Mick Foley honors Bray Wyatt with an emotional tribute.
Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt in WWE, passed away on August 24, and the wrestling world has been mourning his loss ever since.
In a lengthy post on Facebook, Foley paid tribute to Bray Wyatt. Foley noted how he had been writing an article about the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk when he found out that Wyatt passed away. He called Wyatt one of the most fascinating characters in WWE history and one of his favorites. Foley stated that he liked Wyatt a lot, and he had some find memories of him.
Foley recalled how he felt an instant connection with Rotunda as early as his days as Husky Harris. The legend recalled the first time he remembered meeting Wyatt, and he detailed how Bray told him he was working on using a rocking chair for his new character.
“The first time I remember meeting Bray was in either late 2011 or 2012 when he told me about this new type of ‘thing’ he was working on in Florida Championship Wrestling,” Foley wrote. “He mentioned how much he had enjoyed a promo I did in a rocking chair leading up to my big match with Randy Orton at ‘Backlash’ in 2004 – and mentioned that he was incorporating a rocking chair into this thing he was working on.
“The ‘thing’”’ turned out to be ‘The Wyatt Family’, which took WWE by storm, and turned Windham Rotunda into one of the biggest stars in WWE history.”
Mick Foley Shares More Memories Of Bray Wyatt
Mick Foley then looked back on the unforgettable debut of the Wyatt Family and noted that Wyatt established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He went on to described how Wyatt asked him for some guidance on a “hangman” move he used during his career. Foley made it clear that he was happy to help because Bray was an amazing character and a kind, respectful person.
Foley continued by highlighting Wyatt’s kind eyes and noting that, beneath his incredible character on-screen, Rotunda was a really good guy, He also made it clear that he was proud of the way Wyatt drew some inspiration from his career. Foley stated that Wyatt always had his undivided attention on-screen, as he was that compelling.
Mick Foley Recalls Being The First Victim Of The Fiend’s Mandible Claw
The WWE Hall of Famer went on to recall how his 2019 WWE RAW appearance, where he became the first victim of The Fiend’s Mandible Claw, came about. He made it clear that he was proud to hold that distinction.
“In 2019, I received a phone call from Paul Heyman, asking me how I would feel about Bray’s new incarnation as ‘The Fiend’ using my old mandible claw finisher,” Foley wrote. “I think I gave Paul a three word answer: ‘I love it.’ if I remember correctly, it was in that same phone call where Paul asked how I would feel about being on the receiving end of my own finisher. I believe I gave him that same three word answer a second time: ‘I love it.’”
Foley concluded his message by stating that he was happy that he could have a small part on Wyatt’s career, but he enjoyed getting to know the man behind the persona. He stated that he would miss the kindness of Wyatt’s eyes, the warmth of his laugh, and he also highlighted Wyatt’s scene.
“On a personal level, I will miss seeing the kindness in his eyes, hearing the warmth of his laugh – and I will miss his scent when we shared a hug. In what may have been one of WWE’s best kept secrets, Windham Rotunda was one of wrestling’s best smelling men.
Goodbye to a great performer, and an equally great man. My deepest condolences to the family, his fans, and everyone who loved him.”
WrestleZone continues to send our condolences to Wyatt’s family, friends, and fans.
