WWE releases BJ Ray, he defends his onscreen persona in post

WWE released developmental talent Brayden Jesse "BJ" Ray on October 10, and the former WWE Next Gen and WWE LFG participant publicly addressed his departure in a lengthy social media post on October 16. Ray, who had been featured on both seasons of LFG and appeared at NXT live events, said he believed his on- and off-screen attitude may have contributed to the decision and thanked WWE coaches and staff for the opportunity.

Ray opened his post with a blunt line, "Well obviously I had to have pissed somebody off lmao," and went on to describe the persona he developed while in WWE. He said he deliberately amplified a heel character he called SexyBJRay during Next Gen and LFG to provoke strong reactions from fans, and asserted that the strategy made him one of the most recognized names on the brand despite not having a televised NXT debut. Ray thanked WWE executives and coaches by name, said he remained grateful for the experience, and added that he would continue rehabbing a shoulder injury after recent surgery.

The release drew public comment from Booker T, a WWE Hall of Famer who served as a coach on LFG. On his podcast Booker said Ray's problem was failing to separate his...