Bully Ray Puzzled by AJ Styles’ WWE Raw Promo: Could TNA Be Behind It?

Styles’ Raw Promo Sparks Contract Concerns and TNA Rumors

Published: September 10, 2025 | Last Updated: September 10, 2025

AJ Styles during a WWE event. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

A surprising turn of events unfolded during Monday’s edition of WWE Raw, as Superstar Aj Styles delivered an unscripted promo during a commercial break that promptly captivated wrestling fans and fueled widespread speculation. The segment centered around Styles referencing former associates Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, both of whom are no longer contracted with WWE, leading many to question the underlying motives behind his statements.

“Shoot” promo Raises Eyebrows

Styles’ remarks were described as a “shoot” promo-a segment where a wrestler speaks candidly and often deviates from scripted material-an unusual occurrence in modern professional wrestling. He specifically expressed a sense of lacking support within the company, suggesting he felt someone was actively working against his success. This unexpected outburst immediately became a major talking point amongst wrestling communities.

Wrestling personality Bully Ray weighed in on the incident during an appearance on “busted Open Radio,” expressing his astonishment at Styles’ decision to address the situation so directly. Ray stated that Styles taking it into his own hands was abnormal for the current wrestling landscape.

Possible Connections to TNA and Contract Status

The conversation quickly shifted toward the possibility of a connection between Styles’ promo and his prior tenure with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling.Ray speculated that the situation might be linked to lingering frustrations or unresolved issues from Styles’ past. He questioned if the promo might be a subtle signal of discontent, or even a prelude to future negotiations.

Adding further intrigue, reports indicate that AJ Styles’ current contract with WWE is set to expire in 2026. This timeline has led to speculation that the promo could be the beginning of a storyline designed to build towards Styles’ eventual departure from the company.

WWE’s Strategic Intent Behind the Scenes

Some believe that WWE intentionally allowed the promo to unfold during a commercial break, knowing it would inevitably generate buzz on social media. according to Ray,the ultimate goal was to spark speculation and discussion amongst fans,keeping WWE trending and relevant beyond the televised broadcast.

Key Event	Date
AJ Styles Delivers promo on Raw	September 9, 2025
Bully Ray Analyzes Promo on “Busted Open Radio”	September 10, 2025
AJ Styles’ WWE contract Expires	2026

Did You Know? “shoot” promos were more common in wrestling’s “Attitude era” during the late 1990s and early 2000s, and have become increasingly rare in the highly structured habitat of modern WWE.

Pro Tip: Following wrestling personalities on social media and listening to podcasts like “busted Open Radio” can provide valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the industry.

What are yoru thoughts on AJ Styles’ promo? Do you think it signals a potential shift in his career, or is it merely a strategic move by WWE to generate interest?

The Art of the “Shoot” Promo in Wrestling

The “shoot” promo, while risky, can be incredibly effective in wrestling. When executed correctly, it blurs the lines between character and performer, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with fans. However, such promos require a delicate balance and can easily backfire if not handled with care. The rise of social media has amplified the impact of these moments, transforming them into viral sensations that can shape the narrative of a wrestler’s career.

frequently Asked Questions About AJ Styles and WWE

What is a “shoot” promo in wrestling?

A “shoot” promo is when a wrestler speaks candidly and improvises, often addressing real-life issues or their feelings about other wrestlers or the company, rather than following a pre-written script.

Why did AJ Styles mention Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson?

Styles referenced his former teammates from the OC, who are no longer with WWE, perhaps hinting at a lack of support or loyalty within the company.

What is AJ styles’ contract situation with WWE?

Reports indicate that AJ Styles’ contract with WWE is set to expire in 2026, prompting speculation about potential storylines leading to his departure.

Could this promo be part of a larger WWE storyline?

Many believe the promo was strategically timed and intended to generate discussion and speculation among fans, potentially setting up a future storyline.

What is the significance of TNA/Impact Wrestling in this situation?

Speculation suggests Styles’ promo may be linked to his past experiences with TNA/Impact Wrestling, potentially reflecting lingering frustrations or future considerations.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below! What do you think is next for AJ Styles?

Could Impact wrestling be strategically using AJ Styles’ WWE promo to generate buzz adn possibly draw comparisons between his treatment in both companies?

Bully Ray, a veteran of the professional wrestling industry and a key figure in both WWE and TNA (now Impact Wrestling), has publicly expressed his confusion and suspicion regarding AJ Styles’ recent promo on Monday Night Raw. the segment, which saw Styles seemingly referencing past grievances and a feeling of being overlooked, has sparked widespread speculation – and Bully Ray believes Impact Wrestling might be subtly involved.This article dives deep into the situation, exploring the potential motivations, ancient context, and implications for all parties involved.we’ll examine the AJ Styles WWE promo, Bully Ray’s reaction, and the possibility of TNA/Impact Wrestling influence.

decoding AJ Styles’ Raw Promo: What Was He Saying?

On the September 9th, 2025 episode of WWE Raw, AJ Styles delivered a passionate promo that deviated from his usual character. Key takeaways included:

Frustration with Legacy: Styles alluded to feeling his accomplishments weren’t fully appreciated, despite a decorated career spanning multiple promotions.

Past Disappointments: He hinted at opportunities lost and a sense of being undervalued, referencing a time when he wasn’t considered “worthy” of certain platforms.

A Shift in Attitude: The promo signaled a potential heel turn or, at the very least, a more aggressive and self-serving approach from the Phenomenal One.

Many fans promptly connected these sentiments to Styles’ long and successful run in TNA/Impact Wrestling, where he was consistently presented as a top star and main event player. The phrasing used felt pointed, leading to questions about whether it was a deliberate message. AJ Styles heel turn speculation is currently trending.

Bully Ray’s analysis: A Calculated Move?

Bully ray, speaking on his Busted Open Radio show, voiced his skepticism about the promo’s organic nature. He suggested that Impact Wrestling, under new ownership and actively rebuilding it’s brand, could be subtly influencing Styles to create a narrative that benefits them.

“It just felt…off,” Ray stated. “AJ is a smart guy. He knows how to work a crowd. But the way he was talking, the specific things he was saying…it felt like someone was feeding him lines. And who benefits from reminding everyone how great AJ Styles was in TNA? Impact Wrestling, that’s who.”

Ray’s theory centers around the idea that Impact is attempting to leverage Styles’ WWE platform to generate buzz and remind fans of their shared history. This is a common tactic in the wrestling world – using rival promotions to elevate your own stars. Impact Wrestling strategy is currently under scrutiny.

The History: AJ Styles and TNA/Impact Wrestling

To understand the potential for Impact’s involvement, it’s crucial to review AJ styles’ history with the promotion:

Foundational Star: Styles was a cornerstone of TNA/Impact Wrestling for over a decade, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the company.

Multiple Championships: He held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship multiple times, and was involved in countless memorable feuds.

Creative freedom: Impact often allowed Styles a significant degree of creative control over his character and storylines.

Departure and WWE Arrival: Styles left Impact in 2016, signing with WWE and quickly establishing himself as a main event star.

This deep-rooted history provides a fertile ground for speculation. Impact has consistently highlighted Styles’ contributions to their brand, even after his departure. AJ Styles TNA career remains a significant talking point.

Could Impact Be Pulling the Strings? Potential Scenarios

Several scenarios could explain how Impact Wrestling might be influencing Styles’ narrative:

1. Direct Dialog: Impact officials could be in contact with Styles,subtly suggesting talking points for his promos.This is the most direct, and potentially risky, approach.
2. Leveraging Existing Relationships: Styles maintains relationships with individuals within Impact. These contacts could be relaying details or offering “suggestions.”
3. Social Media Campaign: A coordinated social media campaign by Impact, highlighting Styles’ past accomplishments, could be designed to amplify the narrative.
4. Subtle Messaging: Impact could be subtly influencing the narrative through media appearances and interviews, planting seeds of doubt about Styles’ treatment in WWE.

It’s important to note that these are all speculative scenarios. However, given the competitive nature of the wrestling industry, it’s not unreasonable to consider the possibility of behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Wrestling industry politics are notoriously complex.

Implications for WWE, Impact, and AJ Styles

The situation has potential ramifications for all involved:

WWE: If Styles is intentionally working with Impact, it could undermine WWE’s creative control and damage their relationship with a former star.

Impact Wrestling: Successfully leveraging Styles’ WWE platform could generate significant publicity and attract new viewers.

AJ Styles: A potential heel turn could revitalize Styles’ career, but it also carries