SmackDown Takes Some Time to Mourn...

How Is Everyone Doing?

Well, you don’t need me to know that the overlying sentiment right now is shock and sadness for the sudden passing of Bray Wyatt. Personally, though tragic, I am just glad this wasn’t due to suicide. That just would have been too much. As we all can agree, the man simply had too much to live for. Unfortunately, it would appear he was never long for this world as a complication from an on-going heart issue along with a bout of COVID combined to send him to the next chapter. May he rest in peace. May the sincerest of condolences go out to his friends and family.

I’ll admit that I’m still in shock by the news. A part of me is like a lot of commenters and hope this is some experimental kayfabe where they see how “faked death” goes over. Wyatt would be a type that would wade in those kind of waters so some of me has its fingers crossed. Yet, I heard the news on a traditional news outlet so, that floored me right there.

Generally, you can’t believe information that comes directly from WWE but with news outlets reporting it, it feels more real than I’d like it to be. If you’re curious, it’s not illegal in the United States to fake your death and in this case it would be more of a hoax, but as long as he doesn’t operate under another identity stateside, he could in theory pull it off. What you have to guard against here is fraud. Yet, let’s not entertain delusions. Given how devastated people are, it’s hard to say him “returning” would have an ideal response.

For me, what makes this suck the most is all the potential that was still out there for him. Though I was not a fan of his final iteration, I was a fan in general for it’s hard not to be with a personality that humorous and kooky. There was so much that could have been done.

For instance, I had an idea for a “Florida Man Match”. Ideally, it would involve all the top guys and maybe some gals from Florida. So, I was thinking Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler, Big E (had this idea before he got injured but it could work in a year or 2 since it wouldn’t require him to wrestle per se), and Roman Reigns + The Usos. I hadn’t fleshed out the lead up but as you can imagine the theme would be “Florida Men” so this should just be like 30-minutes of absolute madness, Florida style. 

Naturally, this would balloon to include everyone’s cronies so, Big E would pull in the New Day. Reigns & Co. bring in random cousins/The Bloodline. They could even get a bit cross-promotional with bringing in Ziggler’s brother. They could have brought in Bo Dallas and Erick Rowan to back-up Wyatt along with anyone else with a connection to any of the participants. It shouldn’t stay in the ring. It should spill out and end up all over the venue as they crash through in a big cloud of chaos, resulting in the “police getting called”, rounding everyone up and “arresting” them like good Florida Men. WWE would kayfabe it and have everyone booked complete with mug shots. Wyatt would of course be smiling in his. 

I’m saddened because this would have been a hilarious time that I’m sure they would knock out of the park if they’re just left to go crazy.  And now, we’ll never know. 😥 Maybe it could get turned into a Memorial Match for Wyatt or something but that was something I was kinda looking forward to *sigh*. It’s hard to think of what’s next at the moment but as with all things, this too shall pass. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt, though.

We also had the passing of wrestling legend Terry Funk this week. Now, this is lost on me because I only knew of the gentleman but at least his passing was more in line with the general trajectory of life. He was about 79 and ravaged with dementia and such. There was no other place for him to go. That sort of passing is sad but understandable. Wyatt’s passing is just another testament to remembering none of us are guaranteed another moment longer in this world. 

In happier news, we see the Circle of Life in play as some leave this world, others are introduced. Bronson Reed and his wife are expecting and apparently it’s been a harrowing journey. They’ve been trying for a while and finally achieved the blessed event. Congratulations to the happy couple!

And so, that brings us to tonight’s SmackDown. The lineup has changed due to the passing of Funk and Wyatt and so tributes will take up much of the show, however there should be some action as Iyo Sky and Zelina Vega will have at each other and Rey Mysterio will workshop Grayson Waller. 

I will be joining in late tonight as I have out of town business this weekend and the next but as you know it doesn’t stop me. This is going to be a tough one so, I understand if you aren’t feeling like playing along. Take your time and grieve.

See You Later,

-Nicole Alexis (^_~)