‘Dispirited’ Seth Rollins Reveals Real Reason Behind Missing Bray Wyatt’s Tribute Episode on WWE SmackDown

This Friday’s episode of SmackDown featured a long and emotional tribute to Bray Wyatt. Windham Rotunda passed away at 36, with Triple H breaking the news to the WWE Universe. The news devastated fans of the wrestler and left the pro wrestling world in shock. While most of the SmackDown roster gathered to pay tribute to the fallen star, Seth Rollins was nowhere to be seen.

Rollins and Wyatt have crossed paths multiple times in their careers. While putting on incredible matches, the two had a deep respect for one another. So, why did Rollins miss the tribute show? 

Seth Rollins didn’t want to leave his family a day earlier

While the pro wrestling universe continues to pour in its heartfelt tributes to Wyatt, his positive impact on people cannot be denied. Those in the WWE who’ve had a chance to work with him, have already paid their tributes. This Friday night’s episode of SmackDown saw the entire roster and audience in attendance to celebrate the memory and legacy of Wyatt. 

Taking to his social media, Rollins put out a heartfelt tribute to Wyatt. As mentioned, they crossed paths while part of their respective groups. Rollins was part of SHIELD and Wyatt was part of The Wyatt Family. They also crossed paths as ‘The Fiend’ and Seth “Freaking” Rollins. With the amount of time spent with Wyatt, Rollin’s tribute was about how much he loved Wyatt’s presence. 

He went on to talk about why he would be missing the episode of SmackDown. Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the show had a massive tribute planned after the star’s passing. Reports indicated that many wrestlers not scheduled to be on the show flew in at the last minute to make it. However, Rollins explained how he would have to leave his family a day earlier to make the show.

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In the video, he also talked about a conversation with Wyatt after Brodie Lee’s passing that stuck with him. Back then, Wyatt had advised him to find comfort in the presence of family. Rollins knew he wanted to be with his family and daughter during this emotional time, so he chose to miss the show. During his tribute, while in tears, Rollins commented on what a joyful person Wyatt was and how much he would miss him.

Rollins wanted another chance to work with Wyatt 

The 2019 Hell in a Cell match between Rollins and Wyatt is still considered one of their best. Thanks to its great storytelling, the match is still loved by fans. Both men put on a great main event match with the Universal title on the line. Although the ending via disqualification soured fans after a great match, Rollins always wanted to revisit the idea. Unfortunately, the two didn’t get a chance to work again, and Wyatt was released in 2021.

During an interview with Ariel Helwani for BT Sports, Rollins talked about the match and Wyatt. He claimed that the match was out of their hands and that they had to follow orders. He clearly said that if given the chance, he would love to work with Wyatt again. This was during the time Wyatt was released from the company. Even back then, Rollins considered Wyatt an incredible talent.

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