By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
Bully Ray spoke with Kevin Eck of Sporting News and made a bold statement. “I say this without ego and I’m not blowing smoke up my own ass, but I thoroughly believe that in all of wrestling today, I am the only pure, legitimate heel in the business,” Ray said. “It is my job as the veteran to come up with these scenarios where all of these younger wrestlers can shine by standing up to me.”
Bully also spoke about the possibility of retirement. “I’ve said the same thing since Day 1: I will continue to [wrestle] as long as I am having fun, making money and am able to make a difference,” he said. “At 47 years old, I’m still going as strong as I ever have. I’m able to give back to a company and I’m able to see other people flourish because of my character. When I do eventually retire for good, I’ll be able to look back on every company that I was a part of and say here’s how I helped there. And, oh, by the way, I made one hell of a name for myself and I have a nice pile of money to sit on until the day I die.” Read the full interview at SportingNews.com.
Powell’s POV: While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Bully is the only pure and legitimate heel in pro wrestling, I do feel he is the best heel in pro wrestling. He can simply look at a crowd and generate great heat. His performance in the tag match on this week’s ROH television show was a perfect example. While so many fans today get hung up on work rate, many don’t seem to appreciate the art form of generating heat. It may not be a popular opinion with some fans, but every wrestler in the industry should watch Bully Ray’s work in ROH to see all of the little things he does to successfully generate heat. It’s a thing of beauty and we don’t see enough of it in pro wrestling today. As far as the interview is concerned, Ray expands on his comment about being the best pure heel in the business and discusses the future of ROH and Friday’s Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view.
Join me for live coverage of ROH Death Before Dishonor as the show airs on pay-per-view television, FITE TV, and HonorClub on Friday night. Check below for my interview with ROH ring announcer Bobby Cruise.
“While so many fans today get hung up on work rate, many don’t seem to appreciate the art form of generating heat. It may not be a popular opinion with some fans, but every wrestler in the industry should watch Bully Ray’s work in ROH to see all of the little things he does to successfully generate heat. It’s a thing of beauty and we don’t see enough of it in pro wrestling today.”
What Bully Ray does IS working. Wrestling moves aren’t working. Therefore, what Bull Ray does IS workrate.
Ciampa is a good heel, he generates heat
I thought he retired? The only true heel on my radar is Ciampa.
I’m pretty sure Tomaso Chiampa id doing a fine job being a pure heel