BJ Rayâ€s release from WWE has been one of the most talked-about stories coming out of the WWE LFG reality series. Booker T, who served as a coach on the show, didnâ€t hold back when he explained why things didnâ€t work out.
On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker said that BJ Rayâ€s biggest problem was that he acted the same way backstage as he did on-screen, which doesnâ€t work in WWE.
“I always thought that kid had something. But in this business, youâ€ve gotta be able to apply yourself. Itâ€s not gonna be like football, basketball, or any other structured sport. Itâ€s not gonna be like that. A guy like BJ Ray, he had the looks, he had the swag, the charisma, but everything else, he definitely was lacking in. The same way BJ Ray was on television, he was that way off television. You canâ€t be that way.â€
Just a later, on October 16, 2026, BJ Ray seemed to respond to that claim when he broke his silence on Twitter with a lengthy statement, admitting that his attitude may have played a role in his release.
“WHAT A JOURNEY 🌠Well obviously I had to have pissed somebody off lmao! I would like to take this moment to address you guys as Brayden Jesse Ray. First and foremost, I have to give the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ, who had given me this opportunity. Secondly, I would like to thank Hunter, Shawn, & Matt Bloom (as well as all the @WWE coaches & staff) that were involved with this entire process. The WWE Performance Center is truly a unique place filled with many gifted individuals and unlimited support.â€
He went into detail about his strategy going into WWEâ€s reality series, explaining that the version fans saw on TV was a deliberate creation.
“As soon as I stepped out of my uber at my WWE tryout, the SexyBJRay effect was in full play. I had a strategy upon filming WWE: NEXT GEN, to start building one of the most over exaggerated versions of myself, to give the wrestling industry a HEEL like theyâ€ve never seen before. And quite frankly, it arguably was one of the greatest rookie runs of all time. In a matter of months, whether hate or love, I won the WWE fans over and they were extremely invested. Without ever having a debut match on live @WWENXT tv, I have become one of the most recognized names in the brand and industry.â€
He described his experience outside the ring, saying that even without an official debut, he became a name that fans recognized.
“From getting swarmed at WWE World in Las Vegas to taking pictures with fans in every airport I walk into, I have been able to build a movement with my hard work and dedication. The hours behind the scenes, editing social media content, training, and reflecting on my character work, I feel it has all payed off.â€
Ray admitted the release stung, especially since he doesnâ€t know what went wrong, but emphasized he was keeping a positive outlook.
“There have been many challenges along the way, but I can only control what I can only control. Obviously this release is a big bummer (especially when you have no idea what you could have done different), but the only option in my opinion is an attitude of gratitude. All I can do is keep pushing, & put it in Godâ€s hands. Iâ€m healing strong and will continue to rehab my shoulder until Iâ€m 100%. And the biggest SHOUTOUT & THANKS to my fans who made it all worthwhile.â€
Then, in true BJ Ray fashion, he ended the post by bringing back his “SexyBJRay†persona with a bold sign-off.
“And now, Brayden Jesse Ray is back on sabbatical and SexyBJRay has a few words. As my good friend @TheNotoriousMMA once said, ‘Iâ€d like to take this chance to apologize to absolutely nobody.†What youâ€ve seen was just the trailer… get ready for the whole movie 🿠and p.s. ‘Ayo you got Snapchat?!â€â€
Booker T claimed BJ Rayâ€s downfall was that he didnâ€t separate his on-screen persona from who he was backstage. BJ Rayâ€s response appears to lean right into that same reputation, acknowledging he probably did upset the wrong people, but refusing to apologize for it.
Do you think BJ Rayâ€s “pissing somebody off†approach is what cost him in WWE, or is that the exact kind of attitude wrestling needs today? Share your thoughts in the comments.