Bully Ray Explains Why CM Punk Winning The NXT Championship Was The Best Move

Prior to the match, Bully Ray explained on Busted Open After Dark why having CM Punk defeat Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship could have been the best move for WWE.

The WWE Hall of Famer weighed both potential outcomes ahead of the high-profile main event in Orlando, Florida.

He recognized that Grayson Waller could benefit immensely from sharing the ring with an established marquee star.

At the same time, Bully Ray saw massive upside in placing the developmental brand's top prize directly on the veteran challenger.

"CM Punk defeating Grayson Waller might be an even better choice, because if CM Punk were to have the NXT Championship, think of what that would do for the NXT Championship. Think of the level of credibility. Think about the world talking about CM Punk being the NXT Champion."

Those comments framed the stakes before the two competitors stepped between the ropes on the November 4 broadcast.

BULLY RAY ON PUNK'S TEFLON REPUTATION

Bully Ray noted that CM Punk occupies a rare position in professional wrestling where wins and losses rarely damage his standing.

"I think CM Punk is as teflon as teflon gets. I think CM Punk can do the job right in the middle and it wouldn't hurt him a bit, and it would do wonders for Grayson Waller. It would do wonders for that championship,"

According to Bully Ray, a clean victory for the champion would have solidified Waller at an elite level.

Yet a title switch offered a completely different kind of promotional value for WWE.

Putting the gold on Punk would instantly place the NXT Championship at the center of mainstream wrestling discussions.

It would also provide the brand with unprecedented star power during a crucial broadcast period.

A HISTORIC NIGHT IN ORLANDO

The November 4 episode marked a major milestone for the veteran superstar.

Punk was competing in his first NXT match in more than 16 years.

It was also the first time in his storied career that he challenged for the NXT Championship.

The showdown came together after Waller successfully retained his title in controversial fashion against Tony D'Angelo at Halloween Havoc.

Following that contentious victory, a direct message from Punk aired to set up the championship challenge for the Wednesday broadcast.

The stage was set for a confrontation between a rising champion and one of wrestling's most celebrated figures.

TENSIONS FLARE BEFORE THE SHOW

Hours before the broadcast began, major drama unfolded behind the scenes at the WWE Performance Center.

Punk's bitter rival Kevin Owens arrived at the facility and shared video footage of his interaction with management.

The video documented NXT executive Shawn Michaels ordering Owens to vacate the premises before Punk arrived.

Owens claimed that he was only at the Performance Center to receive medical treatment on his injured shoulder.

Michaels rejected that explanation and questioned the timing of the visit.

Michaels told Owens, "Look, I feel like you did this on purpose. You know that Punk’s going to be here tonight."

Owens fired back by asking, "What?! So you’re kicking me out because Punk’s about to get here for his NXT Title match? The big match?"

Michaels maintained his firm stance regarding the volatile rivalry.

Michaels told Owens, "Look, my understanding is that you guys cannot coexist in the same damn building. That’s not on me."

The NXT executive asked Owens to return for medical treatment on any other day.

Owens responded with sarcasm, remarking that he would have to coordinate his schedule with CM Punk before the video concluded.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE UNFOLDS

Despite the pre-show friction, the scheduled main event proceeded as planned in Orlando.

Waller immediately attempted to neutralize his challenger by targeting Punk's neck.

The Australian champion systematically worked over the neck area in an effort to limit Punk's movement.

Punk gradually fought back and created openings through experienced veteran offense.

He energized the crowd by executing a dive to the outside of the ring.

Punk followed up with a crossbody from the top rope to keep Waller off balance.

A high-impact superplex further swung momentum in the challenger's favor.

Punk then positioned Waller to deliver his signature Go to Sleep maneuver.

OWENS STRIKES FROM THE CROWD

Just as Punk appeared poised to capture the title, the pre-match ban unraveled completely.

Owens defied Michaels' direct order and emerged through the live audience.

The unexpected distraction instantly broke Punk's concentration in the center of the ring.

Waller capitalized on the intrusion without hesitation.

The champion rolled up Punk from behind while grabbing a handful of tights for leverage.

The referee counted to three, bringing an abrupt and chaotic end to the championship match.

Punk was left completely shell-shocked by the sudden turn of events.

He remained speechless in the ring as Waller escaped with the title intact.

WALLER GLOATS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Following his controversial retention, Waller took directly to social media to taunt his defeated challenger.

The champion posted a short and pointed message on X reading, "Best In The World."

The post directly weaponized the famous catchphrase Punk has used throughout his wrestling career.

Waller used the moment to rub salt in the wound of a competitor who had come within seconds of winning the title.

The controversial outcome ensured that Waller maintained his reign through cunning opportunism.

A PACKED NIGHT OF ACTION

The main event controversy capped off an eventful evening inside the WWE Performance Center.