In a poignant moment that resonated throughout the wrestling world, Seth Rollins delivered an emotional tribute to the late Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt during this week’s live event at Madison Square Garden. The event, held on December 26, held special significance for WWE fans, known for its star-studded lineup and memorable moments.
Among the highlights of the event was the highly anticipated return of CM Punk to WWE, as he triumphed over Dominik Mysterio in his first match with the company since 2014. Additionally, Cody Rhodes added to the excitement by securing victory against Shinsuke Nakamura in a rare Bull Rope match, a testament to the diversity of matches showcased at Madison Square Garden.
However, it was Seth Rollins’ touching tribute that stole the spotlight in the closing moments of the evening’s main event. Rollins, who successfully defended his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre in a thrilling No-DQ, No Count Outs match, took a somber moment to address the crowd.
With a heavy heart, Rollins reminisced about the passing of two wrestling icons, Brodie Lee and Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda. Lee’s tragic death on Boxing Day in 2020 and Rotunda’s recent passing in August of the current year had left a profound impact on the wrestling community, and Rollins sought to honor their memory in a meaningful way.
Acknowledging his friendship with Lee and Rotunda, Rollins spoke candidly about the influence they had on him personally and on the wrestling industry as a whole. He expressed his deep appreciation for their contributions and the void left by their absence.
However, Rollins’ tribute took a poignant turn as he shifted the focus to Bray Wyatt’s iconic ‘Firefly’ entrance, a hallmark of Wyatt’s character. In a moment of serendipity, Rollins noted the presence of fireflies in the arena, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Wyatt’s character and the impact it had on fans.
“On the 26th of December, a few years back, my good friend, our good friend Brodie Lee passed away. I miss him [fans chant Brodie]. And just a few months ago we lost Windham Rotunda as well. But earlier tonight when the lights were down, that’s right, I saw some fireflies out there in the Garden.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah man. So look, here’s the deal. They’re kicking me out of here. We’ve got a curfew but I’m not leaving this building until you guys light this place up with those fireflies and you sing my damn song so loud Brodie and Windham can hear you! Let’s go New York! [fans sing Rollins’ theme song] I love you forever, get home safe.
Long Live Brodie Lee and Windham Rotunda 🕊️🤍 #WWEMSG pic.twitter.com/LWRmd5RnVv
— peach (@peach4peeps) December 27, 2023
Inspired by the moment, Rollins implored the crowd to participate in a collective tribute to Lee and Rotunda. Refusing to leave until the arena was illuminated with the glow of the fireflies and resonated with the echoes of his theme song, Rollins stood united with the fans in honoring their fallen friends.
In a touching display of solidarity, the audience embraced Rollins’ request, filling the arena with light and sound as they paid homage to Lee and Rotunda. The heartfelt tribute served as a reminder of the bond shared by wrestlers and fans alike, transcending the boundaries of the squared circle.
As the event drew to a close, Rollins expressed his gratitude to the audience for their support and reaffirmed his love for them. With the echoes of his theme song ringing in the air, Rollins bid farewell, urging everyone to return home safely, their hearts filled with memories of Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt.
