In the world of WWE creative decisions, few missteps stand out more glaringly than WWE’s failure to capitalize on the real-life brotherhood between Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas. Though Bray Wyatt carved a unique niche as one of WWE’s most enigmatic and captivating characters, his brother Bo Dallas remained underutilized, and WWE’s neglect to connect their stories felt like a missed opportunity that could have benefited both Superstars immensely.
The Overlooked Family Connection
Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas are brothers in real life, yet for most of their WWE careers, this fact was never acknowledged or incorporated into storylines on the main roster[1]. This is especially perplexing given WWE’s frequent history of weaving real-life family ties into narratives, enhancing character depth and fan engagement. Recognizing their familial relationship could have laid the groundwork for several compelling angles, including alliances, feuds, or even a reunited faction that would tap into the mystique Bray created with the Wyatt Family.
Bo Dallas showed potential early in his career, especially in NXT, where he captured the NXT Championship and was able to portray a memorable heel character[1]. However, on the main roster, Dallas struggled to find a consistent direction, languishing in lower-card roles and often used as enhancement talent. Aligning Bo Dallas with Bray Wyatt’s cult-like, dark persona could’ve elevated Dallas’s status significantly while reinforcing Bray’s dominant presence.
An Obvious Opportunity Squandered
Sources close to WWE creative reveal a shared backstage sentiment that not involving Bo Dallas in Bray Wyatt’s storylines—or at least acknowledging their lineage—was one of the company’s most “obvious mistakes” with Bray’s character development[1]. According to a WWE insider:
“There was always this sense that Bo could have deepened Bray’s world. They looked alike, had matching charisma, and Bo even grew his beard to fit the Wyatt Family style. It was a no-brainer that never happened on a larger scale.”
Bray Wyatt’s “Wyatt Family” was defined by a small but intense group of followers, and adding his brother could have refreshed the faction or evolved it further. Instead, Bo Dallas remained directionless at times, and Bray lost potential backing that could have enhanced his supernatural gimmick.
Bo Dallas’s Influence on The Wyatt Sicks and Bray Wyatt’s Legacy
After Bray Wyatt’s untimely passing, WWE honored his legacy through the Wyatt Sicks faction, a stable inspired and partially handpicked by Bray just before his death[2]. Bo Dallas has spoken publicly about how Bray personally influenced the selection of the group’s members, underscoring Bray’s creative vision that extended beyond his lifetime.
This revelation that Bray was instrumental in shaping the faction’s makeup provides an additional lens on what might have been had WWE embraced the brothers’ connection earlier. Dallas’s presence today in the Wyatt Sicks storylines serves as a bittersweet nod to their real connection, finally bringing them together in some capacity on WWE programming for the first time[2][3]. It also raises hope among fans and insiders alike that the brothers’ combined star power might be revisited creatively in the future.
What Could Have Been: Storyline Possibilities
Had WWE fully embraced their relationship, several promising directions could have emerged:
Tag Team or Faction Reunion: Bray and Bo teaming up could have revived or expanded the Wyatt Family, adding new energy and providing Bo Dallas a credible boost.
Sibling Rivalry Feud: Exploring tension and competition between the brothers, particularly when Dallas was struggling with gimmicks, could have added layers to both characters.
Cult Expansion: Bray’s cult-powerhouse image relied on followers who believed in his dark vision. Dallas joining could have added authenticity and narrative weight.
These angles would likely have strengthened Bray’s character depth while giving Bo Dallas compelling story opportunities beyond his underwhelming main roster run[1].
The Broader Context of Bray Wyatt’s Career
Bray Wyatt’s character was one of WWE’s most unique creations, fusing dark cult leader imagery with charismatic storytelling. His feuds with top stars like John Cena, Chris Jericho, and Dean Ambrose showcased his ability to elevate storylines with a sinister edge[4]. Despite this, Wyatt often operated with a limited number of followers and a relatively small stable, which limited the scope for faction-based storytelling.
Utilizing family to enhance Bray’s aura was a natural storyline extension that WWE unfortunately never fully realized during Wyatt’s prime. When Bray returned to WWE in his later years, his work with the Wyatt Sicks showed the potential for rich storytelling that mixed legacy with new talent, with Bo Dallas’s involvement adding emotional depth[2].
Looking Forward: Lessons for WWE Creative
The Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas situation highlights how WWE sometimes misses straightforward narrative enhancements by ignoring real-life connections. In wrestling, family bonds have long been fertile ground for engaging angles, as fans naturally invest in stories grounded in reality.
A wrestling source close to current WWE creative commented:
“The Bray-Bo angle was thrown in the shadows for too long. Now with the Wyatt Sicks and Bray’s legacy, the company is realizing just how much gold was left untapped. It’s a lesson that those natural relationships can add incredible texture to characters.”
As WWE continues to build on Bray Wyatt’s legacy through new factions and storylines, the involvement of Bo Dallas and other previously overlooked connections could become pivotal in honoring Bray while moving fresh narratives forward.
By finally giving Bo Dallas his due recognition alongside Bray Wyatt, WWE can not only pay tribute to one of its most innovative stars but also capitalize on a compelling family story with untapped potential. For a company steeped in legacy and drama, embracing these genuine connections is a winning formula WWE should never ignore again.