The Wyatt Family: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Professional wrestling stable}} |
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{{About||the family of English architects|Wyatt family}} |
{{About||the family of English architects|Wyatt family}} |
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{{Infobox Wrestling team |
{{Infobox Wrestling team |
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|article_name |
|article_name = The Wyatt Family |
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|billed = |
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|caption = The original Wyatt Family in April 2014; from left to right: [[Erick Rowan]], [[Bray Wyatt]], and [[Brodie Lee|Luke Harper]] |
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|image = Bray Wyatt.jpg |
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|members = {{unbulleted list |
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|[[Brodie Lee|Luke Harper]] |
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|caption = Bray Wyatt, the leader of the stable |
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|[[Erick Rowan]] |
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|members = [[Windham Rotunda|Bray Wyatt]] (leader)<br/>[[Brodie Lee|Luke Harper]]<br/>[[Erick Rowan]] |
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|[[Braun Strowman]] |
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|names = '''The Wyatt Family'''<br>'''Erick Rowan and Luke Harper'''<br>Bray Wyatt and Eli Cottonwood |
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|[[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] |
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|heights = Wyatt: {{height|ft=6|in=3}}<ref name="NXT">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/Roster/Bray-Wyatt.html|title=Bray Wyatt|accessdate=December 26, 2012|publisher=[[NXT Wrestling]]}}</ref><ref name=WWENXTbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/bray-wyatt-bio|title=WWE bio}}</ref><br>Harper: {{height|ft=6|in=5}}<ref name=WWEbio/><br>Rowan: {{height|ft=6|in=8}}<ref name=WWEbio>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/erick-rowan-bio|title=WWE profile}}</ref> |
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|[[Randy Orton]] |
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|weights = {{convert|875|lbs|kg|abbr=on}} |
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|former_members = [[Eli Cottonwood]] (FCW only) |
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|debut = November 7, 2012 |
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|disbanded = |
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|promotions = [[WWE]]<br>[[Florida Championship Wrestling|FCW]]<br>[[NXT Wrestling|NXT]] |
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}} |
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|type = S |
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'''The Wyatt Family''' is a [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[professional wrestling]] [[stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] in [[WWE]]. The stable consists of leader [[Windham Rotunda|Bray Wyatt]], and his "sons" [[Erick Rowan]] and [[Brodie Lee|Luke Harper]]. Their [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] is that of a backwoods [[cult]]. Wyatt's character has drawn comparisons to [[Max Cady]] from ''[[Cape Fear (1991 film)|Cape Fear]]'', [[Charles Manson]], and [[Dan Spivey|Waylon Mercy]].<ref name="SLAMcharacter">{{cite web|last=Kapur|first=Bob|title=Big crowd cheers on WWE favourites in Toronto|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/02/pf-20621906.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=8 June 2013|quote=Wyatt is a great cult leader / Max Cady character.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jim Ross predicts WWE will "shake things up" at No Way Out, comments on the latest WWE NXT tapings, and the new character played by Husky Harris|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025738.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=9 June 2013|quote=Some may compare it to the DeNiro character in Cape Fear and even Waylon Mercy back in the day but this uniquely Bray Wyatt incarnation feels new and fresh.}}</ref> |
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|debut = November 7, 2012 |
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|disbanded = May 9, 2017 |
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|years_active = 2012–2014<br>2015–2017 |
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|leaders=[[Bray Wyatt]] |
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}} |
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'''The Wyatt Family''' was an American [[professional wrestling]] [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] in [[WWE]] originally composed of [[Bray Wyatt]], [[Erick Rowan]], and [[Brodie Lee|Luke Harper]]. |
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Portrayed as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] [[cult]] from the [[bayou]]s of the [[Deep South]], the Wyatt Family debuted in WWE's then-[[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental branch]] [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] in November 2012, with [[Luke Harper and Erick Rowan|Harper and Rowan]] going on to win the [[NXT Tag Team Championship]]. They debuted on the main roster in July 2013 and terrorized wrestlers such as [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], [[CM Punk]], [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], [[John Cena]], and [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]], among others. |
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==History== |
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===Developmental territory (2012–2013)=== |
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The character of Bray Wyatt first debuted in [[Florida Championship Wrestling|FCW]] in April of 2012. He first associated himself with [[Eli Cottonwood]].<ref name="Bray">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/32194-fcw-results---4-22-12|title=FCW Results – 4/22/12|date=April 27, 2012|last=Namako|first=Jason|accessdate=May 1, 2012|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/31802-fcw-results---4-8-12|title=FCW Results – 4/8/12|date=April 11, 2012|last=Namako|first=Jason|accessdate=May 1, 2012|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> When WWE rebranded their developmental territory, Wyatt debuted on the fourth episode of the new ''[[NXT Wrestling|WWE NXT]]'', defeating [[Aiden English]] in a singles match. |
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Bryan joined the group in late 2013 and left in early 2014, after which Wyatt defeated him to end their feud. The original incarnation of the group began to go their separate ways in September 2014, after Wyatt announced he was "setting Harper and Rowan free". Rowan would turn into a [[Face (professional wrestling)|heroic]] character by joining Cena's team at [[Survivor Series (2014)|Survivor Series]], while Harper would remain villainous and side with [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|The Authority]] against Cena's team. Following a brief [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with each other, Harper and Rowan reunited in May 2015. |
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In July 2012, Wyatt suffered a torn [[pectoral muscle]] and required surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/33918-developmental-talent-to-be-out-of-action-for-six-months|title=Developmental talent to be out of action for six months|date=July 6, 2012|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=January 6, 2013|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Despite the injury, Wyatt continued to appear on ''NXT'' by founding a faction known as the Wyatt Family in November, with [[Luke Harper]] and [[Erick Rowan]] as his followers (Wyatt described them as his first and second son respectively).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/11/08/20341166.html|title=WWE NXT: Who will challenge Rollins?|date=November 8, 2012|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=January 8, 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|quote=Bray announces this man as the "first son of the Wyatt family, Luke Harper."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 12/12 - Week 25: Rollins defends NXT Title, Paige in action, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_67426.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=6 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_67599.shtml|title=Chiverton's NXT Scouting Report – Year-End Review: Who are WWE's top prospects heading into 2013?|date=January 7, 2013|last=Chiverton|first=George|accessdate=January 8, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Wyatt had his first match back from injury on the February 21, 2013 episode of ''NXT'', defeating [[Yoshi Tatsu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/39889-wwe-nxt-results-2-21-13-big-e-vs-o-brian|title=WWE NXT Results – 2/21/13 (Big E. vs. O'Brian)|date=February 22, 2013|last=Namako|first=Jason|accessdate=May 18, 2013|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Wyatt suffered his first loss on the May 2 episode of ''NXT'', when he was defeated by [[Chris Jericho]].<ref name="Namako">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41269-wwe-nxt-results-5-2-13-jericho-vs-wyatt|title=WWE NXT Results – 5/2/13 (Jericho vs. Wyatt)|date=May 3, 2013|last=Namako|first=Jason|accessdate=May 24, 2013|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Wyatt and the Family went on to feud with [[Corey Graves]] and [[Kassius Ohno]], with Wyatt defeating Graves on the May 22 episode of ''NXT'', and the next week Wyatt eliminated both Graves and Ohno during an 18-man [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to determine the number one contender to the [[NXT Championship]], although he was later eliminated by [[Adrian Neville]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77899/wwe-nxt-report-number-one-contender-battle-royal-big-announcement-from-stephanie-mcmahon-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT report: number one contender battle royal; big announcement from Stephanie McMahon; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=2013-05-29|accessdate=2013-06-01|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> |
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In July 2015, the Wyatt Family reunited and were joined by [[Braun Strowman]], who was later taken out of the faction as a result of the [[2016 WWE draft]]. In late 2016, with the addition of [[Randy Orton]], the Wyatt Family won the [[SmackDown Tag Team Championship]], holding it under the [[Freebird Rule]]. After they lost the championship, Harper left the group in January 2017. Orton won the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|2017 Royal Rumble]] match and Wyatt won his first [[WWE Championship]] the following month, with the pair facing each other at [[WrestleMania 33]]. Wyatt and Rowan continued their alliance as the last remaining members of the Wyatt Family until the [[2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up]], in which Wyatt was moved to [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] while Rowan remained on [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]], thus disbanding the Wyatt Family. |
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===Main roster (2013–present)=== |
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As of August 2024, Rowan, Strowman, and Orton are the only former members of the group still active in WWE. Bryan joined [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]] in 2021. Harper, who joined AEW in 2020, died from [[idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]] at the age of 41 in December 2020; Wyatt died from a heart attack at the age of 36 in August 2023. Rowan joined [[The Wyatt Sicks]], a heroic group led by Wyatt's real-life brother [[Bo Dallas]] and his alter ego Uncle Howdy, in mid-2024. |
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From the May 27 episode of ''Raw'', WWE aired [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vignette|vignettes]] promoting the upcoming debut of the Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70887.shtml|title=RAW NEWS: HBK & Hart cameos, Axel beats top star, Wyatt Family intro, Punk's return, Hunter status, two title matches, World Title, Kidd returns with new look post-Raw, more|date=May 27, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=May 28, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The vignettes showed the Wyatt Family's [[wiktionary:backwoods#Noun|backwoods]] origins and Rowan wearing a [[sheep|lamb]] mask.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Raw Five-Point Preview: July 8, 2013: All in the family|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-07-08/five-point-preview-26128840/page-6|work=[[WWE]]|accessdate=9 July 2013|archivedate=9 July 2013|quote=Theories and speculation have abounded as to what the backwoods madman Bray Wyatt’s mission is and where his family fits into the equation.|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6HyzlI5vy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 7/3 - WEEK 53: Bo Dallas defends NXT Title, Women's Tourney continues, Mason Ryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71725.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=9 July 2013}}</ref> On the July 8 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family made their debut by assaulting [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=RAW NEWS: Vickie "fired" as Raw authority figure & replacement named, Wyatts debut, final MITB PPV hype, RVD, Lesnar, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71812.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=9 July 2013}}</ref> It was later revealed that Kane was injured during the assault.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/kane-injured-at-hands-of-wyatts-26130182|title=Kane injured at hands of The Wyatt Family|last=|first=|date=2013-07-09|accessdate=2013-07-09|work=WWE}}</ref> Wyatt is rumored to be taking Kane's spot in the [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] at the [[Money in the Bank (2013)|upcoming pay per view of the same name]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Carrier|first=Steve|title=Scherr on First Day with WWE, Kane Update, More|url=http://nodq.com/wwe/375465560.shtml|work=NODQ|accessdate=10 July 2013}}</ref> |
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== Concept == |
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Wyatt was portrayed as an evil [[cult]] leader who believed himself to be more monster than human,<ref name=SLAMcharacter/><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NXT RESULTS – 5/16/13 (BIG E VS. SANDOW)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41485-wwe-nxt-results-5-16-13-big-e-vs-sandow|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=June 9, 2013|first=Jason|last=Namako|date=16 May 2013|quote=Wyatt says that ... This is not the face of a human being, this is the face of a MONSTER!! This is the face of the eater of worlds. Every time from now on that you gaze into my face, I don't care who you are, how BAD you think you are, you can never hurt me because I am already dead|archive-date=21 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053854/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41485-wwe-nxt-results-5-16-13-big-e-vs-sandow|url-status=live}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chiverton|first=George|title=CHIVERTON'S NXT WEEKLY RANKINGS & EVALUATION 7/11: Latest evaluation of new NXT talent|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_63439.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 9, 2013|quote=Bray Wyatt has been a source of great excitement for me in his run-up to this debut with fantastic video packages and promos creating a mysterious atmosphere around the preacher-based character. He's evil, scary but not over the top. He comes across as having genuinely done something evil like murder, but justifies it through the faith he follows (which faith we aren't told).|archive-date=July 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721213221/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_63439.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> with his character drawing comparisons to [[Charles Manson]] and fellow wrestler [[Dan Spivey|Waylon Mercy]], as well as [[Max Cady]] from the 1991 remake of ''[[Cape Fear (1991 film)|Cape Fear]]''.<ref name=SLAMcharacter>{{cite web|last=Kapur|first=Bob|title=Big crowd cheers on WWE favourites in Toronto|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/02/pf-20621906.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616040302/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/03/02/pf-20621906.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 16, 2013|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=8 June 2013|quote=Wyatt is a great cult leader / Max Cady character}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jim Ross predicts WWE will "shake things up" at No Way Out, comments on the latest WWE NXT tapings, and the new character played by Husky Harris|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025738.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=9 June 2013|quote=Some may compare it to the DeNiro character in Cape Fear and even Waylon Mercy back in the day but this uniquely Bray Wyatt incarnation feels new and fresh|archive-date=16 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516103005/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article10025738.shtml|url-status=live}}.</ref> The group was presented as a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] cult from the [[bayou]]s of the [[Deep South]]. During the early process of creation, [[Judas Devlin]] and [[Baron Corbin]] were considered as potential members of the stable.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/58900-austin-matelsonvibora-quiero-ser-una-version-lucha-libre-de-undertaker|title = Austin Matelson/Víbora: 'Quiero ser una versión lucha libre de Undertaker'|date = 10 February 2017|access-date = 21 October 2019|archive-date = 25 August 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230825073811/https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/58900-austin-matelsonvibora-quiero-ser-una-version-lucha-libre-de-undertaker|url-status = live}}</ref> |
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*'''Wyatt's finishing moves''' |
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**''Sister Abigail'' ([[Facebuster#Swinging reverse STO|Swinging reverse STO]], with theatrics)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70618.shtml|title=James's WWE NXT report 5/15 & 5/22: El Generico debuts, O'Brian beats two NXT releases in same match, Bray Wyatt debuts mask, Natalya vs. Rae, more developments|date=May 27, 2013|last=James|first=Justin|accessdate=May 27, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |
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*'''Harper's finishing moves''' |
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**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|Discus]] into either a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|clothesline]]<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/luke-harper-bio|title=Luke Harper|accessdate=2013-05-29|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="NXTTagTournament">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=74584&p=1|title=DX invades DX taping: Complete WWE NXT spoilers from Florida|last=Santiago|first=Andres|date=2013-01-11|accessdate=2013-01-25|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/74576/wwe-nxt-report-did-seth-rollins-retain-against-big-e-langston-third-generation-tag-team-against-second-generation-tag-team-divas-action-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT report: Did Seth Rollins retain against Big E Langston?; third generation tag team against second generation tag team; divas action; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=2013-01-10|accessdate=2013-01-26|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> or a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Lariat|lariat]]<ref name="NXT052913PWI">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77899/wwe-nxt-report-number-one-contender-battle-royal-big-announcement-from-stephanie-mcmahon-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT report: number one contender battle royal; big announcement from Stephanie McMahon; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=2013-05-29|accessdate=2013-05-31|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> |
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**''Truck Stop'' ([[Powerslam#Spinning side slam|Sitout spinning side slam]])<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="NXT">{{cite web|url=http://www.fcwwrestling.info/Roster/Bray-Wyatt.html|title=Bray Wyatt|accessdate=December 26, 2012|publisher=[[NXT Wrestling]]}}</ref><ref name="NXT112212">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2012/11/22/pf-20376711.html|title=WWE NXT: Ohno needs an opponent|last=Bishop|first=Matt|date=2012-11-22|accessdate=2013-01-26|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> |
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*'''Rowan's finishing moves''' |
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**[[Chokeslam]] |
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*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]''' |
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**'''"[[WWE Music Group|Live in Fear]]"''' by [[Mark Crozer]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-live-in-fear-bray-wyatt/id655647419|title=WWE: Live in Fear (Bray Wyatt) - Single|accessdate=12 June 2013|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]}}</ref> |
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*'''Nicknames''' |
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**Eater of Worlds |
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== History == |
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==Championships and accomplishments== |
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=== Formation and beginnings (2012–2013) === |
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*'''[[NXT Wrestling]]''' |
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The character of Bray Wyatt debuted in [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) in April 2012 and initially associated himself with [[Eli Cottonwood]].<ref name="Bray">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/32194-fcw-results---4-22-12|title=FCW Results – 4/22/12|date=April 27, 2012|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=May 1, 2012|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053536/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/32194-fcw-results---4-22-12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/31802-fcw-results---4-8-12|title=FCW Results – 4/8/12|date=April 11, 2012|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=May 1, 2012|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055511/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/31802-fcw-results---4-8-12|url-status=live}}</ref> Cottonwood was released by WWE that June. When WWE re-branded their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] into [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]], Wyatt debuted on the July 11 episode of the newly ''[[WWE NXT (TV series)|NXT]]'' television show, defeating [[Aiden English]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Singles match|singles match]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 7/4 – Week 3: Chris Hero (Ohno) debuts, Vader's son, Bateman, six-man main event; Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_63126.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 14, 2012|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306043221/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_63126.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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**[[NXT Tag Team Championship]] ([[NXT Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – Rowan and Harper |
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In July, Wyatt suffered a torn [[Pectoralis major muscle|pectoral muscle]] and required surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/33918-developmental-talent-to-be-out-of-action-for-six-months|title=Developmental talent to be out of action for six months|date=July 6, 2012|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=January 6, 2013|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055659/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/33918-developmental-talent-to-be-out-of-action-for-six-months|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the injury, Wyatt continued to appear on ''NXT'' by founding a faction known as the Wyatt Family in November, with [[Luke Harper]] and [[Erick Rowan]] as his "sons".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/11/08/20341166.html|title=WWE NXT: Who will challenge Rollins?|date=November 8, 2012|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=January 8, 2013|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|quote=Bray announces this man as the "first son of the Wyatt family, Luke Harper"|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034729/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/11/08/20341166.html|url-status=dead}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 12/12 – Week 25: Rollins defends NXT Title, Paige in action, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_67426.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 6, 2013|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203200640/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_67426.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_67599.shtml|title=Chiverton's NXT Scouting Report – Year-End Review: Who are WWE's top prospects heading into 2013?|date=January 7, 2013|last=Chiverton|first=George|access-date=January 8, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184553/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_67599.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Harper and Rowan entered the [[NXT Tag Team Championship#Inaugural tournament|NXT Tag Team Championship tournament]] to crown the inaugural champions and they defeated [[Percy Watson]] and [[Yoshi Tatsu]] in the first round on the January 23, 2013, episode of ''NXT''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=WWE NXT: HBK kicks off tag title tournament|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/24/20523731.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=January 25, 2013|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809172234/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/24/20523731.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following a win over [[Bo Dallas]] and [[Curtis Axel|Michael McGillicutty]] in the semi-finals with Wyatt's interference,<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT report 2/6 – Week 32: Tag Tournament continues, Bo Dallas's main-roster debut carries over, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68503.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 8, 2013|access-date=February 15, 2013|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306061927/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68503.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> [[the Bludgeon Brothers|Luke Harper and Erick Rowan]] were defeated in the finals of the tournament by [[Neville (wrestler)|Adrian Neville]] and [[Oliver Grey]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT results 2/13 – Week 33: First NXT tag champions crowned, Paige vows to take over the show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68672.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 15, 2013|access-date=August 7, 2013|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184730/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_68672.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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Wyatt had his first match back from injury on the February 20 episode of ''NXT'', defeating Yoshi Tatsu.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rueter |first=Sean |date=February 21, 2013 |title=WWE 'NXT' results and reactions from Feb 20 |url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2013/2/21/4013554/wwe-nxt-results-and-reactions-feb-20-2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322192722/http://www.cagesideseats.com:80/2013/2/21/4013554/wwe-nxt-results-and-reactions-feb-20-2013 |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |publisher=Cageside Seats}}</ref> The Wyatt Family later assaulted Grey (who had suffered a legitimate injury) while Wyatt prevented Dallas from winning a [[NXT Championship]] number one contender match due to Dallas' refusal to join the Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|title=6/19 WWE NXT Scouting Report: Dot Net staffer Zack Zimmerman breaks down top WWE developmental prospects including Kassius Ohno, Sami Zayn, Leo Kruger, Adrian Neville, Mason Ryan, Paige, and more|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/twillingeditorial/article10031913.shtml|access-date=July 14, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132142/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/twillingeditorial/article10031913.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 3/6: Main Event #1 contender match to NXT Title, Shield delivers a message, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_69151.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 11, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051038/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_69151.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Dallas went on to hand Wyatt his first loss on the March 13 episode of ''NXT''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_69298.shtml|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 3/13 – Week 37: Champ vs. Champ, Brother vs. Brother, plus Hero vs. Bateman; Overall Reax|last=James|first=Justin|access-date=July 9, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103111716/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_69298.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 2 episode of ''NXT'', while Wyatt was defeated by six-time [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world champion]] [[Chris Jericho]], [[Luke Harper]] and [[Erick Rowan]] won a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Three-way tag team elimination match|triple threat elimination tag team match]] by last [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] Neville to earn a shot at the [[Professional wrestling championship|championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41269-wwe-nxt-results-5-2-13-jericho-vs-wyatt|title=WWE NXT Results – 5/2/13 (Jericho vs. Wyatt)|date=May 3, 2013|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=May 24, 2013|publisher=WrestleView|archive-date=October 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019004755/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/41269-wwe-nxt-results-5-2-13-jericho-vs-wyatt/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 8 episode of ''NXT'' (which was taped on May 2), Harper and Rowan defeated Neville and Bo Dallas (filling in for the injured Grey) to win the [[NXT Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/8 Week 45: Wyatt Family captures Tag Titles, Ohno turning face?, Sandow in action, Paige vs. Summer Rae feud continues, Overall Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70553.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 2, 2013|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306043254/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70553.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=NXT050213Spoilers>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77312/wwe-nxt-spoilers-from-winter-park-fl-john-cena-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT spoilers from Winter Park, FL: John Cena and more|last=Santiago|first=Andres|date=May 3, 2013|access-date=May 3, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627034132/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/77312/wwe-nxt-spoilers-from-winter-park-fl-john-cena-and-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The Wyatt Family went on to feud with [[Corey Graves]] and [[Chris Hero|Kassius Ohno]], with Wyatt defeating Graves on the May 22 episode of ''NXT'',<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/15 & 5/22: El Generico debuts, O'Brian beats two NXT releases in same match, Bray Wyatt debuts mask, Natalya vs. Rae, more developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70618.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 3, 2013|archive-date=July 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714165849/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_70618.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and the next week Wyatt eliminated both Graves and Ohno during an 18-man [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to determine the number one contender to the NXT Championship, although he was later eliminated by Adrian Neville.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77899/wwe-nxt-report-number-one-contender-battle-royal-big-announcement-from-stephanie-mcmahon-and-more.html?p=1|title=WWE NXT report: number one contender battle royal; big announcement from Stephanie McMahon; and more|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|date=May 29, 2013|access-date=June 1, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053534/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/77899/wwe-nxt-report-number-one-contender-battle-royal-big-announcement-from-stephanie-mcmahon-and-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 19 episode of ''NXT'', the Wyatt Family defeated the team of Graves, Neville and Ohno.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 6/19: Wyatts vs. Ohno & Graves & Neville six-man tag, Summer Rae wins tourney match, El Generico, Xavier Woods, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71408.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 26, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060340/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71408.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the following episode of ''NXT'', the Wyatt Family, together with [[Kris Kristofferson#Personal life|Garrett Dylan]] and [[Scott Dawson (wrestler)|Scott Dawson]], attacked Graves, Neville and Ohno; when [[William Regal]] tried to make the save, he was also overwhelmed, and this led to the Wyatt Family facing Graves, Neville and Regal in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Multiple man teamed matches|six-man tag team match]] the next week on ''NXT'', where Wyatt pinned Regal for the win.<ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 7/10: Wyatts vs. Team Regal six-man main event, NXT Women's Title tourney continues, Generico (Zayn), Mason Ryan, set-up for Charlotte's debut|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71861.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 14, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110457/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71861.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the July 17 episode of ''NXT'' (which was taped on June 20), Harper and Rowan lost the NXT Tag Team Championship to Neville and Graves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71434.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT spoilers for summer episodes – first NXT Women's champ, Flair, more, plus NXT TV in the U.S.?|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 21, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725115810/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71434.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=WWE NXT Results – 7/18/13 (Neville/Graves vs. Wyatt Family)|date=19 July 2013|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/42721-wwe-nxt-results-7-18-13-neville-graves-vs-wyatt-family|access-date=August 8, 2013|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802134645/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/42721-wwe-nxt-results-7-18-13-neville-graves-vs-wyatt-family/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Various feuds and championship pursuits (2013–2014) === |
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[[File:The Wyatt Family WM30 entrance.jpg|thumb|300px|The group's signature entrance]] |
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From the May 27 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', WWE aired [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vignette|vignettes]] promoting the upcoming debut of the Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70887.shtml|title=RAW NEWS: HBK & Hart cameos, Axel beats top star, Wyatt Family intro, Punk's return, Hunter status, two title matches, World Title, Kidd returns with new look post-Raw, more|date=May 27, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=May 28, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110250/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70887.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The vignettes showed the Wyatt Family's [[Wiktionary:backwoods#Noun|backwoods]] origins and Rowan wearing a sheep mask.<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Raw Five-Point Preview: July 8, 2013: All in the family|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-07-08/five-point-preview-26128840/page-6|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=July 9, 2013|archive-date=July 10, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710203158/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-07-08/five-point-preview-26128840/page-6|quote=Theories and speculation have abounded as to what the backwoods madman Bray Wyatt's mission is and where his family fits into the equation}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=James|first=Justin|title=James's WWE NXT report 7/3 – WEEK 53: Bo Dallas defends NXT Title, Women's Tourney continues, Mason Ryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71725.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 9, 2013|archive-date=March 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322031324/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_71725.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the July 8 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family made their debut by assaulting [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=RAW NEWS: Vickie "fired" as Raw authority figure & replacement named, Wyatts debut, final MITB PPV hype, RVD, Lesnar, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71812.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 9, 2013|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426181208/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71812.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wyatt Family continued their attacks on wrestlers like [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]], [[Justin Gabriel]] and 3MB ([[Drew Galloway|Drew McIntyre]], [[Heath Slater]] and [[Jinder Mahal]]), while sending cryptic messages to Kane telling him to "follow the buzzards".<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 7/15 (Hour 2): The Wyatts Week 2, Rhodes Scholars explode|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml|access-date=2013-08-23|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172934/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71983.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Main Event results 7/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Wyatts finding more victims, Fandango vs. Christian, Divas tag match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_72042.shtml|access-date=2013-08-23|archive-date=2013-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809155838/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_72042.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Following another assault,<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE RAW results 7/29 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Ryback tables main event, Bryan vs. Kanertyyftffjgul76£;5980, Wyatts, McMahons to give Bryan a "corporate make-over?"|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72346.shtml|access-date=2013-08-30|archive-date=2013-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808193444/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72346.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Kane challenged Wyatt to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Inferno match|Ring of Fire match]] at [[SummerSlam (2013)|SummerSlam]], which he accepted.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE RAW results 8/5 (Hour 2): Cena responds to Bryan, Shield appears, Punk vs. Axel match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72508.shtml|access-date=2013-08-23|archive-date=2013-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809183155/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72508.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 18 at SummerSlam, Wyatt defeated Kane following interference from Harper and Rowan, after which Harper and Rowan attacked Kane again and ended the segment by carrying him away.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE SSLAM PPV results 8/18 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – World Title match, Ring of Fire match, clean-shaven Rhodes vs. Sandow, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72777.shtml|access-date=2013-08-23|archive-date=2019-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513182453/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72777.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Battleground (2013)|Battleground]] on October 6, Wyatt's momentum continued with a win over [[Kofi Kingston]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Battle may be over but WWE Battleground still leaves unresolved issues|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/06/21176466.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=November 14, 2013|archive-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011071830/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/06/21176466.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over the next few months, Rowan and Harper competed as a [[tag team]] and went on a winning streak over many teams<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73067.shtml|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 8/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Big Show and Dolph Ziggler on Miz TV|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=August 30, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112739/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73067.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73491.shtml|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 9/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including a gauntlet match involving The Shield and a host of babyfaces|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201716/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73491.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73531.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 9/23 (Hour 1): Triple H & Stephanie start the show, World champ in action|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 23, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041415/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73531.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> until the October 11 episode of ''SmackDown'', when Harper and Rowan suffered their first loss against [[Cody Rhodes]] [[Cody Rhodes and Goldust|and]] [[Goldust]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Smackdown!: The Rhodes boys upset the Wyatt Family|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/11/21191241.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=November 14, 2013|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724210648/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/11/21191241.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The Wyatt Family's next feud began when they attacked [[CM Punk]] and [[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]], in late October.<ref>{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Raw: Fallout from Hell in the Cell is very intriguing|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21229336.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131030095856/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21229336.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 30, 2013|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=November 14, 2013}}</ref> The feud saw Harper lose his first [[Professional wrestling match types#Singles match|singles match]] to Punk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nick|first=Tylwalk|title=Raw: Big Show gets what he wants, and also more than he bargained for|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/11/05/21245186.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=November 14, 2013|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310041444/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/11/05/21245186.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2013)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, Harper and Rowan lost a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|tag team match]] against Bryan and Punk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE S. Series PPV results 11/24 (Hour 3): Orton vs. Big Show main event, Bryan & Punk, PPV-closing face-off|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 27, 2013|archive-date=November 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128003751/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wyatt Family then defeated Bryan in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|3-on-1 handicap match]] at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2013)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 15,<ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=TLC: Randy Orton crowned new WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=December 18, 2013|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131216050230/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> with Wyatt attempting to recruit Bryan in the previous weeks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|title=Tucker on Raw 12/2: DVR Guide & Instant Reaction to TLC main event hype & meaningless segments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_74900.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=December 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210192650/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_74900.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the final ''Raw'' of 2013, Bryan defeated Harper and then Rowan in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|gauntlet match]] that would lead to Bryan facing Wyatt, whereupon Harper and Rowan interfered to cause a [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]] and began beating Bryan down until a frustrated Bryan finally gave up and joined the Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 12/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live 2013 finale – Bryan gives up and gives in, Brock Lesnar returns, Shield shows cracks, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75386.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103033929/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75386.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> However, two weeks later, Bryan attacked the other members of the Wyatt Family and broke free of the group.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Big show-closing angle involving Daniel Bryan, Hall of Fame, Rumble hype, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75656.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 14, 2014|archive-date=January 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115082550/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75656.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2014)|Royal Rumble]] on January 26, Wyatt defeated Bryan to end their feud<ref name=SLAMRR14>{{cite web|title=Upset fans overshadow Batista's big win at uneven 2014 Royal Rumble|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/27/21426481.html|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=January 28, 2014|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825073817/https://canoe.com/category/sports/|url-status=dead}}</ref> while both Harper and Rowan entered the [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Murphy|first1=Ryan|last2=Linder|first2=Zach|title=Full list of Royal Rumble Match participants and eliminations|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2014/royal-rumble-match-26171285/page-4|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 27, 2014|archive-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819154558/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2014/royal-rumble-match-26171285/page-4|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the January 27 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family attacked [[John Cena]], Bryan, and [[Sheamus]] during an [[Elimination Chamber]] qualifying match against [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]], thus awarding Cena's team win by disqualification victory over [[The Shield]] and the Elimination Chamber match slots.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/28/21429231.html|title=Raw: The Yes Movement keeps rolling in Cleveland|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=February 25, 2014|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724080742/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/28/21429231.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Shield were seeking revenge, so a six-man tag match was set up between the Shield and the Wyatt Family at the [[Elimination Chamber (2014)|Elimination Chamber event]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Smackdown!: The Shield puts the Wyatt Family on notice|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/31/21439376.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=February 25, 2014|archive-date=February 25, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140225085449/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/31/21439376.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> which the Wyatt Family won after [[Dean Ambrose]] had disappeared into the live audience during the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clapp|first=John|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2014/the-shield-vs-the-wyatt-family|title=the Wyatt Family def. The Shield|website=wwe.com|date=February 23, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2016|archive-date=June 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602095523/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2014/the-shield-vs-the-wyatt-family|url-status=live}}</ref> On the March 3 episode of ''Raw'', the Shield were given a rematch against the Wyatt Family, but lost again when The Shield's poor teamwork led to [[Seth Rollins]], leaving the ring during the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Bryan vs. Batista, WM30 hype, new Tag Champs, C.M. Punk from start to finish, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76765.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170736/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76765.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 8 episode of ''[[WWE Main Event|Main Event]]'', the Wyatt Family was defeated by The Shield in another six-man tag team match to end the feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/09/21593101.html|title=Main Event: Wyatts and Shield complete a trilogy|last=Howell|first=Nolan|date=April 9, 2014|access-date=May 17, 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130005/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/09/21593101.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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[[File:The Wyatt Family in April 2014.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Wyatt alongside [[Luke Harper and Erick Rowan|Harper and Rowan]] in April 2014]] |
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Between January and February, the Wyatt Family also cost [[John Cena]] his [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]] matches against [[Randy Orton]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75918.shtml|title=WWE Royal Rumble PPV results 1/26 (Hour 2): Orton vs. Cena WWE Title match with significant run-in|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 26, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305110144/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75918.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At Elimination Chamber on February 23, the Wyatt Family's interference caused Cena to be eliminated from the Elimination Chamber match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_76568.shtml|title=WWE E. Chamber PPV Results 2/23 (Hour 3): Elimination Chamber WWE Title main event|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 23, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014335/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_76568.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> After Elimination Chamber, Wyatt turned his attention fully to feud with Cena, with Wyatt wanting to prove that Cena's heroic act was a facade characteristic of "this era of lies", while also trying to turn Cena into a "monster".<ref>{{cite web|title=John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/john-cena-bray-wyatt-26191422|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=April 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314144145/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/30/john-cena-bray-wyatt-26191422|archive-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Guillot|first=Gene|title=John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt centers on Cena's legacy|url=http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2014/04/john_cena_vs_bray_wyatt_center.html|newspaper=The Times-Picayune|access-date=April 5, 2014|archive-date=September 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920002906/http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2014/04/john_cena_vs_bray_wyatt_center.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Wyatt went on to accept Cena's challenge for a [[WrestleMania]] match,<ref name=March10Raw>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 3/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Bryan "hi-jacks" Raw, Taker & Hogan back on TV, Cena vs. Wyatts feud continues|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76923.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 3, 2014|archive-date=June 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629043112/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76923.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> with Cena successfully resisting the urge to become a "monster" and overcoming interference from Harper and Rowan to defeat Wyatt at [[WrestleMania XXX]] April 6, thus marking Wyatt's first [[Professional wrestling#Pinfall|pinfall]] loss on WWE's main roster.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WrestleMania 30 PPV results (Hour 2): Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena vs. Bray, big moment for Cesaro in the Andre Battle Royal, Shield vs. Outlaws|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_77520.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 10, 2014|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101740/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_77520.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud continued after WrestleMania XXX based on the story that Wyatt was capturing Cena's fanbase, which was exemplified by Wyatt leading a children's [[choir]] to the ring on the April 28 episode of ''Raw'', with the children later putting on sheep masks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw result 4/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – final PPV hype, Bryan returns from injury, Flair, Tag Title match, Tourney Finals, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78047.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 6, 2014|archive-date=June 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629032240/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78047.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2014)|Extreme Rules]] on May 4, Wyatt defeated Cena in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel cages|steel cage match]] after repeated interference from the rest of the Wyatt Family, as well as a child who had distracted Cena.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV results 5/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Bryan vs. Kane, Evolution vs. Shield, Cena vs. Wyatt steel cage match.|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_78185.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506113832/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_78185.shtml|archive-date=May 6, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cena's feud with Wyatt continued with a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] being set up for [[Payback (2014)|Payback]] on June 1, which Cena won to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Asher|first1=Matthew|title=WWE Payback: The Shield Evolved, Cena stood tall and Brie dropped a bombshell|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html|website=slam.canoe.ca|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=June 2, 2014|archive-date=June 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626181759/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On the June 2 episode of ''Raw'', Harper and Rowan took on then [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[The Usos]] in a tag team match; Wyatt did not appear during the match, but his rocking chair still sat beside the ring, and Harper and Rowan went on to win the match, which made them number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-usos-vs-luke-harper-erick-rowan-raw-june-2-2014-26363906|title=The Usos vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan: Raw, June 2, 2014|work=WWE|access-date=July 24, 2015|archive-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801200605/http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-usos-vs-luke-harper-erick-rowan-raw-june-2-2014-26363906|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 13 episode of ''SmackDown'', due to a distraction by Seth Rollins, Wyatt went on to win his match against Dean Ambrose to qualify for the first [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] contested for the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vacant|vacant]] WWE World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/48998-wwe-smackdown-results-6-13-14-wyatt-vs-ambrose|title=WWE Smackdown Results - 6/13/14 (Wyatt vs. Ambrose)|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|website=wrestleview.com|date=June 14, 2014|access-date=June 15, 2014|archive-date=June 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618171815/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/48998-wwe-smackdown-results-6-13-14-wyatt-vs-ambrose|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[Money in the Bank (2014)|2014 Money in the Bank event]] on June 29, all three members of the Wyatt Family failed to win championships in their respective matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79316.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV results 6/29: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title ladder match, MITB match, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 29, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220744/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79316.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wyatt Family also lost at [[Battleground (2014)|Battleground]] on July 20, as The Usos successfully defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against Harper and Rowan.<ref name="Battleground2014">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79701.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Battleground PPV report 7/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Cena defends WWE Title, IC Title battle royal, Usos vs. Wyatts Tag Title match, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 20, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192125/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79701.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 30 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family interrupted [[Chris Jericho]]'s return and began to beat him down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79338.shtml#.U7ImIEAVGSo|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of the Big Reset Raw post-Money in the Bank|author=Caldwell, James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 30, 2014|access-date=April 15, 2016|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714230712/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_79338.shtml#.U7ImIEAVGSo|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to a singles match between Wyatt and Jericho at Battleground which Wyatt lost.<ref name="Battleground2014"/> However, Wyatt defeated Jericho at [[SummerSlam (2014)|SummerSlam]] on August 17, despite Harper and Rowan being banned from ringside.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell'S WWE Summerslam PPV Report 8/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Cena vs. Lesnar|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=August 17, 2014|access-date=August 18, 2014|archive-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105015838/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80257.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud with Jericho ended on the September 8 episode of ''Raw'', when Wyatt won a steel cage match by escaping the cage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80641.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Raw vs. NFL Week 1 – steel cage opener, Summerslam re-match, Jerry Springer, Cena-Heyman, more|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 8, 2014|access-date=September 8, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082634/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_80641.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Harper and Rowan's liberation (2014–2015) === |
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On September 29, vignettes began to air of Wyatt announcing he was setting Harper and Rowan "free".<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw News: Hell in a Cell, two items next week on Raw, Hogan & Heyman return to TV, IC Title match result, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_80968.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111509/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_80968.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=WWE Smackdown TV report - Cena & Ambrose vs. Orton & Kane|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/39242-wwe-smackdown-tv-report-cena-a-ambrose-vs-orton-a-kane|magazine=Wrestling Observer|access-date=4 October 2014}}</ref> All three members of the Wyatt Family returned to television on their own and apart from each other: Wyatt returned at [[Hell in a Cell (2014)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 26, attacking [[Dean Ambrose]];<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hooton|first1=Christopher|title=WWE Hell In A Cell 2014 results: Bray Wyatt returns as hologram to help Seth Rollins defeat Dean Ambrose|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2014-results-bray-wyatt-returns-in-hologram-to-help-seth-rollins-defeat-dean-ambrose-9820031.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2014-results-bray-wyatt-returns-in-hologram-to-help-seth-rollins-defeat-dean-ambrose-9820031.html |archive-date=2022-05-07 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|website=[[The Independent]]|date=28 October 2014|access-date=11 November 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Rowan returned on the October 31 episode of ''SmackDown'';<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown report 10/31: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Halloween episode, including Divas Costume Battle Royal, Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro in Trick-or-Street Fight|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_81577.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617085005/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_81577.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and Harper returned on the November 10 episode of ''Raw'', aligning himself with [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|The Authority]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 11/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of U.K. Raw - Cena vs. Ryback, Survivor Series teams formed, U.S. Title re-match, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_81724.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=28 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428101156/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_81724.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 17 episode of ''Raw'', Rowan joined Team Cena for [[Survivor Series (2014)|Survivor Series]], thus opposing Harper's team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89644&p=2|title=WWE RAW REPORT: TEAM CENA IS FINALIZED; INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH; BRIE HAS A NEW LOOK; A ROCKY NIGHT FOR HALF OF SLATER-GATOR|author=Trionfo, Richard|website=PWInsider.com|date=November 17, 2014|access-date=December 10, 2014|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812103039/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89644&p=2|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The next few weeks saw Ambrose and Wyatt taunting and attacking each other in both backstage and in-ring segments, with Wyatt claiming that he could "fix" Ambrose, the way he "fixed" Harper and Rowan, leading to a match at Survivor Series, where<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-11-17/wwe-raw-results-26826876/page-4|title=WWE Raw live results: November 17, 2014|author=Benigno, Anthony|date=November 17, 2014|access-date=November 17, 2014|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=November 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121111253/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-11-17/wwe-raw-results-26826876/page-4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-smackdown-results-dean-ambrose-bounces-back-after-attack-from-bray-wyatt-9832885.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-smackdown-results-dean-ambrose-bounces-back-after-attack-from-bray-wyatt-9832885.html |archive-date=2022-05-07 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=WWE Smackdown results: Dean Ambrose bounces back after attack from Bray Wyatt|work=[[The Independent]]|author=Rehal, Sumit|date=November 1, 2014|access-date=November 17, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Wyatt won the match by disqualification after Ambrose hit him with a chair, before burying him under a table, a ladder and steel chairs.<ref name="SurvivorSeries"/> At Survivor Series on November 23, Harper was one of the last men eliminated in Team Authority's loss against Rowan and Team Cena.<ref name="SurvivorSeries">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/11/24/22091341.html|title=WWE Survivor Series: The Authority feels the Sting of defeat|date=November 24, 2014|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=November 24, 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=June 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627065019/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/11/24/22091341.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> As punishment for his affiliation with The Authority, Harper was forced to put his [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] on the line against Ambrose the following night on ''Raw'' and successfully retained the title after getting himself disqualified, after which Wyatt ambushed Ambrose, who was looking for weapons to attack Harper with.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/24/22093646.html|title=Raw: A post-Authority world begins in Indianapolis|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|date=November 24, 2014|access-date=November 25, 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305072600/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/24/22093646.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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On the December 8 episode of ''Raw'', Harper and Rowan faced each other in singles competition, with Harper ultimately getting himself disqualified.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/1208/587531/wwe-monday-night-raw-results/|title=WWE Monday Night RAW Results: Slammys, Cena, Harper Vs. Rowan, Rollins Vs. Ziggler|last=Middleton|first=Marc|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724024617/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2014/1208/587531/wwe-monday-night-raw-results/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 5, 2015, episode of ''Raw'', The Authority punished Rowan by putting him in a singles match against Harper, with Harper picking up the win after a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|discus]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|clothesline]] and the help of J&J Security ([[Jamie Noble]] and [[Joey Mercury]]), who were the [[Referee (professional wrestling)#Special referees|special guest referees]] for the match.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/erick-rowan-vs-luke-harper-raw-january-5-2015-26987254|title=Erick Rowan vs. Luke Harper: Raw, January 5, 2015|work=WWE.com}}</ref> On the January 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Harper and Rowan once again competed against each other, this time in a [[Royal Rumble (2015)|2015 Royal Rumble]] qualifying match, with Harper winning and thus not allowing Rowan to participate in the Royal Rumble match.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/erick-rowan-vs-luke-harper-royal-rumble-qualifying-match-for-erick-rowan-smackdo-27034991|title=Erick Rowan vs. Luke Harper - Royal Rumble Qualifying Match for Erick Rowan: SmackDown, January 22, 2015|work=WWE.com}}</ref> Despite this, Rowan appeared during the Royal Rumble match on January 25, ambushing the number six entrant [[Curtis Axel]], to attack Harper and subsequently sparking a brief Wyatt Family reunion, along with Bray Wyatt, before all three men began to brawl.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0127/588947/stats-and-facts-from-the-2015-royal-rumble/|title=2015 WWE Royal Rumble: Bray Wyatt Stands Out, Lesnar's Streak, ECW, Bubba's Debut, More|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|date=January 27, 2015|access-date=January 28, 2015|archive-date=January 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130013907/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0127/588947/stats-and-facts-from-the-2015-royal-rumble/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the May 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rowan would come out after Harper defeated [[Fandango (wrestler)|Fandango]], seemingly to confront Harper, but would instead attack Fandango and thus turning into a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0509/594121/erick-rowan-and-luke-harper-teaser-for-raw/|title=Erick Rowan And Luke Harper Teaser For RAW, The Rock On His Latest Movie, WWE Tag Team Miscues|last=Middleton|first=Marc|date=May 9, 2015|access-date=May 10, 2015|archive-date=August 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825073910/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1029198/bayley-names-childhood-hero-she-wants-wwe-match-against/?ajax=1|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Harper and Rowan would officially reunite when Harper accompanied Rowan to his match against Fandango which Rowan won after 30 seconds and the two proceeded to double team Fandango after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84927.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/11: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - final Payback PPV hype, Cena-Rusev confrontation, Triple H & Bryan returning, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=May 10, 2015|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428155956/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84927.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 18 episode of ''Raw'', Harper and Rowan teamed up to take on Fandango and [[Zack Ryder]], which Rowan and Harper won after a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Superkick|superkick]] and [[Professional wrestling throws#Full nelson slam|full nelson slam]] combination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailywrestlingnews.com/fandango-zack-ryder-vs-luke-harper-erick-rowan-raw-may-18-2015/|title=Fandango & Zack Ryder vs. Luke Harper & Erick Rowan: Raw, May 18, 2015|work=Daily Wrestling News|last=Krites|first=Bob|date=May 18, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2015|archive-date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611012806/http://dailywrestlingnews.com/fandango-zack-ryder-vs-luke-harper-erick-rowan-raw-may-18-2015/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 21 episode of ''Main Event'', Harper and Rowan defeated Fandango and Ryder in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0521/594511/wwe-main-event-results/|title=WWE Main Event Results (5/21): New Day Vs. PTP, Harper & Rowan In Action, Jack Swagger Vs. Dallas|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|date=May 21, 2015|access-date=May 22, 2015|archive-date=May 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525013020/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0521/594511/wwe-main-event-results/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', Harper and Rowan cut a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promo]] about being ostracized and stated they were a family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/54717-wwe-smackdown-results-6-4-15-reigns-vs-sheamus/|title=WWE SmackDown Results - 6/4/15 (Reigns vs. Sheamus)|website=wrestleview.com|last=Holland|first=Dustin|date=June 4, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2015|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918021542/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/54717-wwe-smackdown-results-6-4-15-reigns-vs-sheamus/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/luke-harper-and-erick-rowan-serves-notice-that-its-time-for-everyone-to-pay-for-27465143|title=Luke Harper and Erick Rowan serves notice that it's time for everyone to pay for their sins: SmackDown, June 4, 2015|work=WWE.com}}</ref> |
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On the June 5 episode of ''[[WWE Superstars|Superstars]]'', Harper and Rowan defeated [[Primo & Epico|Los Matadores]] in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0606/596019/wwe-superstars-results/|title=WWE Superstars Results (6/5): Lucha Dragons Vs. Ascension, Harper & Rowan In Action, More|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|date=June 6, 2015|access-date=June 7, 2015|archive-date=June 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608002723/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0606/596019/wwe-superstars-results/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 8 episode of ''Raw'', Harper and Rowan defeated Los Matadores in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54750-wwe-raw-results-6-8-15-live-results-from-new-orleans|title=WWE Raw Results - 6/8/15 (Rollins takes on J&J Security)|website=wrestleview.com|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|date=June 8, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2015|archive-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221030240/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54750-wwe-raw-results-6-8-15-live-results-from-new-orleans/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 19 episode of ''Superstars'', Harper and Rowan defeated Los Matadores and [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] in a triple threat tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0619/596430/wwe-superstars-results/|title=WWE Superstars Results (6/19): Triple Threat Tag Team Main Event, Cesaro Uses Sharpshooter|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|date=June 9, 2015|access-date=June 20, 2015|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621124059/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0619/596430/wwe-superstars-results/|url-status=live}}</ref> During a match at a [[house show|live event]], Rowan got injured, with reports saying he would be out of action for 4–6 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/591497-big-update-erick-rowan-injury-more-serious-than-previously-thought-how-much-time-is-he-expected-to-miss|title=WWE Big Update: Erick Rowan Injury More Serious Than Previously Thought; Out of Action 4-6 Months|last=Killam|first=Mike|work=Wrestlezone|date=June 26, 2015|access-date=June 27, 2015|archive-date=June 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628215206/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/591497-big-update-erick-rowan-injury-more-serious-than-previously-thought-how-much-time-is-he-expected-to-miss|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 23 episode of ''Main Event'', Harper returned to singles competition when he defeated [[Antonio Cesaro|Cesaro]], but not before cutting a promo where he said losing his tag team partner has only made him more dangerous.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0627/596716/wwe-main-event-results/|title=WWE Main Event Results (6/27): Cesaro Vs. Luke Harper, R-Truth, Neville, Meta Powers All In Action|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|date=June 27, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2015|archive-date=June 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630220943/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2015/0627/596716/wwe-main-event-results/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlenewz.com/wwe-news/main-event-superstars-627-results-cesaro-vs-luke-harper-meta-powers/|title=Main Event & Superstars (6/27) Results: Cesaro Vs. Luke Harper, Meta Powers|last=Lisnow|first=Joe|work=Wrestle Newz|date=June 28, 2015|access-date=June 29, 2015|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701103025/http://www.wrestlenewz.com/wwe-news/main-event-superstars-627-results-cesaro-vs-luke-harper-meta-powers/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Resurgence of the Family (2015–2016) === |
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[[File:Braun Strowman.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Braun Strowman]] was a member of the Wyatt Family from August 2015 to July 2016.]] |
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At [[Battleground (2015)|Battleground]] on July 19, Harper interfered during Wyatt's match against [[Roman Reigns]], helping him defeat Reigns and signaling the return of the stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/599599-wwe-battleground-result-bray-wyatt-vs-roman-reigns|title=WWE Battleground Result: Bray Wyatt vs Roman Reigns|last=Paglino|first=Nick|work=Wrestlezone|date=July 19, 2015|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-date=July 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722031053/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/599599-wwe-battleground-result-bray-wyatt-vs-roman-reigns|url-status=live}}</ref> During a post-Battleground interview, Wyatt stated: "To the world, say your prayers, lock your doors, the family has returned".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/roman-reigns-bray-wyatt-27511288|title=Bray Wyatt def. Roman Reigns|last=Artus|first=Matthew|work=WWE|date=July 19, 2015|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222726/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2015/roman-reigns-bray-wyatt-27511288|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to a tag team match between Wyatt and Harper against Reigns and Ambrose at [[SummerSlam (2015)|SummerSlam]] on August 23, which the Wyatt Family lost after Reigns pinned Wyatt.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S SUMMERSLAM REPORT 8/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Taker, Title vs. Title, more matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=23 August 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126220647/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87122.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Wyatt and Harper fought Reigns and Ambrose in a SummerSlam rematch during which [[Braun Strowman]] made his WWE debut, joining the Wyatt Family and helping Harper and Wyatt attack Reigns and Ambrose.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Namako|first1=Jason|title=WWE RAW Results - 8/24/15 (Dudleys, Sting return)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/55897-wwe-raw-results-8-24-15-live-results-from-brooklyn|website=wrestleview.com|date=25 August 2015|access-date=25 August 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043637/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/55897-wwe-raw-results-8-24-15-live-results-from-brooklyn|url-status=live}}</ref> This led to a six-man tag team match at [[Night of Champions (2015)|Night of Champions]] on September 20 between the Wyatts and Reigns, Ambrose and a partner of their choosing, revealed to be [[Chris Jericho]], which the Wyatt Family won.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87597.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Night of Champions PPV Report 9/20|date=September 20, 2015|access-date=September 25, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410215614/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_87597.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Rowan made his return to the ring on the October 19 episode of ''Raw'', when he filled in for Harper (who was unable to show for personal reasons), against Reigns, Ambrose and Rollins which his team won after Rollins faked an injury and walked out on the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/?p=883|title=Raw News – Stone Cold & big names appear, Orton pulled, Wyatt return, no Kane, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=October 19, 2015|access-date=October 20, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061419/http://www.pwtorch.com/?p=883|url-status=live}}</ref> Wyatt's feud with Reigns culminated in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match which Wyatt lost.<ref name="Martin">{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles|title=WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results|date=October 25, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2015|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=October 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028232017/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2015/56660-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-25-15-live-from-los-angeles|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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{{quote box|quote="[...] when we set out and finally got the call up [from NXT to the main roster]... We were so different that I don't think the company knew even how to use us... we were so different in the promos, so different in the way we looked and how we moved... And they still don't know how to use what we are".|source=<small>Windham Rotunda ([[Bray Wyatt]]) speaking on a podcast before [[WrestleMania 32]] on WWE's storylines for the Wyatt Family<ref>{{cite web|title=Bray Wyatt - Harper Injury, Wrestlemania Placement, Treatment, etc - Sam Roberts|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsWzMJrQ1ro|access-date=7 April 2016|publisher=Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast|website=[[YouTube]].com| date=3 April 2016 |quote=from 2:50 to 4:10 minutes|archive-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404221025/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsWzMJrQ1ro&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SRW Wrestlemania 32 Pre Show - Bray Wyatt|url=http://podbay.fm/show/934576040/e/1459667849?autostart=1|access-date=7 April 2016|publisher=Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast|website=podbay.fm|quote=from 18:35 to 19:50 minutes|archive-date=11 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411070320/http://podbay.fm/show/934576040/e/1459667849?autostart=1|url-status=live}}</ref></small>|align=right|width=30%}} |
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Also at [[Hell in a Cell (2015)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 25, the Wyatt Family would later attack [[The Undertaker]] and carry him backstage, reigniting their feud.<ref name="Martin"/> The next night on ''Raw'', Wyatt was confronted by former rival [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], who was attacked by the Wyatts and also carried backstage.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56669-wwe-raw-results-10-26-15-live-results-from-san-dieg|title=WWE RAW Results - 10/26/15|date=October 26, 2015|access-date=October 26, 2015|publisher=Wrestleview|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024603/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/56669-wwe-raw-results-10-26-15-live-results-from-san-dieg|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 9 episode of ''Raw'', after Bray Wyatt claimed to "have taken their souls", [[The Brothers of Destruction]] returned and attacked the Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-undertaker-and-demon-kane-reemerge-to-unleash-hell-upon-the-wyatt-family-raw-28190849|title=The Undertaker and Demon Kane Return!|date=November 9, 2015|access-date=November 10, 2015|publisher=WWE.com|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112020148/http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-undertaker-and-demon-kane-reemerge-to-unleash-hell-upon-the-wyatt-family-raw-28190849|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2015)|Survivor Series]] on November 22, Wyatt and Harper lost to The Brothers of Destruction in a tag team match after The Undertaker pinned Harper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/undertaker-kane-wyatt-family-28201139|title=WWE Survivor Series 2015 Results: The Brothers of Destruction defeated the Wyatt Family|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=November 23, 2015|archive-date=June 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609001401/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/undertaker-kane-wyatt-family-28201139|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2015)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 13, the Wyatt Family defeated [[The ECW Originals|Team ECW]] in an [[Professional wrestling match types#Elimination Tag Team match|eight-man tag team elimination]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Tables match|tables match]].<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2015 results|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2015/wwe-tlc-2015-results-28352302|website=WWE.com|access-date=14 December 2015|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010110027/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2015/wwe-tlc-2015-results-28352302|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:The Wyatt Family confronts The Rock at WrestleMania 32.jpg|thumb|250px|The Wyatt Family confronts [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] at [[WrestleMania 32]].]] |
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All four members of the Wyatt Family entered the [[Royal Rumble (2016)|2016 Royal Rumble match]] on January 24 which was the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line and the group cumulatively eliminated seven wrestlers, including [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=1/24 WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live PPV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/caldwell2016rumblereport/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=30 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130064227/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/caldwell2016rumblereport/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wyatt was scheduled to face Lesnar at [[Roadblock (March 2016)|Roadblock]] on March 12, but Wyatt revealed that he would be facing Lesnar alongside Harper in a two-on-one handicap match, which they lost with Wyatt never returning to the ring.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=3/12 WWE Roadblock Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/12/march12roadblockresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 12, 2016|archive-date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504061037/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/03/12/march12roadblockresults/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported that Wyatt was likely replaced in the match due to a serious back injury that he was legitimately suffering from.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paglino|first=Nick|title=Backstage Update on Bray Wyatt's Injury Status, How Long He's Expected to Be Out of Action and Post-WrestleMania Plans|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/686189-backstage-update-on-bray-wyatts-injury-status-how-long-hes-expected-to-be-out-and-post-wrestlemania-plans|publisher=Wrestlezone|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=April 15, 2016|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414215303/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/686189-backstage-update-on-bray-wyatts-injury-status-how-long-hes-expected-to-be-out-and-post-wrestlemania-plans|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 21, Harper suffered a knee injury during a ''Raw'' [[Professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark match]] and it was reported that the injury would sideline him for five to six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/100820/luke-harper-update.html?p=1|title=Luke Harper update|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=March 25, 2016|access-date=March 26, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=October 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009062109/http://pwinsider.com/article/100820/luke-harper-update.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref> After getting an [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], it was revealed that he had dislocated his [[patella]] and tore his [[medial patellofemoral ligament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryC2W3KM10Y|title=How to Rehab An ACL Injury: The Profile of Jon Huber (aka Luke Harper)|date=May 17, 2016|access-date=May 18, 2016|work=QwalityTV|publisher=[[YouTube]]|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312001843/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryC2W3KM10Y|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wyatt Family appeared at [[WrestleMania 32]] on April 3, where they confronted [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], who defeated Rowan in an impromptu match in 6 seconds and the Wyatts were then fended off by the returning John Cena and The Rock.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/3 WrestleMania 32 PPV Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Live Report on Main PPV|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 3, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404040347/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/03/wm32liveresults/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the April 4 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family started a brief feud with [[The League of Nations (professional wrestling)|The League of Nations]] by attacking the villainous faction.<ref name=league>{{cite web|title=Del Rio says League of Nations will be ending soon, Bray's injury sealed future|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/24/alberto-del-rio-league-of-nations-will-be-ending-soon-says-bray-wyatts-injury-sealed-future/|website=PWTorch.com|date=25 April 2016|access-date=26 April 2016|archive-date=27 April 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160427005444/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/24/alberto-del-rio-league-of-nations-will-be-ending-soon-says-bray-wyatts-injury-sealed-future/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 11 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family confronted and scared off the League of Nations when they were about to attack Roman Reigns, with whom Wyatt tagged with to defeat League of Nations members Sheamus and [[Alberto Del Rio]].<ref name=league/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=4/11 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/11/april11rawresults/|website=PWTorch.com|date=12 April 2016|access-date=26 April 2016|archive-date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425023900/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/11/april11rawresults/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 13 during a singles match against Reigns at a [[House show|live event]] in Italy, Wyatt suffered an injury to his right calf and was thus pulled off WWE's European tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Update – Bray Wyatt injured on WWE's European Tour|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/13/possible-bray-wyatt-injury-situation-european-tour/|website=PWTorch.com|date=13 April 2016|access-date=26 April 2016|archive-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417185919/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/13/possible-bray-wyatt-injury-situation-european-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref> His injury resulted in the abrupt suspension of the feud and the breakup of The League of Nations.<ref name=league/> Although all four members appeared on the [[Payback (2016)|Payback]] poster, none of the members had a match at the event.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=5/1 WWE Payback Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/01/payback2016results/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603032153/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/01/payback2016results/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the June 20 episode of ''Raw'', the Wyatt Family (without Harper) returned for the first time since April and were confronted by then WWE Tag Team Champions [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]], thus starting a feud between the two teams.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=6/20 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/20/june20rawresultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-date=July 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702112224/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/20/june20rawresultsfinal/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the July 11 episode of ''Raw'', The New Day went to the Wyatt Family's compound where the two factions brawled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-the-final-deletion-the-new-day-the-wyatt-family-071116|title=The New Day and the Wyatt family made their own version of 'The Final Deletion'|first1=foxsports|last1=Jul 11|first2=2016 at 10:13p|last2=ET|date=11 July 2016|website=FOX Sports|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012075900/http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-the-final-deletion-the-new-day-the-wyatt-family-071116|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/the-new-day-and-the-wyatts-brawl-at-the-wyatt-family-compound-raw-july-11-2016|title=Watch: The New Day's frightening brawl at Wyatt Compound|via=www.wwe.com|access-date=2019-02-13|archive-date=2019-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423033016/https://www.wwe.com/videos/the-new-day-and-the-wyatts-brawl-at-the-wyatt-family-compound-raw-july-11-2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=7/11 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL'S Complete Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/11/711rawresultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 11, 2016|archive-date=July 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716120934/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/11/711rawresultsfinal/|url-status=live}}</ref> This would lead to a non-title six-man tag team match at [[Battleground (2016)|Battleground]] on July 24,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=The New Day vs. The Wyatt Family|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/the-new-day-the-wyatt-family|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 12, 2016|archive-date=July 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713163635/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebattleground/2016/the-new-day-the-wyatt-family|url-status=live}}</ref> which the Wyatt Family would win.<ref name="BG16">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=7/24 WWE Battleground Results – Caldwell's Complete Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/24/jcbattlegroundppvreport/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 24, 2016|access-date=July 24, 2016|archive-date=July 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727004908/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/24/jcbattlegroundppvreport/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Reunion and final separation (2016–2017) === |
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[[File:Shakedown 27 (31650327922).jpg|thumb|290px|The "New" Wyatt Family as [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown Tag Team Champions]]: (from left to right) Harper, Wyatt, and [[Randy Orton]] posing over [[Dean Ambrose]]]] |
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On July 19 at the [[2016 WWE draft]], Wyatt and Rowan were drafted to SmackDown while Strowman was drafted to Raw, separating him from the group.<ref name="2016WWEdraft">{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=July 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 16 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Wyatt walked away from Rowan after the latter lost his match against Dean Ambrose, leaving Rowan's sheep mask on Wyatt's rocking chair.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 8/16/16 (Live from Austin, John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio headlines, Miz TV)|date=16 August 2016|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/65839-wwe-smackdown-results-august-16-2016-live-austin-tx-ambrose-ziggler-miz-tv/|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-date=24 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824100026/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/65839-wwe-smackdown-results-august-16-2016-live-austin-tx-ambrose-ziggler-miz-tv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this, Rowan attacked [[Randy Orton]] on behalf of Wyatt on the September 13 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', continuing their alliance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=9/13 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/13/913-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 13, 2016|archive-date=September 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917024007/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/13/913-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 9, Harper returned at the close of the SmackDown brand's event [[No Mercy (2016)|No Mercy]] on October 9 in a match between Wyatt and Orton, whom Harper distracted to help Wyatt win the match, thus realigning himself with Wyatt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/09/kellers-wwe-no-mercy-ppv-report-109-ongoing-live-coverage-styles-vs-cena-vs-ambrose-miz-vs-ziggler-orton-vs-wyatt/|title=Keller's WWE No Mercy PPV report 10/9: Ongoing live coverage of Styles vs. Cena vs. Ambrose, Miz vs. Ziggler, Orton vs. Wyatt|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=October 9, 2016|access-date=October 10, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620171318/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/09/kellers-wwe-no-mercy-ppv-report-109-ongoing-live-coverage-styles-vs-cena-vs-ambrose-miz-vs-ziggler-orton-vs-wyatt/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to Harper's return, Rowan underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and would be out of action for four to six months.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dot Net Exclusive WWE News: Erick Rowan undergoes surgery|date=4 October 2016|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/10/04/dot-net-exclusive-wwe-news-erick-rowan-undergoing-surgery/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=7 October 2016|archive-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730023137/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/10/04/dot-net-exclusive-wwe-news-erick-rowan-undergoing-surgery/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the October 25 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton interfered on Wyatt's behalf in his match against Kane.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=10/25 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/25/1025-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=October 25, 2016|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026164323/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/25/1025-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 1 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Wyatt and Harper helped Orton win in his respective match against Kane, thus confirming his allegiance to the group.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 11/1/16 (Live from Newark, Daniel Bryan to announce teams for Survivor Series)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/69000-wwe-smackdown-results-11116-live-newark-daniel-bryan-announce-teams-survivor-series-ppv/|work=WrestleView|date=November 1, 2016|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105222607/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/69000-wwe-smackdown-results-11116-live-newark-daniel-bryan-announce-teams-survivor-series-ppv/|url-status=live}}</ref> At the 30th annual [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series]] on November 20, Wyatt and Orton were the sole survivors for Team SmackDown in the traditional [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Elimination tag team matches|5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match]] after Orton saved Wyatt from a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spear]] from Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series 2016 live review: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar, three Team Raw vs. Team Smackdown elimination matches, IC and WWE Cruiserweight Title matches|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/11/20/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-three-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-elimination-matches-ic-and-wwe-cruiserweight-title-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=20 November 2016|access-date=November 20, 2016|archive-date=12 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212132617/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/11/20/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar-three-team-raw-vs-team-smackdown-elimination-matches-ic-and-wwe-cruiserweight-title-matches/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 29 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Wyatt and Orton defeated [[American Alpha]] to become the number one contenders for the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|SmackDown Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|title=SmackDown Live: Nov. 29, 2016|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-11-29|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 30, 2016|archive-date=2016-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130150145/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-11-29|url-status=live}}</ref> They went on to challenge and defeat [[Heath Slater]] and [[Rhyno]] on December 4 at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2016)|TLC: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs]] for the tag team titles, Wyatt Family's first championship in WWE's main roster.<ref name="TLC2016">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE TLC 2016 live review: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose in a TLC match for the WWE Championship, The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/12/04/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-miz-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-intercontinental-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 4, 2016|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221113225/http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/12/04/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2016-live-review-aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-wwe-championship-the-miz-vs-dolph-ziggler-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-intercontinental-championship/|url-status=live}}</ref> While Wyatt and Orton retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against the former champions on the December 6 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', it was announced that the Wyatt Family invoked the [[Freebird Rule]] and thus allowing Harper to also defend the championship.<ref name="FreebirdRule">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-12-06/article/wyatt-family-freebird-rule|title=the Wyatt Family to defend SmackDown Tag Team Titles under the Freebird Rule|date=December 7, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2017|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=December 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207212646/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2016-12-06/article/wyatt-family-freebird-rule|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the December 27 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', the Wyatt Family began to show tension after they lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championship to American Alpha in a four-way elimination tag team match after Orton inadvertently hit Harper and was subsequently pinned.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=12/27 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report, including three title matches, John Cena's return|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/27/1227-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-three-title-matches-john-cenas-return/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 27, 2016|archive-date=December 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228194940/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/27/1227-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-three-title-matches-john-cenas-return/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 10, 2017, episode of ''SmackDown Live'', they unsuccessfully attempted to regain the championship after another miscue between Orton and Harper, who accidentally performed a [[superkick]] on Wyatt after the match, resulting in Wyatt walking away in frustration.<ref>{{cite web|title=1/10 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including Cena vs. Corbin, Wyatts vs. American Alpha for Tag Titles|date=11 January 2017|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/10/110-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-cena-vs-corbin-wyatts-vs-american-alpha-tag-titles/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=20 January 2017|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113114317/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/10/110-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-cena-vs-corbin-wyatts-vs-american-alpha-tag-titles/|url-status=live}}</ref> This continued the following week on ''SmackDown Live'', when Orton lost to Ambrose after Harper distracted his teammates, causing Orton and Harper getting involved in another argument, which would physically escalate until they were separated by Wyatt, who struck Harper, resulting in Harper walking away.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=1/17 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Complete, Real-Time Report, including Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch for the Smackdown Women's Title in a Steel Cage|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/17/117-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-real-time-report-including-alexa-bliss-vs-becky-lynch-smackdown-womens-title-steel-cage/|website=pwtorch.com|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=17 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118213859/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/17/117-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-complete-real-time-report-including-alexa-bliss-vs-becky-lynch-smackdown-womens-title-steel-cage/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the 24 January episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Orton defeated Harper after which Wyatt attacked Harper with a ''[[Facebuster#Swinging reverse STO|Sister Abigail]]'', but did not dictate whether he was kicked out of the group.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=1/24 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks's Ongoing, Real-Time Report, including Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton, final Royal Rumble hype|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/24/124-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-luke-harper-vs-randy-orton-final-royal-rumble-hype/|website=pwtorch.com|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-date=29 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129113546/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/24/124-wwe-smackdown-live-parkss-ongoing-real-time-report-including-luke-harper-vs-randy-orton-final-royal-rumble-hype/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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During the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|Royal Rumble]] match on January 29, Harper attacked both Orton and Wyatt, even attempting ''Sister Abigail'' on the latter before being attacked by Orton, who would then go on to win the Royal Rumble match.<ref>{{cite web|title=KELLER'S WWE ROYAL RUMBLE REPORT 1/29: Ongoing results updated throughout evening including Owens-Reigns, Styles-Cena, Rumble match|date=29 January 2017|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/29/kellers-wwe-royal-rumble-report-129-ongoing-results-updated-throughout-evening-including-owens-reigns-styles-cena-rumble-match/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=1 February 2017|archive-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623015726/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/29/kellers-wwe-royal-rumble-report-129-ongoing-results-updated-throughout-evening-including-owens-reigns-styles-cena-rumble-match/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Elimination Chamber (2017)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 12, Orton defeated Harper while in the main event Wyatt won the [[WWE Championship]] in the [[Elimination Chamber match]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=2/12 Powell's WWE Elimination Chamber 2017 live review: John Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz vs. Baron Corbin vs. Bray Wyatt in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/02/12/212-powells-wwe-elimination-chamber-2017-live-review-john-cena-vs-aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-vs-miz-vs-baron-corbin-vs-bray-wyatt-elimination-chamber-match-wwe/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164217/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/02/12/212-powells-wwe-elimination-chamber-2017-live-review-john-cena-vs-aj-styles-vs-dean-ambrose-vs-miz-vs-baron-corbin-vs-bray-wyatt-elimination-chamber-match-wwe/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the following ''SmackDown Live'', after Wyatt successfully defended the WWE Championship in a triple threat match involving John Cena and [[A.J. Styles|AJ Styles]] (despite a pre-match attack by Harper), Orton came to the ring, pledging allegiance to Wyatt and refusing to face him at [[WrestleMania 33]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/14/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-214-ongoing-coverage-bray-defending-wwe-title-cena-elimination-chamber-follow/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/14: Ongoing coverage of Bray defending WWE Title against Cena, Elimination Chamber follow-up|date=February 14, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=February 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215214716/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/14/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-214-ongoing-coverage-bray-defending-wwe-title-cena-elimination-chamber-follow/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week on ''SmackDown Live'', Wyatt gave Orton "the keys to the kingdom" which referred to the Wyatt Family's compound, but Orton turned on Wyatt by burning down the Wyatt Family compound on the February 28 episode of ''SmackDown Live'' before challenging him to a match at WrestleMania 33, seemingly disbanding the Wyatt Family in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-randy-orton-turns-on-bray-wyatt-and-challenges-for-the-wwe-championship-at-wrestlemania-33|title=WWE News: Randy Orton turns on Bray Wyatt and challenges him for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 33|date=1 March 2017|website=www.sportskeeda.com|access-date=3 March 2017|archive-date=3 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303125148/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-randy-orton-turns-on-bray-wyatt-and-challenges-for-the-wwe-championship-at-wrestlemania-33|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On the April 4 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Rowan returned from injury after nearly eight months of inactivity, sporting a new [[steampunk]]-style sheep mask, assisting Wyatt and attacking Orton (since Wyatt lost the WWE Championship to Orton at WrestleMania 33 on April 2), but later that night they lost a tag team match against Orton and Harper.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2017/04/04/22715698.html|title=Smackdown: The post-Wrestlemania spotlight finally shines on Tuesday night|last=Plummer|first=Dale|date=April 4, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2017|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928060429/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2017/04/04/22715698.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The Wyatt Family seemingly disbanded again when Wyatt was moved to the Raw brand during the [[2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up]], though Wyatt and Rowan continued their alliance, with Wyatt distracting Orton during his match with Rowan on the April 11 episode of ''SmackDown Live''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/77843-wwe-smackdown-results-april-11/|title=WWE Smackdown Results - 4/11/17 (Night two of Superstar Shake Up)|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=11 April 2017|access-date=13 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002637/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/77843-wwe-smackdown-results-april-11/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the April 25 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Rowan (still being referred to as a member of the Wyatt Family) competed in the main event against Orton in a no disqualification match which he lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/78994-wwe-smackdown-results-42517-smackdown-womens-title-match/|title=WWE Smackdown Results - 4/25/17 (Smackdown Women's Title Match)|first=Roy|last=Nemer|date=25 April 2017|access-date=13 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002801/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/78994-wwe-smackdown-results-42517-smackdown-womens-title-match/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 9 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', Harper and Rowan faced each other in a match won by Rowan; the commentary team referred to both men as former members of the Wyatt Family, thus confirming the disbandment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwmania.com/wwe-smackdown-results-may-9-2017|title=WWE SmackDown Results - May 9, 2017|first=PWMania com|last=Staff|date=10 May 2017|access-date=12 May 2017|archive-date=11 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511225114/http://www.pwmania.com/wwe-smackdown-results-may-9-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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== Post-disbandment == |
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In October 2017, Harper and Rowan reunited as [[Luke Harper and Erick Rowan|The Bludgeon Brothers]] and went on to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at [[WrestleMania 34]].<ref name="WM34">{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 34 live review: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-wwe-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-as/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=8 April 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409013212/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/08/powells-wrestlemania-34-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-wwe-championship-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-as/|archive-date=April 9, 2018}}</ref> After they lost their tag team titles, Rowan formed an alliance with former Wyatt Family member Bryan, with whom he would win his second SmackDown Tag Team Championship.<ref name="SmackDown05072019">{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=5/7 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of The Usos vs. Daniel Bryan and Rowan for the vacant Smackdown Tag Titles, Raw wrestlers appear, Ali vs. Andrade, Carmella and Ember Moon vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/07/5-7-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-shane-mcmahon-crowning-new-smackdown-tag-champions-raw-wrestlers-to-appear-ali-vs-andrade-bayley-carmella-and-ember-moon-vs-charlotte-f/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 7, 2019|access-date=May 8, 2019|archive-date=May 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510013051/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/07/5-7-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-shane-mcmahon-crowning-new-smackdown-tag-champions-raw-wrestlers-to-appear-ali-vs-andrade-bayley-carmella-and-ember-moon-vs-charlotte-f/|url-status=live}}</ref> After Rowan and Bryan's team dissolved, Rowan reunited with Harper before they were separated due to the [[2019 WWE Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/full-2019-wwe-draft-results|title=See all the results from the 2019 WWE Draft|date=October 11, 2019|author=[[WWE]].com Staff|work=[[WWE]].com|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015033410/https://www.wwe.com/article/full-2019-wwe-draft-results|url-status=live}}</ref> Harper was released in December 2019,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/luke-harper-sin-cara-released|title=Luke Harper and Sin Cara released|work=WWE|date=December 8, 2019|access-date=December 27, 2020|archive-date=December 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204559/https://www.wwe.com/article/luke-harper-sin-cara-released|url-status=live}}</ref> and Rowan was released in April 2020.<ref name="WR_20200415">{{cite web |last1=Tedesco |first1=Mike |title=Five more WWE Superstars announced as being released, including Erick Rowan |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/153944-five-more-wwe-superstars-announced-as-being-released-including-erick-rowan/ |website=Wrestleview |date=15 April 2020 |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518143908/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/153944-five-more-wwe-superstars-announced-as-being-released-including-erick-rowan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Strowman was released in June 2021, |
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<ref>{{Cite web|title=Braun Strowman, Aleister Black, Lana, and other Superstars released|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/braun-strowman-aleister-black-lana-ruby-riott-murphy-santana-garrett-released|access-date=2021-06-02|website=WWE|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602153638/https://www.wwe.com/article/braun-strowman-aleister-black-lana-ruby-riott-murphy-santana-garrett-released|url-status=live}}</ref> but would later return to the company in September 2022. |
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Strowman continued as a singles competitor, while Wyatt adopted the new character of "The Fiend" to continue his solo career.<ref name="Raw05272019">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/05/27/5-27-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-brock-lesnars-money-in-the-bank-decision-more-24-7-title-wildness-expected/|title=5/27 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on Brock Lesnar's Money in the Bank decision, more 24/7 Title wildness expected|date=May 27, 2019|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=PW Torch|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528065325/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/05/27/5-27-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-brock-lesnars-money-in-the-bank-decision-more-24-7-title-wildness-expected/|url-status=live}}</ref> Wyatt spent a significant part of his stint as "The Fiend" feuding with former Wyatt Family members, namely Bryan, Strowman, and Orton, before being released in July 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=8/14 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the latest Retribution attacks, a Triple Brand Battle Royal for a shot at the Smackdown Women's Championship at SummerSlam, Big E vs. John Morrison, Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/15/8-14-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-the-latest-retribution-attacks-a-triple-brand-battle-royal-for-a-shot-at-the-smackdown-womens-championship-at-summerslam-big-e-vs/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 15, 2020|access-date=August 15, 2020|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901013432/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/15/8-14-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-latest-retribution-attacks-a-triple-brand-battle-royal-for-a-shot-at-the-smackdown-womens-championship-at-summerslam-big-e-vs-john/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SSlam2020">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE SummerSlam results: Powell's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Fiend for the WWE Universal Championship, Mandy Rose vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ, loser leaves WWE match, Asuka challenges for two titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/23/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-fiend-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-mandy-rose-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-n/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913143256/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/23/wwe-summerslam-results-powells-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-randy-orton-for-the-wwe-championship-braun-strowman-vs-the-fiend-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-mandy-rose-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-n/|url-status=live}}</ref> He returned to WWE at the [[Extreme Rules (2022)|2022 Extreme Rules]] event. |
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On December 26, 2020, at the age of 41, Harper (who had been performing in [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]] as Brodie Lee) died from [[idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amanda Huber|url=https://www.radio.com/podcasts/aew-unrestricted-34806/amanda-huber-355625863|access-date=2021-02-18|website=www.radio.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201175530/https://www.radio.com/podcasts/aew-unrestricted-34806/amanda-huber-355625863|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=2010-05-17|title=TNT TV Online|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4016/17883.01|access-date=2021-02-18|website=SciVee|doi=10.4016/17883.01|doi-broken-date=1 November 2024 }}</ref> Numerous tributes were given by former colleagues, including his former Wyatt Family partners.<ref>{{cite web|title=AEW's Brodie Lee passes away at 41 due to lung issue|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aews-brodie-lee-passes-away-41-due-lung-issue-328646|work=[[Figure Four Online]]|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=December 26, 2020|access-date=December 26, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227024903/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/aews-brodie-lee-passes-away-41-due-lung-issue-328646|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Brodie Lee Passes Away At The Age Of 41|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brodie-lee-passes-away-age-41|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|work=Fightful|date=December 26, 2020|access-date=December 26, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227015108/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/brodie-lee-passes-away-age-41|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 30, Rowan appeared on AEW's memorial show, the [[Brodie Lee Celebration of Life]], holding up a sign dedicated to Harper that read, "Goodbye for now, my brother. See you down the road." At the end of the episode, various photos of Harper were shown, including several real-life moments shared with his Wyatt Family partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/erick-rowan-appears-aew-dynamite-brodie-lee-tribute-show-328931|title=Erick Rowan appears on AEW Dynamite Brodie Lee tribute show|work=[[Figure Four Online]]|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=December 30, 2020|access-date=December 31, 2020|archive-date=December 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231024636/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/erick-rowan-appears-aew-dynamite-brodie-lee-tribute-show-328931|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On August 24, 2023, at the age of 36, Wyatt died from a [[heart attack]] caused by a pre-existing heart condition that had been exacerbated by a [[COVID-19]] infection.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE SUPERSTAR BRAY WYATT DEAD AT 36 |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/08/24/wwe-superstar-bray-wyatt-dead-36-pro-wrestling/ |website=TMZ |access-date=August 26, 2023 |language=en-US |date=August 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=Former WWE champ Bray Wyatt dies at age 36 |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38253739/former-wwe-champion-bray-wyatt-dies-age-36 |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825020736/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38253739/former-wwe-champion-bray-wyatt-dies-age-36 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1694865086622408985|title=Tweet|access-date=2024-04-13}}</ref> On the August 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rowan and Strowman appeared onstage for Wyatt's memorial package and the traditional 10-bell salute.<ref>{{cite web |last1=FARIA |first1=COLBY |title=WWE Holds 10 Bell Salute, Tribute Videos, Honoring Bray Wyatt & Terry Funk |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe-holds-10-bell-salute-tribute-videos-honoring-bray-wyatt-terry-funk |website=Sescoops |access-date=August 26, 2023 |language=en-US |date=August 25, 2023}}</ref> In {{nowrap|mid-2024,}} Wyatt's real-life brother [[Bo Dallas]] (as his [[alter ego]] Uncle Howdy) began leading a heroic faction called [[The Wyatt Sicks]] alongside Rowan, [[Dexter Lumis]], [[Joe Gacy]], and [[Nikki Cross]] to feud with the villainous [[American Made (professional wrestling)|American Made]] stable led by [[Chad Gable]] alongside [[The Creed Brothers]] and [[Ivy Nile]]. |
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== Members == |
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{| class="wikitable |
|||
|+ |
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!* |
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|Founding Member(s) |
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|- |
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!L |
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|Leader(s) |
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|- |
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!'''†''' |
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|Deceased |
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|} |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" |
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|+ |
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! colspan="2" |Members |
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!Joined |
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!Left |
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|- |
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|*'''L'''† |
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|[[Bray Wyatt]] |
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| rowspan="3" |November 7, 2012 |
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|May 9, 2017 |
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|- |
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|*† |
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|[[Brodie Lee|Luke Harper]] |
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|February 1, 2017 |
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|- |
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|* |
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|[[Erick Rowan]] |
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|May 9, 2017 |
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|- |
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| |
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|[[Braun Strowman]] |
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|August 24, 2015 |
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|[[2016 WWE Draft|July 19, 2016]] |
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|- |
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| |
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|[[Bryan Danielson|Daniel Bryan]] |
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|December 30, 2013 |
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|January 15, 2014 |
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|- |
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| |
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|[[Randy Orton]] |
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|October 25, 2016 |
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|March 1, 2017 |
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|} |
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=== Timeline === |
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{{#tag:timeline| |
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ImageSize = width:600 height:auto barincrement:20 |
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PlotArea = left:100 bottom:100 top:05 right:15 |
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Alignbars = justify |
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DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy |
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Period = from:11/07/2012 till:05/09/2017 |
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TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy |
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Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 |
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ScaleMajor = increment:1 gridcolor:black start:2013 unit:year |
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Colors= |
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id:Leader value:red legend:Leader |
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id:Member value:black legend:Member |
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BarData= |
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bar:Wyatt text:"Bray Wyatt" |
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bar:Harper text:"Luke Harper" |
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bar:Rowan text:"Erick Rowan" |
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bar:Bryan text:"Daniel Bryan" |
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bar:Strowman text:"Braun Strowman" |
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bar:Orton text:"Randy Orton" |
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PlotData= |
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width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,- |
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bar:Wyatt from:start till:09/29/2014 color:Leader |
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bar:Wyatt from:07/19/2015 till:05/09/2017 color:Leader |
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bar:Harper from:start till:09/29/2014 color:Member |
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bar:Harper from:07/19/2015 till:01/29/2017 color:Member |
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bar:Rowan from:start till:09/29/2014 color:Member |
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bar:Rowan from:10/19/2015 till:05/09/2017 color:Member |
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bar:Bryan from:12/23/2013 till:01/13/2014 color:Member |
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bar:Strowman from:08/24/2015 till:07/24/2016 color:Member |
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bar: Orton from:10/25/2016 till:02/28/2017 color:Member |
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}} |
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== Championships and accomplishments == |
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[[File:Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Wyatt Family.jpg|thumb|The Wyatt Family as SmackDown Tag Team Champions, with all three recognized as champions under the [[The Fabulous Freebirds#Freebird Rule|Freebird Rule]]]] |
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* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' |
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** Ranked Wyatt No. 6 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2014|access-date=September 26, 2014|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=November 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108085214/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** Ranked Harper No. 24 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015|access-date=October 5, 2015|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818204857/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** Ranked Rowan No. 57 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=November 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108085214/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** Ranked Bryan No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2014|access-date=August 10, 2019|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=November 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108085214/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** Ranked Strowman No. 163 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016|access-date=August 10, 2019|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191648/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** Ranked Orton No. 13 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2017|access-date=August 10, 2019|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|archive-date=October 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020132616/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* '''''[[Rolling Stone]]''''' |
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<!-- Please refrain from changing "Rookie of the Meh" to "Rookie of the Year". Rookie of the Year was Kevin Owens, Strowman's award is meant to be negative. --> |
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** Rookie of the Meh (2015) – Strowman<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-s-of-the-year-the-new-day-20151214|title=WWE Wrestler(s) of the Year|access-date=December 14, 2015|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=14 December 2015}}</ref> |
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* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''''' |
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** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Gimmick|Best Gimmick]] (2013) – Wyatt, Harper, and Rowan<ref name="WON13">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 27, 2014|title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|page=34|access-date=January 23, 2014|archive-date=August 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827052359/https://www.f4wonline.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* '''[[WWE]]''' |
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**[[NXT Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NXT Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – [[the Bludgeon Brothers|Harper and Rowan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-tag-team-championship|title=NXT Tag Team Championships|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=July 29, 2016|archive-date=July 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706210156/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/nxt-tag-team-championship|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** [[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time]]) – Wyatt<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|title=WWE Championships|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 15, 2017|archive-date=June 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629011310/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-championship|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – Wyatt, Orton, and Harper<sup>1</sup><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championships|title=SmackDown Tag Team Championships|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=December 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226121926/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championships|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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** [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2017)|2017]]) – Orton<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|last2=Taylor|first2=Scott|title=Randy Orton won the 30-Superstar Royal Rumble Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/2017-royal-rumble-match-results|website=wwe.com|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 29, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202071559/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2017/2017-royal-rumble-match-results|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<sup>1</sup><small> Wyatt, Orton, and Harper defended the title under the [[The Fabulous Freebirds#Freebird Rule|Freebird Rule]].<ref name="FreebirdRule"/></small> |
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== See also == |
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* [[The Wyatt Sicks]] |
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== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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== External links == |
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{{WWE personnel}} |
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{{Commons category|The Wyatt Family}} |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170520224912/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/bray-wyatt Bray Wyatt on WWE.com] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20171122052800/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/rowan Erick Rowan on WWE.com] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170221080612/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/luke-harper Luke Harper on WWE.com] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160408211727/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/daniel-bryan Daniel Bryan on WWE.com] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160602004144/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/braun-strowman Braun Strowman on WWE.com] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161219125129/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/randy-orton Randy Orton on WWE.com] |
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{{Navboxes|list1= |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wyatt Family, The}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wyatt Family, The}} |
Latest revision as of 15:42, 2 November 2024
The Wyatt Family | |
---|---|
Stable | |
Leader(s) | Bray Wyatt |
Members | |
Debut | November 7, 2012 |
Disbanded | May 9, 2017 |
Years active | 2012–2014 2015–2017 |
The Wyatt Family was an American professional wrestling stable in WWE originally composed of Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan, and Luke Harper.
Portrayed as a villainous cult from the bayous of the Deep South, the Wyatt Family debuted in WWE's then-developmental branch NXT in November 2012, with Harper and Rowan going on to win the NXT Tag Team Championship. They debuted on the main roster in July 2013 and terrorized wrestlers such as Kane, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, and The Shield, among others.
Bryan joined the group in late 2013 and left in early 2014, after which Wyatt defeated him to end their feud. The original incarnation of the group began to go their separate ways in September 2014, after Wyatt announced he was "setting Harper and Rowan free". Rowan would turn into a heroic character by joining Cena's team at Survivor Series, while Harper would remain villainous and side with The Authority against Cena's team. Following a brief feud with each other, Harper and Rowan reunited in May 2015.
In July 2015, the Wyatt Family reunited and were joined by Braun Strowman, who was later taken out of the faction as a result of the 2016 WWE draft. In late 2016, with the addition of Randy Orton, the Wyatt Family won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, holding it under the Freebird Rule. After they lost the championship, Harper left the group in January 2017. Orton won the 2017 Royal Rumble match and Wyatt won his first WWE Championship the following month, with the pair facing each other at WrestleMania 33. Wyatt and Rowan continued their alliance as the last remaining members of the Wyatt Family until the 2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up, in which Wyatt was moved to Raw while Rowan remained on SmackDown, thus disbanding the Wyatt Family.
As of August 2024, Rowan, Strowman, and Orton are the only former members of the group still active in WWE. Bryan joined AEW in 2021. Harper, who joined AEW in 2020, died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 41 in December 2020; Wyatt died from a heart attack at the age of 36 in August 2023. Rowan joined The Wyatt Sicks, a heroic group led by Wyatt's real-life brother Bo Dallas and his alter ego Uncle Howdy, in mid-2024.
Concept
[edit]Wyatt was portrayed as an evil cult leader who believed himself to be more monster than human,[1][2][3] with his character drawing comparisons to Charles Manson and fellow wrestler Waylon Mercy, as well as Max Cady from the 1991 remake of Cape Fear.[1][4] The group was presented as a villainous cult from the bayous of the Deep South. During the early process of creation, Judas Devlin and Baron Corbin were considered as potential members of the stable.[5]
History
[edit]Formation and beginnings (2012–2013)
[edit]The character of Bray Wyatt debuted in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in April 2012 and initially associated himself with Eli Cottonwood.[6][7] Cottonwood was released by WWE that June. When WWE re-branded their developmental territory into NXT, Wyatt debuted on the July 11 episode of the newly NXT television show, defeating Aiden English in a singles match.[8]
In July, Wyatt suffered a torn pectoral muscle and required surgery.[9] Despite the injury, Wyatt continued to appear on NXT by founding a faction known as the Wyatt Family in November, with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan as his "sons".[10][11][12] Harper and Rowan entered the NXT Tag Team Championship tournament to crown the inaugural champions and they defeated Percy Watson and Yoshi Tatsu in the first round on the January 23, 2013, episode of NXT.[13] Following a win over Bo Dallas and Michael McGillicutty in the semi-finals with Wyatt's interference,[14] Luke Harper and Erick Rowan were defeated in the finals of the tournament by Adrian Neville and Oliver Grey.[15]
Wyatt had his first match back from injury on the February 20 episode of NXT, defeating Yoshi Tatsu.[16] The Wyatt Family later assaulted Grey (who had suffered a legitimate injury) while Wyatt prevented Dallas from winning a NXT Championship number one contender match due to Dallas' refusal to join the Wyatt Family.[17][18] Dallas went on to hand Wyatt his first loss on the March 13 episode of NXT.[19] On the May 2 episode of NXT, while Wyatt was defeated by six-time world champion Chris Jericho, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan won a triple threat elimination tag team match by last pinning Neville to earn a shot at the championship.[20] On the May 8 episode of NXT (which was taped on May 2), Harper and Rowan defeated Neville and Bo Dallas (filling in for the injured Grey) to win the NXT Tag Team Championship.[21][22]
The Wyatt Family went on to feud with Corey Graves and Kassius Ohno, with Wyatt defeating Graves on the May 22 episode of NXT,[23] and the next week Wyatt eliminated both Graves and Ohno during an 18-man battle royal to determine the number one contender to the NXT Championship, although he was later eliminated by Adrian Neville.[24] On the June 19 episode of NXT, the Wyatt Family defeated the team of Graves, Neville and Ohno.[25] On the following episode of NXT, the Wyatt Family, together with Garrett Dylan and Scott Dawson, attacked Graves, Neville and Ohno; when William Regal tried to make the save, he was also overwhelmed, and this led to the Wyatt Family facing Graves, Neville and Regal in a six-man tag team match the next week on NXT, where Wyatt pinned Regal for the win.[26] On the July 17 episode of NXT (which was taped on June 20), Harper and Rowan lost the NXT Tag Team Championship to Neville and Graves.[27][28]
Various feuds and championship pursuits (2013–2014)
[edit]From the May 27 episode of Raw, WWE aired vignettes promoting the upcoming debut of the Wyatt Family.[29] The vignettes showed the Wyatt Family's backwoods origins and Rowan wearing a sheep mask.[30][31] On the July 8 episode of Raw, the Wyatt Family made their debut by assaulting Kane.[32] The Wyatt Family continued their attacks on wrestlers like R-Truth, Justin Gabriel and 3MB (Drew McIntyre, Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal), while sending cryptic messages to Kane telling him to "follow the buzzards".[33][34] Following another assault,[35] Kane challenged Wyatt to a Ring of Fire match at SummerSlam, which he accepted.[36] On August 18 at SummerSlam, Wyatt defeated Kane following interference from Harper and Rowan, after which Harper and Rowan attacked Kane again and ended the segment by carrying him away.[37] At Battleground on October 6, Wyatt's momentum continued with a win over Kofi Kingston.[38] Over the next few months, Rowan and Harper competed as a tag team and went on a winning streak over many teams[39][40][41] until the October 11 episode of SmackDown, when Harper and Rowan suffered their first loss against Cody Rhodes and Goldust.[42]
The Wyatt Family's next feud began when they attacked CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, in late October.[43] The feud saw Harper lose his first singles match to Punk.[44] At Survivor Series on November 24, Harper and Rowan lost a tag team match against Bryan and Punk.[45] The Wyatt Family then defeated Bryan in a 3-on-1 handicap match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 15,[46] with Wyatt attempting to recruit Bryan in the previous weeks.[47] On the final Raw of 2013, Bryan defeated Harper and then Rowan in a gauntlet match that would lead to Bryan facing Wyatt, whereupon Harper and Rowan interfered to cause a disqualification and began beating Bryan down until a frustrated Bryan finally gave up and joined the Wyatt Family.[48] However, two weeks later, Bryan attacked the other members of the Wyatt Family and broke free of the group.[49] At the Royal Rumble on January 26, Wyatt defeated Bryan to end their feud[50] while both Harper and Rowan entered the Royal Rumble match.[51]
On the January 27 episode of Raw, the Wyatt Family attacked John Cena, Bryan, and Sheamus during an Elimination Chamber qualifying match against The Shield, thus awarding Cena's team win by disqualification victory over The Shield and the Elimination Chamber match slots.[52] The Shield were seeking revenge, so a six-man tag match was set up between the Shield and the Wyatt Family at the Elimination Chamber event,[53] which the Wyatt Family won after Dean Ambrose had disappeared into the live audience during the match.[54] On the March 3 episode of Raw, the Shield were given a rematch against the Wyatt Family, but lost again when The Shield's poor teamwork led to Seth Rollins, leaving the ring during the match.[55] On the April 8 episode of Main Event, the Wyatt Family was defeated by The Shield in another six-man tag team match to end the feud.[56]
Between January and February, the Wyatt Family also cost John Cena his WWE World Heavyweight Championship matches against Randy Orton.[57] At Elimination Chamber on February 23, the Wyatt Family's interference caused Cena to be eliminated from the Elimination Chamber match.[58] After Elimination Chamber, Wyatt turned his attention fully to feud with Cena, with Wyatt wanting to prove that Cena's heroic act was a facade characteristic of "this era of lies", while also trying to turn Cena into a "monster".[59][60] Wyatt went on to accept Cena's challenge for a WrestleMania match,[61] with Cena successfully resisting the urge to become a "monster" and overcoming interference from Harper and Rowan to defeat Wyatt at WrestleMania XXX April 6, thus marking Wyatt's first pinfall loss on WWE's main roster.[62] The feud continued after WrestleMania XXX based on the story that Wyatt was capturing Cena's fanbase, which was exemplified by Wyatt leading a children's choir to the ring on the April 28 episode of Raw, with the children later putting on sheep masks.[63] At Extreme Rules on May 4, Wyatt defeated Cena in a steel cage match after repeated interference from the rest of the Wyatt Family, as well as a child who had distracted Cena.[64] Cena's feud with Wyatt continued with a Last Man Standing match being set up for Payback on June 1, which Cena won to end their feud.[65]
On the June 2 episode of Raw, Harper and Rowan took on then WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos in a tag team match; Wyatt did not appear during the match, but his rocking chair still sat beside the ring, and Harper and Rowan went on to win the match, which made them number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship.[66] On the June 13 episode of SmackDown, due to a distraction by Seth Rollins, Wyatt went on to win his match against Dean Ambrose to qualify for the first Money in the Bank ladder match contested for the vacant WWE World Heavyweight Championship.[67] At the 2014 Money in the Bank event on June 29, all three members of the Wyatt Family failed to win championships in their respective matches.[68] The Wyatt Family also lost at Battleground on July 20, as The Usos successfully defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against Harper and Rowan.[69] On the June 30 episode of Raw, the Wyatt Family interrupted Chris Jericho's return and began to beat him down.[70] This led to a singles match between Wyatt and Jericho at Battleground which Wyatt lost.[69] However, Wyatt defeated Jericho at SummerSlam on August 17, despite Harper and Rowan being banned from ringside.[71] The feud with Jericho ended on the September 8 episode of Raw, when Wyatt won a steel cage match by escaping the cage.[72]
Harper and Rowan's liberation (2014–2015)
[edit]On September 29, vignettes began to air of Wyatt announcing he was setting Harper and Rowan "free".[73][74] All three members of the Wyatt Family returned to television on their own and apart from each other: Wyatt returned at Hell in a Cell on October 26, attacking Dean Ambrose;[75] Rowan returned on the October 31 episode of SmackDown;[76] and Harper returned on the November 10 episode of Raw, aligning himself with The Authority.[77] On the November 17 episode of Raw, Rowan joined Team Cena for Survivor Series, thus opposing Harper's team.[78]
The next few weeks saw Ambrose and Wyatt taunting and attacking each other in both backstage and in-ring segments, with Wyatt claiming that he could "fix" Ambrose, the way he "fixed" Harper and Rowan, leading to a match at Survivor Series, where[79][80] Wyatt won the match by disqualification after Ambrose hit him with a chair, before burying him under a table, a ladder and steel chairs.[81] At Survivor Series on November 23, Harper was one of the last men eliminated in Team Authority's loss against Rowan and Team Cena.[81] As punishment for his affiliation with The Authority, Harper was forced to put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against Ambrose the following night on Raw and successfully retained the title after getting himself disqualified, after which Wyatt ambushed Ambrose, who was looking for weapons to attack Harper with.[82]
On the December 8 episode of Raw, Harper and Rowan faced each other in singles competition, with Harper ultimately getting himself disqualified.[83] On the January 5, 2015, episode of Raw, The Authority punished Rowan by putting him in a singles match against Harper, with Harper picking up the win after a discus clothesline and the help of J&J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury), who were the special guest referees for the match.[84] On the January 22 episode of SmackDown, Harper and Rowan once again competed against each other, this time in a 2015 Royal Rumble qualifying match, with Harper winning and thus not allowing Rowan to participate in the Royal Rumble match.[85] Despite this, Rowan appeared during the Royal Rumble match on January 25, ambushing the number six entrant Curtis Axel, to attack Harper and subsequently sparking a brief Wyatt Family reunion, along with Bray Wyatt, before all three men began to brawl.[86]
On the May 7 episode of SmackDown, Rowan would come out after Harper defeated Fandango, seemingly to confront Harper, but would instead attack Fandango and thus turning into a villain in the process.[87] On the May 11 episode of Raw, Harper and Rowan would officially reunite when Harper accompanied Rowan to his match against Fandango which Rowan won after 30 seconds and the two proceeded to double team Fandango after the match.[88] On the May 18 episode of Raw, Harper and Rowan teamed up to take on Fandango and Zack Ryder, which Rowan and Harper won after a superkick and full nelson slam combination.[89] On the May 21 episode of Main Event, Harper and Rowan defeated Fandango and Ryder in a rematch.[90] On the June 4 episode of SmackDown, Harper and Rowan cut a promo about being ostracized and stated they were a family.[91][92]
On the June 5 episode of Superstars, Harper and Rowan defeated Los Matadores in a tag team match.[93] On the June 8 episode of Raw, Harper and Rowan defeated Los Matadores in a rematch.[94] On the June 19 episode of Superstars, Harper and Rowan defeated Los Matadores and The Ascension in a triple threat tag team match.[95] During a match at a live event, Rowan got injured, with reports saying he would be out of action for 4–6 months.[96] On the June 23 episode of Main Event, Harper returned to singles competition when he defeated Cesaro, but not before cutting a promo where he said losing his tag team partner has only made him more dangerous.[97][98]
Resurgence of the Family (2015–2016)
[edit]At Battleground on July 19, Harper interfered during Wyatt's match against Roman Reigns, helping him defeat Reigns and signaling the return of the stable.[99] During a post-Battleground interview, Wyatt stated: "To the world, say your prayers, lock your doors, the family has returned".[100] This led to a tag team match between Wyatt and Harper against Reigns and Ambrose at SummerSlam on August 23, which the Wyatt Family lost after Reigns pinned Wyatt.[101] The following night on Raw, Wyatt and Harper fought Reigns and Ambrose in a SummerSlam rematch during which Braun Strowman made his WWE debut, joining the Wyatt Family and helping Harper and Wyatt attack Reigns and Ambrose.[102] This led to a six-man tag team match at Night of Champions on September 20 between the Wyatts and Reigns, Ambrose and a partner of their choosing, revealed to be Chris Jericho, which the Wyatt Family won.[103] Rowan made his return to the ring on the October 19 episode of Raw, when he filled in for Harper (who was unable to show for personal reasons), against Reigns, Ambrose and Rollins which his team won after Rollins faked an injury and walked out on the match.[104] Wyatt's feud with Reigns culminated in a Hell in a Cell match which Wyatt lost.[105]
"[...] when we set out and finally got the call up [from NXT to the main roster]... We were so different that I don't think the company knew even how to use us... we were so different in the promos, so different in the way we looked and how we moved... And they still don't know how to use what we are".
Also at Hell in a Cell on October 25, the Wyatt Family would later attack The Undertaker and carry him backstage, reigniting their feud.[105] The next night on Raw, Wyatt was confronted by former rival Kane, who was attacked by the Wyatts and also carried backstage.[108] On the November 9 episode of Raw, after Bray Wyatt claimed to "have taken their souls", The Brothers of Destruction returned and attacked the Wyatt Family.[109] At Survivor Series on November 22, Wyatt and Harper lost to The Brothers of Destruction in a tag team match after The Undertaker pinned Harper.[110] At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 13, the Wyatt Family defeated Team ECW in an eight-man tag team elimination tables match.[111]
All four members of the Wyatt Family entered the 2016 Royal Rumble match on January 24 which was the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line and the group cumulatively eliminated seven wrestlers, including Brock Lesnar.[112] Wyatt was scheduled to face Lesnar at Roadblock on March 12, but Wyatt revealed that he would be facing Lesnar alongside Harper in a two-on-one handicap match, which they lost with Wyatt never returning to the ring.[113] It was reported that Wyatt was likely replaced in the match due to a serious back injury that he was legitimately suffering from.[114] On March 21, Harper suffered a knee injury during a Raw dark match and it was reported that the injury would sideline him for five to six months.[115] After getting an MRI, it was revealed that he had dislocated his patella and tore his medial patellofemoral ligament.[116] The Wyatt Family appeared at WrestleMania 32 on April 3, where they confronted The Rock, who defeated Rowan in an impromptu match in 6 seconds and the Wyatts were then fended off by the returning John Cena and The Rock.[117]
On the April 4 episode of Raw, the Wyatt Family started a brief feud with The League of Nations by attacking the villainous faction.[118] On the April 11 episode of Raw, the Wyatt Family confronted and scared off the League of Nations when they were about to attack Roman Reigns, with whom Wyatt tagged with to defeat League of Nations members Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio.[118][119] On April 13 during a singles match against Reigns at a live event in Italy, Wyatt suffered an injury to his right calf and was thus pulled off WWE's European tour.[120] His injury resulted in the abrupt suspension of the feud and the breakup of The League of Nations.[118] Although all four members appeared on the Payback poster, none of the members had a match at the event.[121]
On the June 20 episode of Raw, the Wyatt Family (without Harper) returned for the first time since April and were confronted by then WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day, thus starting a feud between the two teams.[122] On the July 11 episode of Raw, The New Day went to the Wyatt Family's compound where the two factions brawled.[123][124][125] This would lead to a non-title six-man tag team match at Battleground on July 24,[126] which the Wyatt Family would win.[127]
Reunion and final separation (2016–2017)
[edit]On July 19 at the 2016 WWE draft, Wyatt and Rowan were drafted to SmackDown while Strowman was drafted to Raw, separating him from the group.[128] On the August 16 episode of SmackDown Live, Wyatt walked away from Rowan after the latter lost his match against Dean Ambrose, leaving Rowan's sheep mask on Wyatt's rocking chair.[129] Despite this, Rowan attacked Randy Orton on behalf of Wyatt on the September 13 episode of SmackDown Live, continuing their alliance.[130] On October 9, Harper returned at the close of the SmackDown brand's event No Mercy on October 9 in a match between Wyatt and Orton, whom Harper distracted to help Wyatt win the match, thus realigning himself with Wyatt.[131] Prior to Harper's return, Rowan underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and would be out of action for four to six months.[132]
On the October 25 episode of SmackDown Live, Orton interfered on Wyatt's behalf in his match against Kane.[133] On the November 1 episode of SmackDown Live, Wyatt and Harper helped Orton win in his respective match against Kane, thus confirming his allegiance to the group.[134] At the 30th annual Survivor Series on November 20, Wyatt and Orton were the sole survivors for Team SmackDown in the traditional 5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination match after Orton saved Wyatt from a spear from Roman Reigns.[135] On the November 29 episode of SmackDown Live, Wyatt and Orton defeated American Alpha to become the number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.[136] They went on to challenge and defeat Heath Slater and Rhyno on December 4 at TLC: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs for the tag team titles, Wyatt Family's first championship in WWE's main roster.[137] While Wyatt and Orton retained the SmackDown Tag Team Championship against the former champions on the December 6 episode of SmackDown Live, it was announced that the Wyatt Family invoked the Freebird Rule and thus allowing Harper to also defend the championship.[138]
On the December 27 episode of SmackDown Live, the Wyatt Family began to show tension after they lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championship to American Alpha in a four-way elimination tag team match after Orton inadvertently hit Harper and was subsequently pinned.[139] On the January 10, 2017, episode of SmackDown Live, they unsuccessfully attempted to regain the championship after another miscue between Orton and Harper, who accidentally performed a superkick on Wyatt after the match, resulting in Wyatt walking away in frustration.[140] This continued the following week on SmackDown Live, when Orton lost to Ambrose after Harper distracted his teammates, causing Orton and Harper getting involved in another argument, which would physically escalate until they were separated by Wyatt, who struck Harper, resulting in Harper walking away.[141] On the 24 January episode of SmackDown Live, Orton defeated Harper after which Wyatt attacked Harper with a Sister Abigail, but did not dictate whether he was kicked out of the group.[142]
During the Royal Rumble match on January 29, Harper attacked both Orton and Wyatt, even attempting Sister Abigail on the latter before being attacked by Orton, who would then go on to win the Royal Rumble match.[143] At Elimination Chamber on February 12, Orton defeated Harper while in the main event Wyatt won the WWE Championship in the Elimination Chamber match.[144] On the following SmackDown Live, after Wyatt successfully defended the WWE Championship in a triple threat match involving John Cena and AJ Styles (despite a pre-match attack by Harper), Orton came to the ring, pledging allegiance to Wyatt and refusing to face him at WrestleMania 33.[145] The following week on SmackDown Live, Wyatt gave Orton "the keys to the kingdom" which referred to the Wyatt Family's compound, but Orton turned on Wyatt by burning down the Wyatt Family compound on the February 28 episode of SmackDown Live before challenging him to a match at WrestleMania 33, seemingly disbanding the Wyatt Family in the process.[146]
On the April 4 episode of SmackDown Live, Rowan returned from injury after nearly eight months of inactivity, sporting a new steampunk-style sheep mask, assisting Wyatt and attacking Orton (since Wyatt lost the WWE Championship to Orton at WrestleMania 33 on April 2), but later that night they lost a tag team match against Orton and Harper.[147]
The Wyatt Family seemingly disbanded again when Wyatt was moved to the Raw brand during the 2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up, though Wyatt and Rowan continued their alliance, with Wyatt distracting Orton during his match with Rowan on the April 11 episode of SmackDown Live.[148] On the April 25 episode of SmackDown Live, Rowan (still being referred to as a member of the Wyatt Family) competed in the main event against Orton in a no disqualification match which he lost.[149] On the May 9 episode of SmackDown Live, Harper and Rowan faced each other in a match won by Rowan; the commentary team referred to both men as former members of the Wyatt Family, thus confirming the disbandment.[150]
Post-disbandment
[edit]In October 2017, Harper and Rowan reunited as The Bludgeon Brothers and went on to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 34.[151] After they lost their tag team titles, Rowan formed an alliance with former Wyatt Family member Bryan, with whom he would win his second SmackDown Tag Team Championship.[152] After Rowan and Bryan's team dissolved, Rowan reunited with Harper before they were separated due to the 2019 WWE Draft.[153] Harper was released in December 2019,[154] and Rowan was released in April 2020.[155] Strowman was released in June 2021, [156] but would later return to the company in September 2022.
Strowman continued as a singles competitor, while Wyatt adopted the new character of "The Fiend" to continue his solo career.[157] Wyatt spent a significant part of his stint as "The Fiend" feuding with former Wyatt Family members, namely Bryan, Strowman, and Orton, before being released in July 2021.[158][159] He returned to WWE at the 2022 Extreme Rules event.
On December 26, 2020, at the age of 41, Harper (who had been performing in AEW as Brodie Lee) died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.[160][161] Numerous tributes were given by former colleagues, including his former Wyatt Family partners.[162][163] On December 30, Rowan appeared on AEW's memorial show, the Brodie Lee Celebration of Life, holding up a sign dedicated to Harper that read, "Goodbye for now, my brother. See you down the road." At the end of the episode, various photos of Harper were shown, including several real-life moments shared with his Wyatt Family partners.[164]
On August 24, 2023, at the age of 36, Wyatt died from a heart attack caused by a pre-existing heart condition that had been exacerbated by a COVID-19 infection.[165][166][167] On the August 25 episode of SmackDown, Rowan and Strowman appeared onstage for Wyatt's memorial package and the traditional 10-bell salute.[168] In mid-2024, Wyatt's real-life brother Bo Dallas (as his alter ego Uncle Howdy) began leading a heroic faction called The Wyatt Sicks alongside Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Nikki Cross to feud with the villainous American Made stable led by Chad Gable alongside The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile.
Members
[edit]* | Founding Member(s) |
---|---|
L | Leader(s) |
† | Deceased |
Members | Joined | Left | |
---|---|---|---|
*L† | Bray Wyatt | November 7, 2012 | May 9, 2017 |
*† | Luke Harper | February 1, 2017 | |
* | Erick Rowan | May 9, 2017 | |
Braun Strowman | August 24, 2015 | July 19, 2016 | |
Daniel Bryan | December 30, 2013 | January 15, 2014 | |
Randy Orton | October 25, 2016 | March 1, 2017 |
Timeline
[edit]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked Wyatt No. 6 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2014[169]
- Ranked Harper No. 24 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2015[170]
- Ranked Rowan No. 57 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2014[171]
- Ranked Bryan No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2014[172]
- Ranked Strowman No. 163 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2016[173]
- Ranked Orton No. 13 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017[174]
- Rolling Stone
- Rookie of the Meh (2015) – Strowman[175]
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Gimmick (2013) – Wyatt, Harper, and Rowan[176]
- WWE
- NXT Tag Team Championship (1 time) – Harper and Rowan[177]
- WWE Championship (1 time) – Wyatt[178]
- WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (1 time) – Wyatt, Orton, and Harper1[179]
- Royal Rumble (2017) – Orton[180]
1 Wyatt, Orton, and Harper defended the title under the Freebird Rule.[138]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Kapur, Bob. "Big crowd cheers on WWE favourites in Toronto". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
Wyatt is a great cult leader / Max Cady character
. - ^ Namako, Jason (16 May 2013). "WWE NXT RESULTS – 5/16/13 (BIG E VS. SANDOW)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
Wyatt says that ... This is not the face of a human being, this is the face of a MONSTER!! This is the face of the eater of worlds. Every time from now on that you gaze into my face, I don't care who you are, how BAD you think you are, you can never hurt me because I am already dead
. - ^ Chiverton, George. "CHIVERTON'S NXT WEEKLY RANKINGS & EVALUATION 7/11: Latest evaluation of new NXT talent". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
Bray Wyatt has been a source of great excitement for me in his run-up to this debut with fantastic video packages and promos creating a mysterious atmosphere around the preacher-based character. He's evil, scary but not over the top. He comes across as having genuinely done something evil like murder, but justifies it through the faith he follows (which faith we aren't told).
- ^ "Jim Ross predicts WWE will "shake things up" at No Way Out, comments on the latest WWE NXT tapings, and the new character played by Husky Harris". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on 16 May 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
Some may compare it to the DeNiro character in Cape Fear and even Waylon Mercy back in the day but this uniquely Bray Wyatt incarnation feels new and fresh
. - ^ "Austin Matelson/Víbora: 'Quiero ser una versión lucha libre de Undertaker'". 10 February 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2019.
- ^ Namako, Jason (April 27, 2012). "FCW Results – 4/22/12". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
- ^ Namako, Jason (April 11, 2012). "FCW Results – 4/8/12". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 7/4 – Week 3: Chris Hero (Ohno) debuts, Vader's son, Bateman, six-man main event; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
- ^ Martin, Adam (July 6, 2012). "Developmental talent to be out of action for six months". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
- ^ Bishop, Matt (November 8, 2012). "WWE NXT: Who will challenge Rollins?". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2013.
Bray announces this man as the "first son of the Wyatt family, Luke Harper"
. - ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 12/12 – Week 25: Rollins defends NXT Title, Paige in action, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
- ^ Chiverton, George (January 7, 2013). "Chiverton's NXT Scouting Report – Year-End Review: Who are WWE's top prospects heading into 2013?". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2013.
- ^ Bishop, Matt. "WWE NXT: HBK kicks off tag title tournament". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ^ James, Justin (February 8, 2013). "James's WWE NXT report 2/6 – Week 32: Tag Tournament continues, Bo Dallas's main-roster debut carries over, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
- ^ James, Justin (February 15, 2013). "James's WWE NXT results 2/13 – Week 33: First NXT tag champions crowned, Paige vows to take over the show". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
- ^ Rueter, Sean (February 21, 2013). "WWE 'NXT' results and reactions from Feb 20". Cageside Seats. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ "6/19 WWE NXT Scouting Report: Dot Net staffer Zack Zimmerman breaks down top WWE developmental prospects including Kassius Ohno, Sami Zayn, Leo Kruger, Adrian Neville, Mason Ryan, Paige, and more". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 3/6: Main Event #1 contender match to NXT Title, Shield delivers a message, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 3/13 – Week 37: Champ vs. Champ, Brother vs. Brother, plus Hero vs. Bateman; Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
- ^ Namako, Jason (May 3, 2013). "WWE NXT Results – 5/2/13 (Jericho vs. Wyatt)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/8 Week 45: Wyatt Family captures Tag Titles, Ohno turning face?, Sandow in action, Paige vs. Summer Rae feud continues, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- ^ Santiago, Andres (May 3, 2013). "WWE NXT spoilers from Winter Park, FL: John Cena and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Archived from the original on June 27, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
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- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT RESULTS 6/19: Wyatts vs. Ohno & Graves & Neville six-man tag, Summer Rae wins tourney match, El Generico, Xavier Woods, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2013.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 7/10: Wyatts vs. Team Regal six-man main event, NXT Women's Title tourney continues, Generico (Zayn), Mason Ryan, set-up for Charlotte's debut". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
- ^ Caldwell, James (June 21, 2013). "WWE News: NXT spoilers for summer episodes – first NXT Women's champ, Flair, more, plus NXT TV in the U.S.?". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on July 25, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
- ^ Namako, Jason (19 July 2013). "WWE NXT Results – 7/18/13 (Neville/Graves vs. Wyatt Family)". Wrestleview. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 27, 2013). "RAW NEWS: HBK & Hart cameos, Axel beats top star, Wyatt Family intro, Punk's return, Hunter status, two title matches, World Title, Kidd returns with new look post-Raw, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2013.
- ^ Benigno, Anthony. "Raw Five-Point Preview: July 8, 2013: All in the family". WWE. Archived from the original on July 10, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2013.
Theories and speculation have abounded as to what the backwoods madman Bray Wyatt's mission is and where his family fits into the equation
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