Bray Wyatt's Tragic Death Makes WWE's Release of Wyatt Sicks Sadder
A tragic death is making WWE's mass release of Wyatt Sicks sadder for some fans.
The WWE announced it was releasing at least 23 wrestling stars on April 24 and 25, prompting fans to express their anger and disappointment on social media.
"The most surprising of all was that every single member of the Wyatt Sicks was fired," wrote Shawn Van Horn for Sportster. "Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, and Erick Rowan are all gone." That site panned the move, writing, "With them goes the faction built as a tribute to the late Bray Wyatt. WWE had the potential to create a great faction only to completely ruin it."
"What once began as a haunting tribute to honor Bray Wyatt’s vision and legacy has now reached its final chapter. With the release of every member of Wyatt Sicks, the group that carried his spirit forward quietly fades away," wrote Matcam Wrestling on X.
Bray Wyatt's Death Was '1 of the Most Heartbreaking Moments in Wrestling History'
(Photo by Mike Marques/WWE via Getty Images)
Van Horn called Bray Wyatt's death "one of the most heartbreaking moments in wrestling history." Wyatt was only 36 years old when he unexpectedly died in 2023.
The WWE star was "known for being one of the most creative minds in professional wrestling who pushed the boundaries with innovative characters," ESPN wrote, revealing that WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque had confirmed Wyatt's death.
Bray's cause of death was a heart attack, People reported.
Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, was absent from WWE while dealing with a health issue, ESPN reported at the time of his death.
"Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda -- also known as Bray Wyatt -- unexpectedly passed earlier today," Levesque wrote on X. "Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
A Wrestling Fan Wrote That Their Heart 'Truly Breaks for Wyatt Sicks'
Fans were deeply upset that the Wyatt Sicks were cut, especially due to Bray Wyatt's death.
"My heart truly breaks for the Wyatt Sicks. This was completely cruel to use them to profit off of Bray Wyatt unfortunate death!" a fan wrote.Added another fan: "Absolutely heartbroken. They didn’t deserve this. It has a sad familiar feeling with Bray. People in charge are to stupid and are clueless. Was really hoping you and Wyatt Sicks would cross paths. Just absolutely gutted. They did Bray and Brodie so proud."
But other fans were never sold on the group. "I feel bad for the performers cuz they're all good wrestlers but uuhhh.. I'm glad they're gone. It was intended for Bray Wyatt and when he died this group and idea should've been scrapped. I rolled my eyes every time Uncle Howdy talked. Just doing a bad impression of Bray Wyatt," one fan wrote.
"Listen I love Bray Wyatt, but this just didn’t land. Only Bray Wyatt himself could’ve made this work," wrote a fan.