contractually obligated do signal a long-term deal, that is not the case.
Ray confirmed himself via Twitter that his appearance on IMPACT was a one-shot deal, signifying that the two sides have not agreed to any sort of a contract. That makes Ray still a free agent and free to appear where he wants to.
As for a possible spot on NXT, an addition of Ray would certainly make for an interesting dynamic. With the recent injuries to NXT, mainstays Sami Zayn and Hideo Itami currently sidelined with injuries. However, the company has shown a willingness to use veteran presence to add to the NXT product.
Names such as Brian Kendrick and Rhyno have made their way through NXT and worked with a litany of NXT’s top, rising, and young talent. However, it remains to be seen if Ray would be willing to give up the freedom of being an independent wrestler to sign a contract with a company.
Currently, the former multiple-time tag team champion can wrestle anywhere, anytime for anybody. If signs on the dotted line of a WWE contract, that freedom goes out the window. WWE recently teased the Dudley Boys as a potential tag team that could return in the future, but the company has not shown any inclination to bring Ray’s longtime partner Devon Dudley aboard.
[Image via WWE]
