Former WWE star Erick Rowan opened up about the profound impact the late Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee have had on his life and career. As a key member of the once-dominant Wyatt Family, Rowan shared an inseparable bond with his colleagues, both inside the squared circle and out.
In an emotional interview on "Insight with Chris van Vliet," Rowan described the grieving process as ongoing and deeply personal, particularly given the shared history and memories that flood back with every match he wrestles.
"The loss is always present," Rowan confessed. "There's not a day that goes by without some reminder of Bray or Brodie, be it a signature move in the ring or a fan's chant. Their legacies endure through those moments."
Rowan's Healing Journey
Rowan emphasized how keeping busy with personal commitments and focusing on family has been crucial in coping with the void left by his friends' untimely deaths.
Wrestling fans across the world mourned when news broke that Bray Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Lawrence Rotunda, succumbed to a heart attack on August 24 at the young age of 36, a complication stemming from COVID-19.
Brodie Lee, born Jon Huber, had passed nearly three years prior on December 30, 2020, at 41, leaving the wrestling community in shock. As Rowan continues to grapple with his loss, he also honors their memory by incorporating elements of their shared wrestling past into his current performances.
It's a therapeutic gesture that resonates with fans who remember the trio's intense camaraderie. Moreover, Rowan's candid reflection on the fragility of life and the unbreakable bonds forged in the ring has touched many within the wrestling fraternity.
His transparency and vulnerability offer a stark reminder of the close-knit nature of the wrestling community. In remembering his former stablemates, Rowan also sheds light on the importance of mental health and support systems for athletes.
The conversation around wellness, particularly following the losses of such high-profile wrestlers, remains a vital dialogue within the sports entertainment industry.