August 26th 2023.
This week, the WWE community was rocked by the news of Bray Wyatt's sudden passing at the age of 36. In a fitting tribute, the WWE paid their respects to the late legend on Friday night's SmackDown programme, with an emotional show littered with QR codes leading to some of Bray's greatest moments.
WWE boss Triple H broke the heartbreaking news on Thursday, saying in a statement: "Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda – also known as Bray Wyatt – unexpectedly passed earlier today. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
Last year saw the WWE launch the White Rabbit Trail, a fascinating journey following breadcrumbs left by Bray and the WWE, culminating in his eventual return to the ring in 2022. As WWE revisited the QR codes on Friday night, fans were treated to some of Bray's most memorable moments.
The first QR code led to Bray's WWE debut in 2013, with the first haunting Wyatt Family vignette. "We're coming," he warned, and the wrestling world would never be the same. Fans got their first real glimpse of The Fiend at SummerSlam 2019, when Wyatt's horrifying alter ego made his in-ring debut with a win over Finn Balor.
The WWE Universe was then treated to Bray Wyatt's first WWE Championship win, inside the Elimination Chamber in 2017. After reversing a Phenomenal Forearm attempt into the Sister Abigail, the crowd erupted with the roar of a champion.
The Firefly Fun House debuted shortly after, and fans were treated to a completely different side of Bray Wyatt. His alter-egos, Mercy the Buzzard, and Ramblin' Rabbit, were some of the most popular characters in the industry, and Bray's legacy was cemented as a master of innovation.
In 2021, Wyatt was released by the WWE, only to make a triumphant return at Extreme Rules later that year. Days later, Bray returned to SmackDown and spoke out of character for the first time, thanking fans for 'saving his life'.
Rob Fee, Bray's close friend and collaborator said: "He loved giving the fans pieces of a puzzle and joyfully watching as they assembled it. He truly loved that you all loved him. I feel so lucky to have known him. I will miss my friend very much. I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend that he’s gone. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I love you, hoot."
Bray Wyatt has left a lasting legacy in the wrestling world, and his spirit will live on forever.
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