Bully Ray: WWE Signals Penta as Main Eventer After Reigns Loss

Bully Ray praised WWE's booking of Penta on recent Raw episodes, saying the company is positioning him as a top star. He noted Penta's strong performance against Roman Reigns and his subsequent Money in the Bank qualification. Ray believes WWE is using emotional manipulation to get fans to view Penta as a main eventer.
Penta lost to Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship on the September 14 "Raw" in Mexico City. Despite the defeat, he opened and closed the following week's show, and secured a spot in the men's Money in the Bank ladder match. He previously competed in that match last year and is a former Intercontinental Champion.
Bully Ray, speaking on "Busted Open," argued that WWE's booking choices are a deliberate signal to fans. He described the presentation as "emotional manipulation," suggesting the company wants audiences to perceive Penta as a main eventer moving forward. Ray noted that Penta's strong showing against Reigns had already impressed creative.
This story could influence how wrestling fans perceive Penta's career trajectory, potentially elevating his status among the audience. It may also affect merchandise sales and viewership for his segments, as WWE's booking decisions often shape fan investment. For Penta's fanbase, particularly Mexican and Latino viewers, this could foster a sense of representation and pride. However, the impact depends on sustained booking consistency, as a single push may not guarantee long-term main event status.