WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray has highlighted Mike Santana as a pivotal figure for the future of TNA Wrestling, particularly following Santana’s recent loss of the TNA World Championship to Trick Williams on the June 3rd episode of WWE NXT. Speaking on "Busted Open After Dark," Bully Ray expressed strong faith in Santana, criticizing the interference that led to Santana’s defeat and urging TNA heels AJ Francis and Casey Navarro for failing to uphold the promises Santana made to his daughter.
Bully Ray stated, "I believe in Mike Santana more than Joe Hendry. Santana is a true TNA competitor." While acknowledging Joe Hendry’s efforts, he emphasized Santana’s passion and dedication as something TNA urgently needs. During the main event, Santana lost the title to Williams due to interference from AJ Francis and KC Navarro, which Bully Ray noted as a broken promise to Santana’s daughter. He suggested that TNA Creative should capitalize on this storyline by holding Francis and Navarro accountable on the following TNA television show, drawing an analogy to the backlash surrounding R-Truth’s recent WWE release.
Despite Santana’s loss, Bully Ray praised the match and expressed his desire for a rematch at TNA’s upcoming Slammiversary Pay-Per-View, hoping Santana could reclaim the title in TNA’s own arena. He also complimented Trick Williams on his new and effective heel persona.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for TNA Wrestling fans as it sets up a compelling narrative of personal stakes and redemption for Mike Santana, deepening engagement with the championship scene. The intense rivalries and character evolution promise an exciting future for the promotion, potentially elevating the sport’s storytelling and fan investment.
