Bully Ray on Izzi Dame: 'He Likes What He Sees' But Still 'A Little Concerned'
Sportskeeda · July 8, 2026
Key takeaways
- WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray publicly commented on NXT talent Izzi Dame, calling himself 'Uncle Bully' while tracking her progress.
- He praised what he's seen from her but expressed being 'a little concerned,' likely regarding pacing or booking direction.
- The comments suggest Izzi Dame is gaining attention as a rising star within WWE's talent pipeline.
The Quote That Got Everyone Talking
When a WWE Hall of Famer starts calling himself "Uncle Bully" for a rising star, people notice. That's exactly what happened when Bully Ray weighed in on Izzi Dame, the NXT talent who's been steadily climbing the card and catching veteran eyes along the way.
According to comments attributed to Bully Ray, he's been tracking Izzi Dame's progress closely — and for the most part, he likes what he sees. But there's a catch: he also admitted to being "a little concerned," a phrase that's enough to send the wrestling internet into speculation mode.
Why Veteran Voices Like Bully Ray Matter
Bully Ray isn't just a nostalgia act. Since retiring from in-ring competition, he's built a reputation as one of the most plugged-in commentators on WWE's product, regularly breaking down booking decisions, character work, and talent development on his podcast platforms. When he flags someone as a wrestler worth watching, it typically means the locker room and front office are noticing too.
His "concern" likely isn't about Izzi Dame's talent — it's more probably about pacing. Veterans like Bully Ray have seen countless promising performers get rushed into pushes too fast, or conversely, get stuck in holding patterns that stall momentum. Either scenario can derail a young star's trajectory before it fully takes shape.
Who Is Izzi Dame?
For fans who haven't been following NXT closely, Izzi Dame represents the kind of homegrown talent WWE has leaned into developing through its performance center pipeline. She's part of a wave of younger competitors getting real opportunities to shine on NXT programming, with veterans and Hall of Famers increasingly vocal about who they think has "it."
What This Means Going Forward
Bully Ray's comments put a spotlight on Izzi Dame at a moment where NXT is actively building its next generation of stars for eventual main roster call-ups. If a Hall of Famer is watching this closely — and voicing both praise and caution — it suggests WWE creative may have bigger plans in motion, plans that need careful handling to pay off.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: keep an eye on Izzi Dame's NXT segments in the coming weeks. Whether the "concern" turns out to be about booking pace, character direction, or something else entirely, it's clear she's on the radar of people who know the business inside and out — and that alone makes her a name worth following.
Why it matters
When WWE veterans publicly weigh in on up-and-coming talent, it often signals bigger creative plans in motion. For wrestling fans tracking NXT's next generation of stars, this is a strong sign Izzi Dame is one to watch closely.
Want deals on what you love?
Val finds local offers matched to your interests — free to start.
Meet Val