Former WWE Writer Reveals Bray Wyatt Character Inspired by Charles Manson, WWE Rejected Meeting Proposal

Former WWE writer Nick Manfredini revealed that the character Bray Wyatt, portrayed by Windham Rotunda, was heavily inspired by cult leader Charles Manson, with extensive research into Manson's quotes, videos, and promos to capture his eerie charisma. Manfredini shared a surprising story that Manson, while incarcerated, was shown Wyatt's promos by one of Rotunda's former college football teammates who had become a prison guard, leading Manson to express a desire to meet Wyatt. Mike Rotunda, Bray Wyatt's father and WWE producer, informed WWE leadership about the request, but the idea of a meeting or filming a special with Manson was immediately rejected due to its problematic nature. Manfredini and Rotunda briefly considered visiting Manson themselves but quickly realized it would be a dangerous and damaging decision. This insight highlights the dark, psychological depth behind Wyatt's early persona, which blurred the lines between fiction and reality in wrestling storytelling. The story also underscores the unusual intersection of wrestling entertainment with real-life criminal infamy.