The last few days have been quite tough as a WWE fan. The shocking passing of Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt has gripped the WWE universe. And for someone like Erick Rowan, aka Erick Redbeard, it has been all the more troubling.
The Wyatt Family, which would go on to add names like Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, and Braun Strowman into the faction, predominantly started with and boasted of Erick Rowan, Luke Harper, and Bray Wyatt. And just in the last two years, the WWE universe has lost two original members, leaving Erick Rowan as the sole member of the Wyatt Family as we knew it.
It’s sad man he lost to of em Brodie Lee Sr and Bray Wyatt
— WrestlingFanlibertarian2004 (@YesVgcp) August 26, 2023
During this tough time, WWE fans are sending their love and support to Erick Redbeard, who was also present during the tribute to Bray Wyatt on SmackDown today. The company paid tribute to Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt as WWE superstars and backstage crew came together to honor Bray Wyatt with the 10-bell salute.
Is Erick Rowan still in WWE?
Erick Rowan signed with WWE back in 2011. Currently, he is a free agent in the independent circuit. WWE released Erick in 2020.
Real name Joseph Charles Ruud, currently performing under the ring name Erick Redbeard, the Wyatt Family member also had a short stint with WWE the same year he was released, and in 2022.
After Brodie Lee, aka Luke Harper’s shocking death, Erick Rowan appeared on AEW Dynamite to pay tribute to his good friend. Brodie Lee, who wrestled in AEW then, passed away after a hard-fought battle with a non-covid-related lung issue. A visibly distraught Erick raised a flag for his friend and brother as he broke into tears, remembering the irreplaceable loss.
This man right here. His name is Joseph Ruud who goes by Erick Rowan/Redbeard in WWE, AEW, and other places
This guy lost 2 of his best friends from the Wyatt Family, Luke Harper/Brodie Lee & Bray Wyatt
I can’t imagine how he’s feeling throughout this entire weekend#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/VQKvm0LM6b
— Zack-A-Tack SHIDA GANG/THANK U EDGE ❤️ (@kaleodoeverthin) August 26, 2023
It was no different today, as photos of a gutted Erick Rowan during Bray Wyatt’s tribute on SmackDown made a lot of fans worry about the former WWE superstar’s health. After losing two close friends in such a short period, our hearts go out to Erick Redbeard during this tough time.