AEW wrestler Swerve Strickland recently shared insights with Wrestling Figure News about how Bray Wyatt influenced his approach to wrestling, highlighting the impact Wyatt had on the industry and his own creative process. Strickland emphasized the profound effect Wyatt’s unique style had on wrestling television, noting the depth of creativity Wyatt brought to his character work and storytelling.
Strickland explained,
“To me, Bray Wyatt changed wrestling television, and I don’t think it’s going to be realized for some more time just how impactful he was. ‘This is so unique and different and much more captivating than people understood and realized.’ Even for me, I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was until I got put in the position to have to make interesting television. I took so much nuance from what he was doing and put my spin on it because he was meta-physical and very fourth-wall breaking and speaking to the people.”
—Swerve Strickland
How Bray Wyatt’s Symbolism and Storytelling Influenced Strickland
Strickland highlighted Wyatt’s ability to embed symbolism in his work, mentioning how Wyatt left subtle hints within his character and storytelling that represented personal struggles such as depression and anxiety. The various puppets Wyatt used symbolized different aspects of his life, creating a complex narrative that resonated deeply with fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
He added,
“He was leaving nuggets here and there and trinkets like ‘this represented his past, this was depression, this meant anxiety,’ all the puppets meant different things and past moments of his life. It was so cool and I wanted to take pieces of that, and even if I could get 10% of that creativity, I’m going to try and make it my own thing. When he passed, it was painful for me because I was with him in the locker room. Not for years, but I was with him when The Fiend was really taking off. When I was getting on 205 Live and on the road, he was the guy giving me hugs, and he would bust my balls because I was wearing pinstripes on my boxers. ‘You’re not going out there and wearing that, are you? I’m just playing, you can do what you want.’ He would do things like that. I’d be at the urinal and he’d be in full Fiend gear right next to me with the mask on and look over, ‘Sup, man?’ Just little things that he would do.”
—Swerve Strickland
Paying Tribute to Bray Wyatt’s Legacy Through Performance
Strickland expressed the personal impact Wyatt had on him during their brief time together and shared how he aims to honor Wyatt’s legacy through his own work. He recalled moments of camaraderie and Wyatt’s playful nature backstage, demonstrating the bond they formed despite limited interaction.
Continuing his tribute, Strickland said,
“He had a big impression on me in the short time I got to interact with him. I wanted to pay that forward to him. Having JoJo come out this year at All In and do another tribute with the fireflies on the titantron and have her sing Ain’t Nobody. Just mix those little trinkets, nuggets, and pieces of storytelling for her and show more appreciation to the family.”
—Swerve Strickland
This homage at the All In event in Texas demonstrates how Wyatt’s creativity continues to inspire current wrestling talents like Strickland while honoring Wyatt’s memory and influence within the industry.
The reflections shared by Swerve Strickland illuminate the lasting creative influence Bray Wyatt had on his peers and the wrestling world, signaling that Wyatt’s innovations in character and storytelling will be felt for many years to come.
