WWE Pays Tribute To Bray Wyatt & Terry Funk On SmackDown

The professional wrestling world was rocked over the last week with the passing of two iconic names in Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk, who will both be sorely missed amongst family, friends, and fans. 

On last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown, the first event since the news of each man’s passing tragically hit, the company paid tribute to both men. The show opened with a ten bell salute, with the WWE roster and personnel standing up on the stage. Bray Wyatt’s Wyatt Family brothers Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan were front and centre, in what was an emotional touch. 

This was followed up with a wonderfully constructed video package, showcasing both the man Windham Rotunda and the character Bray Wyatt, sharing moments both inside and outside the ring. Wyatt’s iconic rocking chair was shown solitary on the ramp as the lights went out. 

The night was sprinkled with lovely references, video packages, clips, and more, and the night was rounded off with Wyatt’s last ever opponent LA Knight cutting a heartfelt promo, managing to beautifully juggle real life and kayfabe as he both spoke about Wyatt and his current feud with The Miz. Finally, with Wyatt’s lantern in the ring, the crowd chanted “Thank You Bray” as the show went off the air. 

Terry Funk’s life was celebrated too with a warming video package featuring messages and thoughts shared by his closest friends and several WWE superstars. Cody Rhodes was also given the honor of sharing some stories about Funk, given that his father Dusty and Terry Funk shared a whole lot of time together. 

Funk passed away on August 23, 2023 at the age of 79, and Bray Wyatt passed at just 36 years of age on August 24, 2023.