TNA Wrestling is adding a familiar and outspoken voice to a major night for the company. TNA has announced that Bully Ray — also known to WWE fans as Bubba Ray Dudley — will appear on this week’s episode of TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! as a guest commentator.
The appearance comes as part of iMPACT’s debut on AMC Network, a significant milestone for the promotion. Bully Ray will be stationed at the commentary desk for the main event, which sees Frankie Kazarian defend the TNA World Championship against former titleholder Mike Santana.
While Bully Ray has largely stepped away from in-ring competition, his presence still carries weight. The 54-year-old is a two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and recently wrestled what is being billed as his final match, teaming with longtime partner D-Von Dudley against The Hardys in a Tables Match at Bound for Glory last year. Since then, Ray has remained active in wrestling through media appearances and on-screen roles rather than matches.
The title clash between Kazarian and Santana is expected to headline a loaded show, and Bully Ray’s blunt, no-nonsense commentary style should add an extra layer of intensity to the bout.
TNA iMPACT! airs Thursday, January 15, at 8:00 pm ET, live from the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, Texas. Below is the updated card for the AMC Network debut:
- TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs. Mike Santana
(Bully Ray as guest commentator) - TNA X Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Myron Reed
- Six-Man Tag Team Match: Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Elijah vs. Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch & John Skyler)
- WWE’s AJ Styles to appear
With a new network home, a appearance by AJ Styles and a Hall of Famer joining the broadcast, TNA is clearly aiming to make a strong first impression on AMC viewers.
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