10 Wrestlers Who Looked Better Over 40 Than In Their Prime

9. Bully Ray

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ImpactWrestling.com

That WWE didn't hand Bubba Ray Dudley a singles push following his 2015 return is a big missed opportunity. Instead of capitalising on the career renaissance he'd experienced as TNA's Bully Ray, they had him and brother D-Von fart around on the tag division's lower rung, embarking on a listless run that lost all momentum as soon as the nostalgia pops dried up.

Granted, The Dudley Boyz are among the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history, and only a fool would argue this year's Hall of Fame induction. Their run together will always be what Bubba and D-Von are primarily known for, but as an individual, the former was never more compelling than he was as Bully Ray.

Bubba shed boatloads of weight, and looked better than ever between the ropes, even as he entered his forties. His character work, too, was exceptional. Where once he relied on crass insults to get his point across, Bully became an awesome, intense villain, to the extent that many placed him among the world's best heels.

Bully peaked with two TNA Heavyweight Title reigns in 2013. Both were short, but each was a significant accomplishment for someone primarily known as a tag guy.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.