Penta’s WWE debut has been hyped for weeks, and it did not disappoint as the former AEW star showed off “cero miedo” for his in-ring debut on “WWE Raw” last week . With his family seated in the front row, Penta defeated Chad Gable with a Penta Driver and received a strong reaction from the audience and the Hispanic wrestling community. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray also praised Penta’s debut match on “Burst open“.
“They worked the Mexican way on the other side of the body,” Ray said. “When you’re not programmed to work a certain way in this ring… it’s almost like having to master a completely different language overnight. American-style, Mexican-style, completely different. Gable was able to do it for Penta in the match.”
Ray also had some criticism of the match, as he felt it lasted too long, but he was happy with the psychology of the ring. Ray also explained how Penta came from “spot fest” matches in AEW that featured no psychology and little to no selling. An adjustment period should also be allowed, as Ray reiterated that Penta would not completely adjust the styles immediately.
“This man was really happy to be there,” Ray said. “Penta realized after that match was over, ‘Oh, that’s what they were talking about. That’s what I’ve heard my whole career. That’s what I’ve heard my whole life, that until I got here, I didn’t go anywhere.'”
Ray also made sure to clarify that he was not putting down AEW or Mexico.
“He knew he finally made it,” Ray said of Penta’s post-match promo. “Until you get to WWE and you learn the style and you really learn the psychology and the art and everything, you can’t say you’re really successful.”
If you use quotes from this article, please credit “Busted Open” with an H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
