Bully Ray Weighs In on Cena Vs Lesnar Placement at Wrestlepalooza – On the latest episode of Busted Open Radio, hosts Bully Ray and Dave Lagreca previewed tomorrow’s WWE Wrestlepalooza premium live event, centering on the blockbuster opening match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. Their conversation explored WWE’s decision to place the bout first on the card, differing predictions on the outcome, and the broader purpose of Cena’s farewell tour.
The show began with the news that Cena vs. Lesnar will kick off Wrestlepalooza. Bully Ray argued the placement was both symbolic and strategic.
“Trivia question. What’s the first match we’ve ever saw on ESPN? Brock Lesnar and John Cena,” Bully said. “That’s the answer to the trivia question… It’s the two biggest names.” He compared WWE’s decision to ESPN leaning on major sports brands like the Yankees or Cowboys for historic broadcasts. Bully also pointed to AEW All Out as a factor, noting its main event is expected around 7 p.m. EST. “So now wrestling fans, what are they watching? Are they watching the main event of All Out, or are they watching the two of the absolute biggest names on the planet… kicking off the night on ESPN?”
Predictions for the match split the hosts. Bully predicted Cena would win, believing WWE would want to start its ESPN partnership on a celebratory note.
“I think John wins. I think that first show on ESPN is about putting smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “I think it is going to be an extremely positive night… I don’t think that first night on ESPN is the way to go with heat.”
Lagreca disagreed, suggesting Lesnar winning would generate more buzz. “I think if you have something happened, like the shock and surprise of Brock Lesnar beating John Cena, I think that’s going to make people say, ‘Holy shit. Like what just happened?’” he argued. “Let’s give them a cliffhanger. Let’s give them a reason to keep tuning in.”
The debate expanded into the larger issue of how WWE should use Cena’s remaining matches. Bully Ray criticized pairing him with another veteran, believing younger stars should benefit.
“What good does it do any other talent in the WWE if these two guys are married to each other until John’s final match appearance?” Bully asked. “I would use John’s remaining dates to get as many other talent a step forward as possible… Bron Breakker, Dom Mysterio, Gunther… They don’t have to beat John to get the rub. They were in the ring with him.”
Lagreca countered that Cena’s farewell is more about honoring his career than building new stars. “I don’t think John Cena is putting a younger talent over,” he said. “The passing of the torch moment happened at SummerSlam for Cody [Rhodes]. I feel like this is all just all about John, and it’s all about John’s victory lap.”
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Bully Ray Weighs In on Cena Vs Lesnar Placement at Wrestlepalooza
