WWE Hall of Famer receives major heat for controversial advice to released wrestlers

Just days after WWE’s successful WrestleMania 42 PLE in Las Vegas, Nevada, the promotion released several of its contracted wrestlers. Multiple emerging names from LFG (Legends & Future Greats), NXT, as well as the main roster made the roster cut.

Shortly after, in an interview with WrestleRant, WWE LFG mentor and Hall of Famer Bully Ray, aka Bubba Ray Dudley, offered his “advice” for the developmental talents who were released by the promotion.

“I give them no advice. They’re gone. There is one talent out there that got let go that I see working hard on her own. In season two, we saw Haze Jameson, now known as Pinky Montoya out there on the independent scene,” he said.

“Nobody knows why she was released, but she’s trying to make it on her own in the indies and trying to work her way back maybe to LFG or to Evolve or to NXT, wherever. But I really don’t have advice for these other talents. Maybe you should have taken it more seriously. Maybe you shouldn’t have put your feet up on the table. Maybe you should have shook hands. Maybe you should have been more polite. Maybe you should have busted your ass a little more. Maybe you should have cut a better promo. You’ve got five minutes – get over or get out,” he added.

Getting more strict with his words, Dudley further claimed, “This is not a business for boys and girls, it’s a business for men and women. I’m not here to coddle anybody. I’m here to help you sign a contract with WWE, become a millionaire, make something of yourself, and help this business thrive into the future.”

However, fans did not take his harsh words lightly and ambushed him on social media. “Seriously can’t stand this dude and I grew up watching him and idolising his work,” wrote one fan. While another one commented, “How many people from his Team 3D Academy have signed million dollar deals and are doing well in WWE?” While one more wrote, “Maybe it’s just me but if you’re their coach, and they get released, maybe you really s**k as a coach.”

Kairi Sane, the entire Wyatt Sicks (Nikki Cross, Bo Dallas aka Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, & Joe Gacy), Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Apollo Crews, and more were among some of the names released on Friday, Apr. 24, 2026. While LFG Season One winner Tyra Mae Steele was also released by the promotion.

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