WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently expressed his concerns about how WWE talents positioned in “co-star” or secondary roles fit into the larger Raw storylines, highlighting the dynamic between The Usos on the September 8, 2025 episode of WWE Raw. According to Ray, one member of the famed tag team, Jey Uso, is clearly outshining his brother Jimmy Uso, signaling a potential internal imbalance that WWE creative needs to address to maximize both stars’ potential[7].

Jey Uso’s Rising Spotlight on WWE Raw

The past few weeks on Raw have seen a notable shift in the spotlight toward Jey Uso. The September 8 episode showcased a dramatic post-match moment where Jey aggressively screwed over fellow Raw star LA Knight, delivering a spear attack and posting the phrase “I’m back” on Instagram, confirming his heel turn[1]. This surprising narrative twist not only captivated the audience but also cemented Jey as a dominant personality on the brand.

Leading up to this turn, Raw saw The Usos reunite, seemingly coming together to face external threats such as Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. However, Jey’s actions against LA Knight — despite Jimmy Uso’s attempts to unify the team — indicated tension and a shifting dynamic between the brothers[1][7].

Bully Ray’s Assessment: Talent Imbalance and Co-Star Roles

Speaking on a recent wrestling podcast, Bully Ray dissected The Usos’ storyline and noted that Jey’s character has developed a “bigger presence” than Jimmy’s on the current iteration of Raw. Ray cautioned that WWE needs to carefully balance these roles because when one half of a tag team or duo commands more attention, the other can be relegated to more of a “co-star” role — essentially a secondary player that might not get the narrative or creative focus they deserve.

According to Ray, this imbalance was noticeable throughout Raw’s segments and matches, where Jey’s defining moments overshadowed those of Jimmy Uso[7]. He suggested WWE’s creative team reevaluate how they utilize the brothers to ensure both have clear purpose and equal footing in major storylines, especially as the brand builds toward upcoming high-profile matches like their tag team bout against Reed and Breakker at Wrestlepalooza on September 20[1].

Backstage Insights and WWE Creative Directions

Sources close to WWE creative have reportedly acknowledged the difference in push between the two Usos but are uncertain how to navigate the delicate balance without alienating fans of either brother. A WWE insider shared with Wrestling Inc. that while Jey’s heel turn is designed to inject fresh conflict and complexity into Raw’s tag division, there is ongoing discussion about maintaining Jimmy’s relevance and positioning him as more than just a “co-star” to Jey’s “star” status[7].

Furthermore, WWE.com documented Jimmy’s efforts on Raw to bridge relationships, notably him reaching out to allies and even LA Knight, signaling a potential alliance or storyline evolution for the elder Uso[5]. Yet, Jey’s more aggressive and dominant in-ring style and promos contrast with Jimmy’s steadying presence, which some fans and insiders interpret as a narrative device but others see as an organic reflection of each wrestler’s growing individual brand[2][4].

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Wrestling analysts on YouTube channels such as WrestleTalk noted that Jey’s recent heel turn and surge in prominence bring new energy to the Raw brand but could risk overshadowing other talents if not managed wisely. They praised WWE for evolving The Usos beyond their traditional tag team role but warned that audiences might lose investment if one brother consistently appears as simply the “co-star”[3].

Fan conversations mirror this sentiment, with many expressing excitement at Jey’s bold new persona but simultaneously voicing concern for Jimmy’s trajectory, fearing his character could suffer unless given substantial storylines to match his brother’s intensity.

Implications for WWE’s Tag Team Landscape

The Usos have been a cornerstone among WWE’s top tag teams for years, but their evolving storyline reflects larger questions about character development within WWE’s roster. Bully Ray’s critique underscores the challenge WWE faces in balancing dual star power within teams, particularly when one member naturally draws more heat or crowd attention.

As the build-up to Wrestlepalooza continues, both The Usos will be under a microscope to demonstrate their individual and collective viability as marquee players on Raw. How WWE navigates this balance will be crucial for the brand’s future storytelling and fan engagement.

Sources:

• WWE.com Raw results and backstage reports[2][5]
• Wrestling Inc. interview and analysis with Bully Ray[7]
• Fightful and social media reports on Jey Uso’s heel turn[1]
• YouTube wrestling analyst reviews on Raw episodes[3][4]

This evolving storyline between the Usos highlights the nuanced challenges of character emphasis in WWE, a development that will attract close scrutiny from fans and insiders alike in the coming weeks.