In a somber moment that highlights the deep connections within the wrestling community, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has shared a poignant tribute in memory of the late Bray Wyatt, reflecting on the tragic passing of a fellow wrestler and friend.
Bray Wyatt’s untimely demise at the young age of 36 sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling world, leaving behind a trail of heartache and fond memories. Among those deeply affected was WWE legend Mick Foley, who recently took to Facebook to pen a heartfelt post commemorating the enigmatic Bray Wyatt. Foley’s heartfelt words reveal a poignant story of how he learned of Wyatt’s passing.
As Foley recollected, the WWE veteran was traveling when he received a text message from a friend inquiring about the identity of Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt’s real name. This unsettling message became the medium through which Foley learned of the tragic loss of a wrestling icon.
“Ten minutes later, upon touching down, I checked my messages and saw that an old friend from college had texted, asking me if I knew of a WWE wrestler named Windham Rotunda. “Sure”, I texted back. “Why do you ask?” And that’s how I learned of the passing of Bray Wyatt, one of the most fascinating characters in WWE history, and a personal favorite of mine. He was only 36.”
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Mick Foley’s tribute not only underscores the camaraderie within the wrestling fraternity but also reveals a poignant glimpse into Foley’s personal connection to Wyatt. Foley, a luminary of WWE’s Attitude Era, had expressed his admiration for the uniquely captivating Bray Wyatt. In a previous interview, he had expressed a wish to work with Wyatt and other contemporary stars, showcasing a desire to blend his own distinctive style with theirs.
“Bray Wyatt, I imagine the promos can be really cool. I always liked working with people who had polar opposite styles to mine, and then putting a little of my own style into it. So somebody like Darby Allin would have been great to work with. Ricochet, if he had had a hot program coming out of the gate, I think it would have made a big difference that there.”
Although their paths in the ring never crossed as much as Foley might have hoped, he did have the opportunity to put Bray Wyatt over during the RAW Reunion special episode in 2019. That memorable night saw The Fiend, Bray Wyatt’s eerie alter ego, administer Foley’s iconic Mandible Claw finisher in the center of the ring, leaving an indelible mark on WWE history.
Mick Foley’s heartfelt tribute and candid reflections serve as a reminder of the emotional bonds forged within the wrestling world. As the industry mourns the loss of Bray Wyatt’s creative brilliance and magnetic presence, Foley’s words pay tribute to the legacy that Wyatt leaves behind.