In a shocking turn of events, it seems that Bully Ray is done with TNA Wrestling. Word is coming in that the former TNA champion's contract is either soon to be up or already is. Ray was reportedly telling other talents that this past weekend's string of live events was his last appearance with the company. It's speculated that Bully Ray was in the midst of negotiating a new deal with TNA Wrestling, however, it seems that the two parties could not come to an agreement on terms. It's further being reported that TNA was unwilling or unable to give Ray the type of deal he wanted -- the exact specifics are unknown at this time. Whether it was an issue of money, dates, or otherwise is not known, but regardless of the issue, it appears that Bully Ray and TNA are officially parting ways. Bully Ray's departure is just the latest in a string of big name stars leaving the company -- Ray follows in the footsteps of AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, and Sting, among a small group of others. No doubt, this is to be a big blow for the company, as Bully Ray has been heavily featured as of late on the company's Impact television program. He had been in the midst of a feud with TNA's president, Dixie Carter -- having finally put the tyrannical ruler of the promotion through a table just two weeks prior. It will be interesting to see how TNA handles Bully Ray's departure in the middle of their presumably ongoing television contract negotiations with Spike TV and other cable entities. Furthermore, Bully Ray was to be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame -- along with his longtime partner, Devon -- at Bound for Glory in October. It remains to be seen if this parting of ways will have any effect on TNA's Hall of Fame plans. It's also said that Ray is a strong locker room leader, and that many talents are sad to see him go. News of Bully Rays departure certainly comes as a shock, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Let us know your thoughts on Bully Ray's departure in the comments below.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
