Prepare to be haunted by a story that blends horror, wrestling, and heartfelt tribute—because this Halloween, Universal Studios' Horror Nights is bringing the chilling world of the Wyatt Sicks to life in a way that’s both terrifying and deeply emotional. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a haunted house truly capture the genius of a wrestling legend like Bray Wyatt, or does it risk reducing his legacy to mere spectacle?
Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights has unveiled a new haunted house inspired by the WWE group, the Wyatt Sicks, a creation of the late wrestler Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt. This isn’t just any haunted house—it’s a dream realized, one that Windham himself envisioned long before his untimely passing in 2023 at the age of 36. His younger brother, Taylor Rotunda (aka Bo Dallas), recalls Windham mentioning this dream as far back as 2008, years before the Bray Wyatt character even existed. ‘What are you even talking about? How are you going to pull that off?’ Taylor remembers asking, unaware of the impact Windham’s vision would eventually have.
The Wyatt Sicks, with their eerie masks and imposing presence, seem tailor-made for Horror Nights. This year, their haunted house debuted on both coasts, with Universal Orlando Resort’s version, WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks, opening with a chilling scene of carnage backstage at a wrestling match. Fans will instantly recognize it as a nod to the Wyatt Sicks’ debut on WWE Raw last year, while newcomers will simply know they’re in for something disturbingly unforgettable—a hallmark of Windham’s dark and imaginative storytelling.
Windham’s love for horror was no secret. Throughout his career, he embraced the macabre, whether as the leader of the Wyatt Family or later as The Fiend, a masked horror persona that captivated audiences. Mike Aiello, Universal Orlando’s senior director of Entertainment Creative Development and a lifelong wrestling fan, connected with Windham over their shared passion. After Windham reached out following Aiello’s excited post about The Fiend’s debut in 2019, the two began a years-long conversation about horror, wrestling, and collaboration. Tragically, Windham’s passing in 2023 halted their discussions—but not his legacy.
And this is the part most people miss: The Wyatt Sicks house isn’t just a haunted attraction; it’s a living tribute to Windham’s creativity. Each room is a deep dive into his imagination, from the Firefly Fun House to spaces inspired by each Wyatt Sicks member, including a cabin representing the Wyatt Family compound. Eric Rowan, who portrays Ramblin’ Rabbit, described walking through the house as ‘very emotional, in the best possible way,’ while also acknowledging the bittersweet absence of Windham and their teammate Jonathan Huber (Luke Harper/Brodie Lee), who also passed away. The house is filled with Easter eggs for die-hard fans, like a grandfather clock set to 7:13, honoring the Wyatt Family’s main roster debut in July 2013.
But what about those who aren’t wrestling fans? Here’s the controversial part: The house is designed to be a horror experience first, with jump scares like The Fiend and Uncle Howdy popping out simultaneously, and a narrative that’s accessible even to the uninitiated. ‘My biggest goal was for the uninitiated to come out of the haunted house and go, “Wow, I want to learn more about those characters,”’ said Ramon Paradoa, show director for Creative Development. Yet, some might argue that simplifying Windham’s complex storytelling risks diluting its impact. What do you think? Does this house honor his legacy, or does it oversimplify his genius?
One thing is certain: the emotional resonance of the house is undeniable. Guests often exit in tears, overwhelmed by the tribute to Windham and his characters. ‘We’ve never had an experience like that,’ Paradoa admitted. Even the Fireflies—Windham’s devoted fanbase, known for lighting up arenas with their phone lights—are represented in the house, transformed into starry lights and a full-size scareactor. ‘It was mind-blowing to make the Fireflies a physical being,’ Taylor said with a smile.
For the wrestlers involved, like Dexter Lumis, the house feels like a spiritual reunion with Windham. ‘You really feel like something is watching over you, and I believe it’s Windham,’ Lumis shared. But as the Wyatt Sicks continue to tell Windham’s stories, one question lingers: Can a haunted house ever fully capture the depth of a man who spent his life blurring the lines between horror and humanity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
