Bully Ray Urges Tony Khan to Sign Zoey Stark Following Controversial WWE Release
The professional wrestling landscape is shifting following a wave of WWE talent cuts, and WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray believes there is a massive opportunity waiting for AEW owner Tony Khan. Ray has publicly pitched the signing of Zoey Stark, arguing that her recent departure from WWE provides a perfect narrative to turn her into an “instant babyface” for the AEW audience.
The Circumstances of Zoey Stark’s WWE Departure
Zoey Stark was among 25 confirmed names who officially departed WWE during a recent round of talent cuts. Her release has drawn significant attention and controversy due to the timing and the nature of her recent absence from television.
Stark had been sidelined since the May 19, 2025, episode of Raw, where she suffered a serious combination of an ACL, MCL, and Meniscus tear during a match involving Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane. Even as reports indicate that Stark had been recently cleared for an in-ring return, WWE released her before she could make her comeback.
Bully Ray’s Blueprint for an AEW Debut
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray outlined a specific strategy for how Tony Khan should handle Stark’s potential arrival. Ray believes the most effective move would be to give Stark immediate platform to address the crowd.
“If you’re Tony Khan, and you invite Zoey Stark in, what’s the first thing you allow her to do? Here you head sister, here’s a microphone, you’ve got five minutes. Go tell your story, go make people love you, and if you tell your real story, not only will they love you for your determination, and your passion, and your drive, but they will hate the WWE for letting you go.”
Ray described the situation as being “right there on a silver platter” for AEW, suggesting that Khan wouldn’t need to perform any creative heavy lifting to establish Stark as a sympathetic and driven figure in the promotion.
A Long-Term Admiration for Stark’s Talent
Bully Ray’s advocacy for Stark is rooted in years of observation. He noted that he has been a fan of her work since her time in NXT, specifically citing her “athleticism, ability, and fire.” Ray even compared her impact and presence to that of WWE phenomenon Kendall Grey.
Beyond her in-ring skill, Ray revealed that he encountered Stark while she was rehabbing her knee injuries. He was reportedly struck by her determination to recover and return to the ring better than before. This personal insight led Ray to be highly critical of WWE’s decision to let her go without allowing her to execute a formal comeback.
Key Takeaways: The Zoey Stark Situation
- Injury History: Stark suffered an ACL, MCL, and Meniscus tear on May 19, 2025.
- Release Controversy: Stark was released shortly after being cleared for her return.
- The Pitch: Bully Ray suggests a five-minute “storytelling” promo to establish her as a babyface in AEW.
- The Logic: Leveraging the fan reaction to her WWE release to create immediate emotional investment.
Looking Ahead
As the 90-day window typically associated with WWE releases progresses, the wrestling community will be watching closely to see if Tony Khan acts on the suggestion. If Stark signs with AEW, her ability to translate her real-life resilience into a televised narrative could make her one of the most compelling additions to the women’s division.
