The wrestling world was rocked by the untimely death of Windham Rotunda, known to fans as Bray Wyatt, who passed away in his sleep due to complications from COVID-19 exacerbating his existing heart condition.
At just 36 years old, Wyatt’s untimely demise led to an outpouring of tributes and memorials. Superstars, including the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, took the time to remember the enigmatic performer, whose creative contributions to the sport can only be described as revolutionary.
Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz, who worked closely with Wyatt for a long time, encapsulated this in a recent interview with WrestlingNewsCo, comparing Wyatt’s innovation in wrestling to a scenario that would put LeBron James in a 1920s basketball game. According to Gewirtz, both figures revolutionized their respective fields to such an extent that comparisons almost seem inadequate, saying: “You’re technically playing the same sport, but this person is on a completely different level than anything we’ve ever witnessed before.” He particularly emphasized Wyatt’s ‘Firefly Fun House’ promos and his cinematic bout with John Cena as breaking new ground in the genre.
Gewirtz took a moment to discuss Wyatt’s collaboration with The Rock at WrestleMania 32, revealing how the segment was not merely a spotlight gig for The Rock but rather a creative convergence between two wrestling minds. “Rock wanted to work with [Bray], and Bray was more than happy to work with The Rock,” Gewirtz noted. Even in a scripted world, the ability for a performer to script their own lines is a rarity, and it was in this area that Wyatt excelled.
“Whatever you say, Rock will respond to,” Gewirtz recalled telling Wyatt, emphasizing how well Wyatt understood his character. The goal, according to Gewirtz, was to have The Rock “put Bray over,” to establish him as a captivating and game-changing force in wrestling. The segment skirted traditional wrestling dynamics, revealing both performers’ understanding that Wyatt had a unique, almost indefinable connection with the audience.
The Rock himself not only collaborated with Wyatt but was genuinely impressed by him, even taking to social media to congratulate him on winning the world title. For wrestling enthusiasts, knowing that a legend like The Rock was a fan of Bray Wyatt and respected his abilities is not only a testament to Wyatt’s in-ring talent but also to his compelling narratives and promos.
Bray Wyatt’s creativity was not limited to collaborations with legendary names like The Rock or John Cena. Wyatt’s later interactions with Triple H – another titan in the business – was also electrifying, though the anticipated feud never came to be. Fans were hyped for it, as evidenced by the crowd’s reaction when Wyatt had a standoff with Triple H at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
The discourse around Wyatt and AJ Styles as potentially being the last feuds for Triple H before his retirement a layer of what-ifs to Wyatt’s legacy, given Triple H’s subsequent retirement and Wyatt’s own tragic passing.
Beyond wrestling, Gewirtz believed that Wyatt had the potential to cross over into mainstream entertainment such as in film and television. His ability to channel horror elements into his character was not only ahead of its time but also of his broader acting skills. Had he lived, there’s no telling how many genres and platforms Wyatt might have conquered.
But what stands out the most about Wyatt is the emotional reaction to his death, not only from industry professionals but also from fans. Wyatt was a favorite among many, and people loved his Backwoods Cult gimmick, believing it had so much more to offer. There’s a collective sense of loss, not just for what he contributed but for what could have been. For his friends and family, the pain is undoubtedly more acute. But for the rest of us, Wyatt’s impact is etched into the lore of wrestling – innovative, creative, and completely unforgettable.
Speaking of John Cena, the WWE recently confirmed that he’ll appear on 7 straight Friday Night SmackDown episodes, starting tomorrow, September 1. It’s unclear if The Rock will join him but LA Knight would certainly love to face off against The Great One.
