Earlier this year, wrestling fans experienced a devastating loss when Bray Wyatt, whose real name is Windham Rotunda, passed away at the young age of 36. This wasn’t just a significant event in the wrestling world but it marked a poignant moment for the entire community. Following his shocking death, there has been much speculation regarding a possible tribute to Wyatt in the upcoming WWE 2K24 game.
Bray Wyatt, a much-cherished figure, both inside and outside the squared circle, made his last appearance on WWE in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania 39 as he was poised to feud with Bobby Lashley at the PPV. While fans hoped to see Wyatt achieve even greater heights in his WWE career, the universe had other plans.
After more than two months since his sudden passing due to exacerbated pre-existing heart ailments after a COVID-19 infection, fans and colleagues alike are still grappling with his untimely departure.
WWE’s collaboration with 2K games began in 2000. The franchise now spans over two decades, enabling its fans to step into the shoes of their favorite wrestling superstars. And now, according to WWE insider BWE, as reported by Ringside News, who has been known for the accuracy of their information, the upcoming WWE 2K24 may carry forward Wyatt’s legacy by dedicating a part or even the entirety of the game to his illustrious career. However, this tribute’s exact nature, whether it will be a separate game mode or an inclusion in the roster, remains a topic of speculation.
The most recent release, WWE 2K23, featured a downloadable content dedicated to Wyatt. Despite being on a medical break due to his illness, WWE made sure to immortalize him with Revel with Wyatt, showcasing their appreciation for the superstar.
In addition to these virtual tributes, WWE has been paying homage to Wyatt in other profound ways. The official WWE roster page now features an iconic chair from Wyatt’s “Eater of the Worlds” gimmick, positioned prominently next to AJ Styles. Moreover, current Heavyweight World Champion Seth Rollins has openly expressed his admiration for Wyatt, particularly emphasizing how Wyatt’s innovative gimmicks managed to captivate the audience like no other.
While many fans are hoping for a comprehensive tribute to Bray Wyatt’s career, the actual implementation could prove to be challenging. A reunion of the entire Wyatt Family in the WWE 2K24’s Career Mode is a must, as they were integral to Bray’s career storyline. There’s also a suggestion of revisiting some of Bray’s most significant matches, even the ones where he faced defeats at major PPV events. A creative “what if” scenario could allow players to alter the outcomes of these matches, lending a unique twist to the narrative.
However, realizing an expansive tribute might not be straightforward. Licensing issues could limit the inclusion of vital characters from Bray’s journey, such as Harper, Rowan, and Matt Hardy. Key moments from the Wyatt Family era and other significant rivalries could be affected due to these licensing challenges. Furthermore, WWE might not possess the likeness rights for several of these wrestlers, which would make their inclusion in the game difficult.
Despite these potential challenges, many remain hopeful that WWE 2K24 will deliver a fitting tribute to the late Bray Wyatt.
