Home

WWE

“R.I.P Windham”, “Great Ending”: WWE’s Final & Last Tribute to Bray Wyatt Before Ending SmackDown Make Fans Cry for Real

Published Aug 26, 2023 | 9:00 AM EDT

Follow Us

Fans still can’t believe that their beloved superstar ‘The Eater Of Worlds’ Bray Wyatt is no more. He passed away on 24th August after suffering a massive heart attack. Condolences started pouring in from all corners, including those from wrestling legends and rival promotion AEW.

As the sad day was immediately followed by an episode of SmackDown, fans eagerly tuned in to see the final tribute that WWE would give Bray Wyatt.

WWE legends, including arch-nemesis LA Knight, pay tribute to Wyatt

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Following his death, WWE paused all planned programming activities for SmackDown and started preparing a tribute for Wyatt. The night started with a heartfelt homage from Michael Cole, with the entire SmackDown roster mourning alongside. Then the symbolic 10 Bell Salute was given, bidding a final goodbye to both Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk.

This was followed by a video montage of Bray Wyatt’s career, which ended with fans emotionally singing ‘The Whole World In His Hands’ in unison. Even the matches that were lined up remembered both the late superstars, with Rey Mysterio notably wearing a black armband carrying the initials of both superstars.

Trending

Tony Khan Set to Become “Very Profitable” With AEW, Timeline Revealed After $100 Million Investment

Dominik Mysterio in Hot Water With Rhea Ripley Again After More ‘Two-Timing’ Proof Arises

Tony Khan & Triple H Reportedly to Offer Women’s Star More Than Mercedes Mone’s Alleged $10Million Deal

Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio Reportedly Leaving Judgment Day With New Leader Set to Be Named

Brock Lesnar May Have Been Planned as Opponent of Major WWE Champion at King & Queen of the Ring Before Triple H Era

Cody Rhodes and LA Knight then came out and paid due respect to Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt. In spite of Wyatt and Knight not being the best of friends in the ring, he emotionally said “Thank you Bray”.

Read more: “Rest in Peace”, “Good Job AEW”: Bray Wyatt’s Shocking Demise at 36 Brings AEW & WWE Together Like Never Before

Towards the end, WWE had one more surprise for Wyatt’s fans. Immediately after LA Knight’s win over Finn Balor, the whole stadium went pitch dark and Bray Wyatt’s signature lantern showed up in the middle of the ring. Meanwhile, his silhouette showed up on the jumbotron.

All of this, especially the sight of the lantern shining brightly in the ring, made fans very emotional. They took to social media to talk about how the tribute was magnificent. They highlighted the ending, which not only incorporated Wyatt’s iconic lantern but also reminded fans that his light will never go out.

Fans got extra emotional after seeing Bray Wyatt’s lantern at the end of SmackDown

The entire episode of SmackDown was planned meticulously to give a fitting tribute to Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk. But the highlight was perhaps the moment when Wyatt’s lantern appeared in the middle of the ring, making fans break into tears.

One fan got emotional and called Wyatt a light that will shine forever.

One fan expressed sadness about what could have been an iconic return. It had been announced just a week ago that Wyatt would be making a comeback to the WWE.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Another fan was at a loss for words.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Do you guys think WWE missed out on anything while paying tribute to Bray Wyatt on SmackDown last night?

Watch this story: “I’m Heartbroken”: Devastated by Bray Wyatt’s untimely demise. Dwayne Johnson drops an emotional tribute for his ex-colleague

Written by:

Christopher Lazarus

463Articles

One take at a time

Christopher Lazarus is a WWE writer at Essentially Sports with over 12 years of experience in radio, television and music streaming. After completing his Bachelors in Chemistry, he moved on to media for his love for the creative aspect. He has been an avid fan of WWF/WWE since the dawn of cable TV in India when main events like 'King Of The Ring' and 'Royal Rumble' were aired on Sundays through VHS cassettes.
Show More>

Edited by:

Stefan Thomas