On the latest episode of “Busted Open Radio,” hosts Bully Ray and Dave Lagreca engaged in a spirited debate and preview of tomorrow’s WWE Wrestlepalooza premium live event, focusing on the major implications of the opening match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar. The discussion covered WWE’s strategy behind the match placement, conflicting predictions for the outcome, and a larger debate on the purpose of Cena’s farewell tour.
The Strategy Behind the Opening Match
The conversation began with the news that Cena vs. Lesnar would kick off the show. Bully Ray offered a multi-faceted theory on the strategic placement, suggesting it serves both as a historic marker and a competitive maneuver.
“Trivia question. What’s the first match we’ve ever saw on ESPN? Brock Lesnar and John Cena,” Bully stated. “That’s the answer to the trivia question… It’s the two biggest names.” He compared WWE using Cena and Lesnar to ESPN calling on the New York Yankees or the Dallas Cowboys for a major broadcast debut. Bully also argued the timing was a direct attempt to compete with AEW All Out. “I believe that the main event of All Out will be in the ring at about seven o’clock. So now wrestling fans, what are they watching?… Are they watching the main event of All Out, or are they watching the two of the absolute biggest names on the planet… kicking off the night on ESPN?”
Conflicting Predictions: A Feel-Good Moment or a Shocking Cliffhanger?
The hosts were divided on who would win the match. Bully Ray predicted a victory for John Cena, believing WWE would want to start its new relationship with ESPN on a positive note.
“I think John wins. I think that first show on ESPN is about putting smiles on people’s faces,” Bully said. “I think it is going to be an extremely positive night… I don’t think that first night on ESPN is the way to go with heat.”
Dave Lagreca, however, argued that a surprise victory for Lesnar could be more beneficial in the long run by creating immediate buzz and a reason for fans to tune into weekly programming. “I think if you have something happened, like the shock and surprise of Brock Lesnar beating John Cena, I think that’s going to make people say, ‘Holy shit. Like what just happened?'” he countered. “Let’s give them a cliffhanger. Let’s give them a reason to keep tuning in.”
The Great Debate on Cena’s Farewell Tour
The conversation evolved into a larger debate about the purpose of John Cena’s final five matches. Bully Ray contended that using this time on a feud with another veteran like Lesnar benefits no one on the active roster.
“What good does it do any other talent in the WWE if these two guys are married to each other until John’s final match appearance?” Bully asked. “I would use John’s remaining dates to get as many other talent a step forward as possible. I would take my on-the-horizon talent, Bron Breakker, Dom Mysterio, Gunther… and at least get them in the ring with John Cena… They don’t have to beat John to get the rub. They were in the ring with him.”
Lagreca disagreed, arguing that Cena’s farewell is meant to be a celebration of his career, not a platform to elevate others. “I don’t think John Cena is putting a younger talent over,” Lagreca stated. “The passing of the torch moment happened at SummerSlam for Cody [Rhodes]. I feel like this is all just all about John, and it’s all about John’s victory lap.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Busted Open Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
