Charles Manson Wanted to Meet Bray Wyatt, Ex-WWE Writer Reveals

Here is one of the wildest "what if" stories in modern WWE history.

The character of Bray Wyatt was always known for its dark, cult-leader-like charisma. It was a persona so convincing that, according to a former WWE writer, it captured the attention of one of the most infamous cult leaders in American history: Charles Manson.

During an appearance on the Wrestling with Freddie Podcast, former WWE writer Nick Manfredini revealed a bizarre story about an alleged request from Manson himself, and the even more bizarre pitch that followed.

The Bizarre Pitch for a WWE Network Special

Manfredini explained that the connection came through one of Bray Wyatt's (real name Windham Rotunda) old college football teammates, who had become a prison guard at the facility holding Manson.

"Allegedly, this guy showed Manson the Bray Wyatt promos, and he wanted to meet him, and this was a whole thing," Manfredini stated.

The idea, unbelievably, made its way back to WWE management, apparently through Bray's father, Mike Rotunda. Manfredini said the pitch was for WWE to film the encounter.

“Mike Rotunda knew about it, and I think he brought it up to somebody. I don’t know if it was Hunter or Vince or someone and they immediately squashed it," he said. "Obviously, that’s a terrible idea. Because they were like, ‘Can we shoot a Network special with Charles Manson?’ It was immediately squashed."

Manfredini concluded by noting that while it makes for a shocking story, associating one of their top stars with a figure like Manson would have been career suicide.

“Would have been a good story but a bad idea… Bray Wyatt probably would have never seen TV again if we did that.”

Who Was Charles Manson?

For those who may not know, Charles Manson was a notorious American criminal and cult leader. In the late 1960s, he formed a commune known as the "Manson Family." He brainwashed his followers, directing them to commit a series of brutal murders in 1969 in an attempt to incite a race war he called "Helter Skelter."

His most infamous victims included the pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others at her home, followed by the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the next night. Though he didn't physically commit most of the murders, he was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy for his role in orchestrating the killings. He died in prison in 2017 after spending nearly half a century behind bars.

Bray Wyatt's Tragic Passing

The wrestling world is still mourning the loss of the incredible creative mind that was Bray Wyatt. Windham Rotunda unexpectedly passed away on August 24, 2023, at the age of 36.

His death was caused by a heart attack. It was later reported that Rotunda had been dealing with a heart condition that was significantly exacerbated after he contracted COVID-19 earlier that year. His unique character work and boundless creativity left a mark on the industry that will never be forgotten.

[Transcription via Fightful]