WWE Pays Tribute To Bray Wyatt & Terry Funk On SmackDown
WWE paid tribute to both Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk on SmackDown following their passing.
Rarely has the wrestling world had a tougher week than this one with the news that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk had passed away on August 23rd followed by the shock felt when it emerged that Bray Wyatt had died at the age of just 36 following a heart attack the very next day.
Stars from all over the wrestling world paid tribute to both men with Mick Foley leading the celebration of Funk’s life and career while the likes of The Rock and Alexa Bliss expressed their feelings about Wyatt among countless others.
Now WWE has paid tribute to both men on an emotional SmackDown in Louisville, Kentucky. The night began with WWE stars, as well as Erick Rowan, gathered on the stage while Michael Cole introduced a ten-bell salute for both Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk. A video package then played for Wyatt, sharing footage and photos from both in and out of the wrestling world. The segment ended with Wyatt’s ubiquitous rocking chair alone in the spotlight one last time.
He's got the whole world in his hands…
Thank you, Bray Wyatt. #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/aLSay3lYh1
— WWE (@WWE) August 26, 2023
Heartfelt tributes paid to both Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk
Social media tributes to both men were shown throughout the night with Michael Cole tying the night’s main event between LA Knight and Finn Balor a bout between two of Wyatt’s “signature opponents.” LA Knight was Bray Wyatt’s opponent in his final bout back at the 2023 Royal Rumble.
Cody Rhodes appeared on the show to pay tribute to Terry Funk given his father’s long association with Funk. Rhodes gave the WWE Hall of Famer a fitting tribute before introducing a video package that highlighted the best moments from Funk’s long and illustrious career. the Terry Funk Memorial Hardcore tag team match between The Street Profits and The Brawling Brutes then took place with the Profits picking up the win.
LA Knight picked up a win over Finn Balor to end the night before The Fiend’s signature sting played as the lights shut down in the arena. Bray Wyatt’s fireflies gathered once more with his lamp in the ring and chanted “Thank you Bray” as the show went off the air.