“There’s some people that, like new concepts and people that take risks and things. And then there’s people that don’t just because they don’t.”

“It’s a sport to some and it’s a show to others. But I think the beautiful thing about wrestling in this industry is that there’s something for everyone, and I’ve always kind of prided myself on the fact that I’d be willing to take risks and do things that no one’s ever done.”

“Because in my opinion, if you’re not willing to do that, then what are you doing here? It’s about leaving a legacy for me, and I would do pretty much anything, especially if no one’s ever done it before, because I know that people will notice it and it’s fun for me.”

These were the words of Bray Wyatt in his final press conference with the WWE during the 2023 Royal Rumble, where he talked about how he wasn’t someone who would shy away from trying new concepts and taking risks to leave a legacy in the world of wrestling.

The comments on the night clearly showed what Wyatt’s WWE career was all about. Someone who always tried to push the envelope and try new things.

He’s got the whole world in his hands…

Born as Windham Rotunda in 1987, Wyatt was a third generation wrestler, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Blackjack Mulligan, and father, Mike Rotunda. Despite having a rich lineage in the sport, Wyatt had to claw his way through the developmental territories to reach the promised land of WWE.

He was first known as Husky Harris on NXT, the time when it was a reality show. Wyatt had a mediocre run as part of the Nexus before he made his way out of the main roster and back to the developmental circuit.

2012 turned out to be the year for Windham, as he got the moniker of Bray Wyatt, something that would change his life forever. With the blessings of the late great Dusty Rhodes himself, Wyatt became the Eater Of Worlds and founded the Wyatt Family, along with Erick Rowan and the late Brodie Lee aka Luke Harper.

The faction and his moniker were so unique that it quickly caught on in WWE, with the fans being firmly behind Wyatt. His ‘fireflies’ always illuminated the arenas when he made his way to the ring with his iconic ‘Live In Fear’ theme song carrying a lantern to show everyone the way.

He even made the song ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’ so famous as arenas continued to sing for him despite his heel antics.

Many considered him to be the modern day Undertaker, because of the aura around him and his character. But Wyatt’s booking never really added up to the fanfare he was receiving, despite winning the WWE Championship and the Tag Team titles.

That’s when Wyatt decided to take a drastic step, which genuinely made everyone sit up and take notice.

Yowie Wowie

In 2019, Wyatt shocked the world with his new gimmick. Shedding away his cult leader persona, he arrived as Children’s program host, aptly named the Firefly Fun House. The initial response was mixed as everyone was aware how WWE treats such gimmicks.

They’re never pushed properly and are always given ‘jobber’ treatment, i.e losing all the main matches. But as the days went on, Wyatt proved why he took the risk and changed himself around. He was hiding a secret from the fans, an alter-ego, The Fiend.

At SummerSlam, four years ago, the WWE Universe got treated to one of the most iconic debuts of a character in the company’s history.

What followed showed the brilliance of Wyatt as one of the biggest minds in the industry. The Fiend wreaked havoc in WWE, winning the Universal Championship twice.

Wyatt showed how the universe of cinematic matches could be used properly, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with his Firefly Fun House match with John Cena earning critical acclaim from fans and pundits.

The shock factor was always synonymous with Wyatt, as everyone was taken aback when he was released by WWE in 2021. Rumours started to swirl and many felt he could be heading to AEW, WWE’s main rival.

But a year went by with WWE undergoing many changes, with Vince McMahon retiring and Triple H taking over. It was a time when everyone wished Wyatt was in the company. Well, their wish was soon granted.

White Rabbit and Uncle Howdy

Extreme Rules 2022’s finish saw the Firefly Fun House come to life and the characters made their way to WWE. Everyone waited in anticipation as some new entrance music followed as Wyatt came out paying tribute to Brodie to a thunderous response.

He delivered a passionate promo, a genuine one right from the heart. Usually, fans credit the superstars they see on-screen for helping them through some rough times in WWE. But Wyatt just said ‘Thank You’ to the WWE Universe, his fireflies, for saving him.

What the fans were promised was a big push for one of their favourites, who was long overdue for some much-needed limelight.

But fate had other plans as Wyatt left, unexpectedly, leaving his fans and peers in a state of mourning.

So, how do we see the former WWE Champion? I think it would be apt for us to read those words in that press conference once again. Windham was someone who knew that there was something for everyone in the world of wrestling, which is not always seen as other disciplines when it comes to sports.

Sometimes, for him, it wasn’t all about winning titles, keeping a perfect record. It was all about the story, giving back to the fans who saved him.

As the fireflies now guide him away from his fans for a meeting with Brodie up above in the skies, what’s the legacy that Wyatt leaves behind? Well, priding himself on the fact that he was willing to take risks and do things that no one’s ever done.