In news that is both surprising and unsurprisng, it continues to look like Bully Ray is gone from TNA.
Bully Ray, real name Mark LoMonaco, was a major part of TNA storylines this year, including putting Dixie Carter through a table. In addition, he and Devon were set to be the third inductees into the TNA Wrestling Hall of Fame at Bound for Glory 2014. He is also booked throughout the next few weeks in a major tag team feud with Team 3-D vs. The Wolves vs. The Hardys.
When rumors surfaced that TNA was canceled by Spike TV, it was Bully Ray who was the messenger from the TNA offices to the wrestlers to reassure them. He was said to be “in the inner circle” in creative and TNA management. He acts as an agent for the shows as well, helping talent layout matches and finishes, and is generally considered the company’s best agent.
Then at the house show in Hagerstown, MD on August 17, 2014, Bully told the lockerroom that he might be leaving. This was seen as abrupt, but he noted his contract was set to expire before the next scheduled TNA show, which is one of the One Night Only shows scheduled for September. Bully told the lockerroom that he wanted to say his goodbyes in case it was his last show. Those within TNA are saying that the company right now is proceeding with the idea that he’s finished as of now, although one key person said that they are not aware that he’s done.
The reason this was more surprising that some of the other TNA exits is the way it was handled. In the other high profile cases – Sting, Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Hulk Hogan, A.J. Styles – there was a storyline build and write-off done on TV. He was advertised for the UK tour, unlike Kurt Angle, which was another indication that it was more of a surprise.
