Bully Ray Explains How Cody Rhodes and CM Punk WWE Raw Made Him Think of AEW

– During a recent edition of Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray analyzed the Cody Rhodes and CM Punk segment that closed out last Monday’s WWE Raw, noting how them standing in the ring made him think about AEW and how Tony Khan was unable to deal with Rhodes and Punk and “massage” their personalities. Below are some highlights (via WrestlingInc.com):

Bully Ray on what happened with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk in AEW: “Cody knew what the hell he was doing and he had a vision for that company when it came to the creativity and the overall perception of what that pro wrestling company should be. Tony [Khan] did not agree. Punk, a very unique personality, a personality that needs to be massaged at times. Maybe sometimes handled with gloves. Maybe not be sold a bill of goods. Whatever it is … But obviously Tony could not make the relationship with Punk work out.”

On how Paul Heyman had to deal with big personalities frequently in ECW: “Paul had to find a way to massage all of these personalities and give Taz what he wanted, and Sabu what he wanted. Volatile personalities, combustible at any time, but he found a way. Vince McMahon, same thing. How did Vince McMahon make anything come together in the WWE? He knows how to deal with people.”

At this weekend’s WWE Royal Rumble 2025, Cody Rhodes defends his title against Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match. Meanwhile, CM Punk will be competing int he men’s Royal Rumble match. The premium live event is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. It will be broadcast live on Peacock.