Who Makes Sense and Who Doesn't For Bray Wyatt's 1st Feud on WWE SmackDown

One would think WWE would look to past mistakes to avoid future missteps with Bray Wyatt, especially when it comes to his first feud on SmackDown.

But maybe not.

It is anyone's guess as to who Wyatt feuds with first and something muddied by the fact that there's an old vs. new thing going on with WWE Creative now.

Old WWE with Vince McMahon in charge of creative might have thrown Wyatt right into the main event scene regardless of the long-term ramifications: The hot thing goes to the top.

But new WWE under the guidance of Triple H has shown more patience and understanding of how the now impacts the later.

It's undoubtedly a debate raging within the company itself right now. According to PW Insider (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), Wyatt is already listed as SmackDown's top babyface, even over Drew McIntyre.

That in itself is a little stunning for a variety of reasons. But it gets even more complex. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported WWE has eyes for a Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns feud right now, something Fightful Select has refuted (h/t Ortman).

It's a little strange to think of Wyatt as a babyface at all given the supernatural, twisted nature of his character. He's technically one while so over with fans and WWE desperately needs some, but it's strange to see him considered higher in rank than McIntyre—the man who carried the company through the pandemic era and had the WrestleMania-styled reception and main event in the UK recently.

The Scot himself is a little strange as an opponent right out of the gates for Wyatt, too. One would think WWE might want to avoid either guy taking a loss right now, as keeping the list of contenders for Reigns strong would be ideal.

But Reigns might make even less sense for Wyatt. The infamous Fiend-Seth Rollins feud that derailed both guys a few years ago isn't something that has just up and disappeared from the minds of fans.

And even the most casual of fans seem to know Reigns heads for a likely match with The Rock at WrestleMania 39, so Wyatt would predictably lose. And by predictably, we mean the typical Usos interference and such.

So, why have them feud at all right now before Reigns deals with The Rock? There's fun storytelling potential there if Wyatt keeps picking off the people around Reigns in a spooky manner. But if the end result is him losing anyway (and why does the supernatural horror show have interest in titles anyway?), the path there doesn't necessarily matter.

Make no mistake, WWE is right to have the urge to throw its hottest commodities into main events. On some level it makes sense. But we've also seen that old-school mentality unnecessarily throw titles onto wrestlers in matches that simply didn't need it, derailing others in the process.

WWE would likely fare much better if Wyatt and Reigns largely kept their distance from one another until the latter is actually ready to lose the unified titles. The only thing that can come from it is an unsatisfying dirty finish and shrug-worthy reactions.

The funny thing with Wyatt is he'll likely draw the same ratings and attention regardless of opponent—he's that unique and that good.

Rather than risking him, McIntyre and/or Reigns, he's much better off in feuds with someone like Braun Strowman given the obvious background there.

Or, let Wyatt get at a would-be main eventer like Karrion Kross. Even intercontinental champion Gunther might make more sense, as it could be bigger exposure than ever for the no-nonsense fighting champion if he doesn't back down to the supernatural challenge.

Wyatt getting involved in stable-filled shenanigans with different names, potentially helping along NXT callups in the process, is a viable option. And WWE can make up some reason to shift Superstars around and eventually have Wyatt encounter Finn Bálor's Demon persona.

This isn't a case of Wyatt needing to earn his way back up to Reigns' level so much as it is keeping him in a creative holding pattern that is entertaining while benefiting all involved. There is plenty of time for him to gun for the likes of Solo Sikoa, The Usos and Reigns without rushing it right out the gates upon his return.

In many ways, that infamous Wyatt-Rollins feud and set of matches debunked the idea that Wyatt can't go wrong. He can, provided the WWE machine steers his hand-crafted characters into unnecessary spots.

WWE's goal should be to learn from the past and avoid those spots again. That means stressing a little impulse control with the most unique thing in pro wrestling today with the understanding that modern audiences are savvy and can be patient.

Many opponents make sense for Wyatt, but timing remains king in pro wrestling. If that isn't right—and it's not for Wyatt vs. Reigns—then it all falls apart.

Wyatt will get to the top, but it requires a slow burn with sensical opponents on his way up the ladder.