In my previous article discussing John Cena’s metamorphosis and the possibility of Bray Wyatt initiating it, I intended to delve into the repercussions of Wyatt’s influence on wrestling posthumously. I have persistently elaborated on his intriguing episodes and filmic matches captivated by what he sought to accomplish.
Bray Wyatt’s knack for storytelling and evolving character made him exceptional among his contemporaries. His entity, The Fiend, was not just fearsome but left a lasting effect on those who ran into him. Wrestlers such as Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Alexa Bliss, Braun Strowman, and Daniel Bryan who encountered him, witnessed remarkable transformations after their confrontation with The Fiend.
Balor re-emerged in NXT as a more cutthroat “The Prince”, Rollins transitioned from a conflicted hero to the scheming “Monday Night Messiah.” Bliss turned into The Fiend’s distorted Assistant, Bryan rekindled his fighting spirit, casting off his authoritative persona. Purposefully or unintentionally, The Fiend spurred others to evolve in unforeseen ways.
Nevertheless, some displayed no change, such as Goldberg who overpowered The Fiend then resumed unaltered, revealing WWE’s inconsistency with the character. LA Knight had a heated rivalry with Wyatt, as it wasn’t The Fiend, it is outside this discussion, however, it should be noted that Knight’s career soared after their feud. This demonstrates that even featuring in a program with Wyatt could be advantageous. Randy Orton, conversely, encountered a significant shift. Following his feud with The Fiend and Alexa Bliss, he indicated more humane qualities. He started trusting and bonding with Matt Riddle, something unimaginable years prior. He lost the “voices” in his head, which he began hearing again only after his recent betrayal by friend Kevin Owens.
John Cena’s Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36 might as well be the most intellectual demolition of his character ever portrayed. That encounter examined his past, exposing its faults like no prior storyline. In the succeeding years, Cena’s appearances dwindled and his recent heel turn could be the final manifestation of Bray Wyatt’s indirect references; the flawed reality of the man behind the legend.
Bray Wyatt and The Fiend went beyond mind games or paranormal elements, they defied norms. Wrestling has traditionally relied on straightforward, single-dimensional characters, but Wyatt sought to challenge the standard. Despite inconsistent booking and creative hindrances, he strived to make his stories resonate. He prompted wrestlers to push boundaries that eventually inspired the industry to harbor creativity and risk.
Bray Wyatt’s influence isn’t limited to the wrestlers he personally interacted with, it extends to his family, chiefly his brother, Bo Dallas. Being the leader of a wrestling division known as The Wyatt Sicks, Bo continues to honor Bray’s legacy by expanding the horizons of what’s plausible in wrestling.
Despite the industry’s resistance to change, Wyatt’s refreshing approach was more prominent. Initially scrutinized and misunderstood by many, fans and wrestlers alike hindsightedly acknowledge his audacious and ingenious nature.
Bray’s legacy lives on through those he influenced, serving as a reminder that wrestling can delve into profound storytelling. It needs bold minds ready to challenge conventions to drive the industry forward. Windham Rotunda’s trailblazing contribution to wrestling continues to inspire and will continue to influence the wrestling world for years to come.
Feel free to share your thoughts on Wyatt’s contributions. We would love to hear how you think Bray Wyatt’s influence will continue to be felt both creatively and beyond.