Reigning WWE champion failed to show "vulnerability" during massive segment, says Bully Ray

WWE champions are doing well to carry the company forward in 2024. However, Bully Ray thinks current NXT Champion Trick Williams failed to make an impact during an all-important segment this week.

The latest edition of NXT saw Trick Williams and Ethan Page come face to face for a promo battle. The two had their final war of words before their Devil's Playground match at Halloween Havoc on October 27.

On a recent edition of Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray talked about how the segment between the two men didn’t come together. He noted that the heel, Ethan Page, did a great job.

"Ethan Page is doing a great job of trying to be the guy to breathe down Trick Williams's neck," Bully said. "What they're trying to do with Ethan last night is make Ethan the guy to breathe down the neck. It felt forced to me."

However, Trick Williams failed to strike as the babyface. Ray noted that he failed to brush off Page’s monologue. That affected the effort put in by Ethan Page to make it seem like he was getting into the babyface champion’s head.

"When Ethan Page is telling Trick Williams about the [metallic taste of blood]. That's the moment in time I needed to see the gear change from Trick to go 'S***, this guy's right. Maybe I am in over my head,'" the WWE Hall of Famer continued. "Not everyone needs to be strong all the time. A great babyface will show vulnerability." [H/T WrestlingInc.]

Ethan Page won the NXT Title early in his run at Heatwave. However, he lost it to Williams earlier this month in a match officiated by CM Punk. This will be an entertaining match between the two stars that will be contested under Devil's Playground rules.

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Bully Ray's co-host was also not impressed by the WWE champion

Tommy Dreamer, the co-host of Busted Open Radio, was also not too happy with Trick William’s actions on Tuesday night. He noted that the champion failed to make an impact before Halloween Havoc.

Dreamer did not like how Trick Williams turned his back on Ethan Page. He also wanted WWE to have Page attack Williams to end the segment.

"I liked the one response Trick said. But you kinda, sorta want to go the 'These are the dues I paid to get here, you did not,'" the WWE legend said, not liking that the heel was 'more correct' than the babyface Williams. "Trick literally turned his back on the heel, which is disrespectful to do and then he walked away. Ethan Page should've beat the cr*p out of him and bloodied him in that nice white outfit that he had."

WWE fans will hope to see a good match between the two stars. Trick could retain his title for another good run.