WWE developmental prospect Brayden Jesse “BJ” Ray, known for his confident persona and compelling storyline on WWE LFG, was officially released from his contract on October 10, 2025, marking an abrupt end to a budding WWE tenure that saw him rise through the NXT ranks and reality TV spotlight.
BJ Ray’s WWE Journey and WWE LFG Role
Brayden Ray, a former collegiate wrestler from Duke University, entered WWE’s developmental system with much promise. Wrestling under the ring name “Sexy” BJ Ray, he gained attention for his charismatic presence and his innovative character work. BJ’s profile grew substantially due to his role on WWE LFG, the A&E Network’s reality series focusing on WWE developmental talent.
In both seasons of WWE LFG, BJ Ray was notable for his on-screen rivalry and heated exchanges with his coach, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley. This storyline and his natural charisma helped him stand out among a crowded field of aspiring WWE stars, building him a dedicated fanbase and industry buzz [1][3].
Injury and Circumstances Amid Release
In late September 2025, BJ Ray publicly revealed he had suffered a torn rotator cuff and labrum injury and underwent surgery. The injury sidelined him for the foreseeable future, at a critical juncture in his development. Some insiders suggest this injury might have played a role in WWE’s decision to release him alongside other talents in a wide roster purge [1][4].
According to sources close to WWE’s talent relations, the release was part of a broader budget trimming after WrestleMania season, and while BJ had potential, decisions often factor in injuries and future projections. “WWE has a lot of talent coming through, and unfortunately sometimes injuries and timing play a big role in these decisions,” a WWE insider told Wrestling News.
BJ Ray’s Own Reaction
BJ Ray broke his silence days after his release with a candid and humorous statement via social media. He acknowledged the reality of his departure with the words, “Well, obviously I had to have pissed somebody off LMAO,” showing a mix of self-awareness and lightheartedness despite the setback. His tone struck a chord with fans, displaying genuine personality beyond the scripted WWE product [4].
Fans and peers alike admired BJ’s ability to keep his sense of humor despite the disappointment. The statement fueled discussion about backstage politics in WWE, a topic often whispered about but rarely publicly addressed so forthrightly by released talent.
Backstage Insights: Why BJ Ray’s Release Sparks Speculation
Industry insiders speculate that BJ’s outspoken personality and his friction-filled storyline with Bubba Ray Dudley might have contributed to tensions backstage. While nothing official has been confirmed, a wrestling industry source who wished to remain anonymous revealed, “BJ was definitely a talented guy, but sometimes that confidence rubs the wrong way in locker rooms or with management. It’s never just about talent—relationships matter.”
With BJ’s injury limiting his ability to perform and develop, WWE might have viewed his release as part of a wider talent reshuffle designed to manage the roster cap and prioritize wrestlers with immediate availability.
The Future for BJ Ray and WWE LFG Alumni
BJ Ray’s release is part of a larger pattern in WWE’s developmental system, where many hopeful wrestlers see their contracts terminated annually. The recent October 2025 roster cuts also included multiple WWE LFG participants, including Zayda Steel, Haze Jameson, and Summer Sorrell, signaling a roster overhaul beyond just a single performer [2].
For BJ, his youth (26 years old) and prior collegiate wrestling background suggest he has a solid foundation to continue his professional wrestling career elsewhere. Industry veterans note that released WWE developmental stars often find success in other promotions like AEW, IMPACT Wrestling, or Japan’s NJPW. BJ’s televised exposure and ready-made fan following from WWE LFG could serve as a springboard to raise his profile on the independent circuit or internationally.
What Fans Can Expect Next
BJ Ray’s immediate future remains uncertain, but his social media presence suggests he is keeping options open. He has also addressed criticisms about not fully separating his WWE character from his real personality, indicating he’s aware of the challenges performers face with scripted personas.
As he recovers from surgery, many fans are hopeful BJ will return to wrestling in a fresh context where his outspoken nature and confidence can thrive without constraints. Wrestling journalists predict that BJ’s candidness and on-screen flair have earned him a second chance somewhere—he is a name worth watching in the months ahead [6].
With the news of BJ Ray’s release, WWE once again shows the volatility and competitiveness of the developmental system, where only a few make it to sustained stardom. For now, BJ Ray’s chapter with WWE has closed—but his story in professional wrestling may be only just beginning.