#thefiend

[chloewatcheswrestling]

Wrestling Love Letters

Fireflies in the Dark: A Tribute to Bray Wyatt

I wasn’t going to write today.

But then we lost Bray.

There are some performers who transcend the ring and become more than just athletes. Bray’s mystique and captivating storytelling, undoubtedly made him one of those figures. His unexpected passing has left our community mourning the loss of one of our great wrestling minds who managed to weave enchanting narratives that gripped wrestling fans worldwide.

Bray used the canvas like a true artist, painting his stories with the strokes of a genius. He was the cult leader I would have followed willingly, especially during an "era of lies" where authenticity seemed scarce. In moments when watching WWE grew challenging, his segments became my refuge – a place to immerse myself and search for hidden gems within his narrative. The most recent version of Bray walked down that ramp every week and relayed the same message, and yet, we were still right there, in the palm of his hands. This wasn't just charisma; it was a connection that few could forge. He was an inspiration to anyone who has lost their way, a guiding light amidst the darkness.

Many likened him to the Undertaker but, for me, he was this generations Mick Foley. A man of many faces, he was a unique fusion of wrestling brilliance and raw charisma. The juxtaposition of his eerie presence with a touch of humanity made him a character like few others. My favourite Bray, Firefly Funhouse Bray, was Mr. Rogers-esque, a blend of warmth and macabre that shouldn't have worked, but did – brilliantly.

The night he won the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber (2017) is etched into my memory – a moment of triumph that stood as a testament to his talent and dedication. I can vividly recall the chills that ran down my spine as I witnessed The Fiend's debut at Summerslam (2019). The classic horror ambiance he effortlessly created became a hallmark of his performances. The Firefly Funhouse match vs John Cena (Wrestlemania 36, 2020) remains one of my favourites. It wasn't for everyone, but for those who understood its depth, it was a masterpiece. It was a match that came at a time where the world was shut down and we needed an escape from reality. Bray knew his audience – those loyal viewers who craved acknowledgment, who searched for Easter eggs and subtle nods (along with some not-so-subtle winks to camera, talking directly to his fans). Bray Wyatt dared to be bold. In a time when creativity often felt stifled, he fearlessly injected his character with veiled jabs at WWE creative. The Vince McMahon puppet with little devil horns was a testament to his audacity. He thrived on speculation and anticipation, drawing fans into conversations about the identities of the wrestlers behind the puppets and the possibility of a Wyatt Six faction. Bray was more than a performer; he was an architect of engagement.

Beyond his character, Windham was a person who was loved and respected. To his father Mike, his brother Bo, his wife Jojo, and to his children, my heart goes out. The Wyatt family, both the on-screen and off-screen versions, has suffered profound losses with the passing of Brodie and now Bray.

As I watched the tribute videos and teary messages this morning, I stumbled upon his return speech following Extreme Rules and the words he left us with, "This is a version of me that I’ve never got to introduce to you guys before, this is just me… being me, genuine me, for the first time." Those words echo a sentiment many can relate to – the search for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity.

To Bray, thank you for the stories, the captivating moments, the suspense, the pops, your unapologetic creativity and your beautiful mind and thank you, for being you. You always mattered to us and as the fireflies fade off screen, your legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of your fans worldwide.

With pins, submissions, and some tears,

Chloe xoxo

25.08.2023

“...I was in a time of need, and I lost people that were close to me, and I lost my self-confidence and I felt weak and I felt vulnerable. And in this weakest state I found your words Bray, I found your words…”

[ectolorean]

Follow those buzzards.

Bray Wyatt

1987 - 2023

[joezcollectibles]

 Playboy Magazine November 2000 Featuring WWF Chyna. ❌SOLD❌ . . . . . . . #survivorseries #rondarousey #kane #wrestlingphotography #wrestlinggirl #thefiend #therock #britishwrestling #becky #khabib #letmein #ufcchampion #jonmoxley #alexabliss #beckylynch #jeffhardy #projectrock #legitboss #braywyatt #luchas #wwesupercard #unitedworldwrestling #sdlive #romanreigns #undisputed https://www.instagram.com/p/CqJocTpPL0t/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[akashi-reddeath]

Judgment Day

The Fiend - Fear Makima -Control All For One - Theft Gendo - Manipulation

[legendarypersonadeer]

The Fiend Sketch

[sportsarenanews]

Reports: WWE Planning To Bring Back The Fiend Gimmick

[elitecam72]

thank you @thewindhamrotunda for letting me in. just a couple of fiends shooting the shit today as he crushed everything i had. always the man bray! #braywyatt #thefiend #windhamrotunda #thewyattfamily #wwe #nxt #fireflyfunhouse🌈 #mondaynightraw #smackdownlive🔵 #msg #holidaytour #wrestling #autographs #funkopops #elitefigures #topps #panini #select #chrome #tradingcards #boxbreaks #exclusive #youtube #video #EliteCam #elitecollectiblesautographsandmemorabilia (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmslPt6sSnlQaniQpUyjFyFlEJPJxhj_wZetOM0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[2barquack]

My kid got the best gift in the world for Christmas for me! #TheFiend #wwe #braywyatt @thewindhamrotunda @windham6 (at Cleveland, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmrjHeWJp8fQzUXWG3REQV1qmWCl1o8VOH1Cxc0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[laguerradearte]

#braywyatt #thefiend #mask #tomsavini #wwe #prowrestling #copicmarkers #copic #sharpie #sharpiemarkers #creepshow #horrorcomics #blankcover #sketchcover https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl-b6BrMjiv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[dirkmanning]

FILE UNDER: "Best in the World" Getting to meet @thewindhamrotunda was a real treat! Along with him dropping a nice promo for @thearnshowpod graphic novel, he told some fun stories and -- perhaps most importantly -- took genuine time with each and every person who came to see him! A class act and great dude! #braywyatt #dirkmanning #lifeontheroad #thefiend https://www.instagram.com/p/ClUdjlVPPMw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[michaeladam101]

There are no words 😞

My heart is broken 💔

#BrayWyatt was one of the greatest in every sense,

his whole life was ahead of him.

I enjoyed every moment watching him in the ring and as an entertainer. we will never forget You Champ!

#RIPBrayWyatt #TheWyattFamily #TheFiend #WWE #WWERaw  #Smackdown 

[themovievato]

It's been 24 hours, and still feels like it was a dream, and I can not believe that he is gone. Windham Rotunda was a third generation wrestler. His grandfather was WWE Hall of Famer Blackjack Mulligan, his uncle was WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham, his father was WWE Legend Mike Rotunda. Wyndham sure followed the family business. He started to wrestle in 2009, and 2012... He became known as "Bray Wyatt", and started "The Wyatt Family" with @erickredbeard and The Late Luke Harper. @adamscherr99 would have joined later on. The Wyatt Family would dominate both in NXT & WWE a year later. After the split of The Wyatt Family, Bray would continue make a impact in the WWE. He would become a three time World Champion, and he would also have time to reinvent himself from a cult leader to a kid show host to a crazed fiend. Wyatt would have legendary rivalries with @johncena , @randyorton , @wwerollins , @romanreigns , @bryanldanielson , & WWE Hall of Famers @glennjacobstn & @undertaker . Behind the scenes, Windham was known to be a great human being, and not just to his friends and colleagues, but he would also spend some time for his fans as well just to make their day. Windham was one of the most creative minds in the wrestling industry, and it's a ashame that we don't get to see that more often. Windham left this world unexpectedly, and it's hurting us. He left his friends, family, and his children. Thank you, Windham for all the memories that you given us and give me a reason to enjoy wrestling again. We will miss you, and say "hi" to The Exalted One for us, you will finally get to reunite with your brother once again. Thank you, Bray... We will miss you. "Follow The Buzzards". #rip #braywyatt #ripbraywyatt #thankyoubray #thewyattfamily #followthebuzzards #eaterofworlds #wwe #erickrowan #lukeharper #bronstroman #fireflyfunhouse #thefiend #theexaltedone

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[carl-kemp]

#thefiend

[ryansgirl5509]

We lost a true legend Thursday Night. Windham Rotunda know to the wrestling world as Bray Wyatt and The Fiend. He was only 36. He was such a beautiful soul. I had the honor of seeing him perform live once and I will forever cherish that. I will always be a Firefly. Rest In Power Bray! #braywyatt #thefiend #ripbraywyatt #restinpower

[davidapringle]

RIP @officialbraywyatt tonight the fireflies shine brighter tonight in memory of you. #ripbraywyatt #shinebrightfireflies #windhamrotunda #thefiend #lethimin #wwe

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade   BREAKING: Popular WWE wrestler, Bray Wyatt is dead A professional wrestler and former World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE champion, Windham Rotunda, popularly known as Bray Wyatt, is dead. According to the company, the wrestler died on Thursday at the age of 36. The company made the announcement via a post on its verified Facebook page on Friday morning. The post reads, “WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. “WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans”. Although the company failed to reveal details of the unfortunate incident, it was gathered that the wrestler died due to heart attack #GrayWyatt #Thefiend #wrestler #WWE