The introduction of the Wyatt Sicks on SmackDown was another bomb dropped on an already reeling WWE Universe. Those first creepy teases gave everyone goosebumps. The unexpected tie-in to the late Bray Wyatt coupled with those creepy, problematic ambushes made for a delicious cocktail of mystery and menace. The fans were clamoring to see how the new Wyatt Family would honor Bray’s legacy in his absence. Besides these specific accomplishments, the immediate effect of their presence was impossible to overstate. In the relentless entertainment game of professional wrestling, keeping that momentum going is always an uphill struggle. Wyatt Sicks headed for long-term success, or is their charm running out before it’s begun?
What made the Wyatt Sicks so intoxicating? Fans did the legwork with excitement, leaning into the slow burn of QR code and URL shenanigans. The mysterious art and puzzles challenged them to solve the mystery in tandem. Seeing the project come together in this very interactive way helped create a sense of excitement and expectation. The direct connection to Bray Wyatt, a figure beloved for his creativity and unique character work, added another layer of emotional investment. When Uncle Howdy and his group finally arrived, their surprise attacks on established teams immediately established them as a force to be reckoned with. The attack on Chad Gable especially was vicious and unforgettable – a moment that truly scared fans and left everyone watching shocked.
The wrestling world is fickle, and the honeymoon ever so often does not last. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray took issue with how the group was presented. He implied that their “Halloween costume” aesthetic was damaging to their mystique. This criticism raises a valid point: can the Wyatt Sicks maintain their aura of fear and unpredictability in the long term? As cool as their first impact may be, maintaining that intensity is a tricky business involving a great deal of planning and preparation.
The Tightrope Walk: Balancing Action and Mystique
That’s the challenge WWE needs to find the proper balance here. Whatever the case, they need to put over the Wyatt Sicks in the ring, yet do so without losing their mystique. Overexposure is a real threat. The more often they do happen, the more likely we are to see those events become predictable and thus lose what makes them so special. On the flip side, getting them off TV too long would risk new fans losing interest.
Avoiding Overexposure
The greatest danger of overexposure is this—diluting their mystique would be a death knell for the Wyatt Sicks. The best part about these rides is the unknown, that keeps them so damn sexy. To prevent this, WWE could consider the following strategies:
- Selective Appearances: Limit their appearances to impactful moments, such as surprise attacks or key matches.
- Controlled Storytelling: Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to their storylines. Develop compelling narratives that deepen their characters and motivations.
- Unique Presentation: Maintain a distinct visual style and presentation that sets them apart from the rest of the roster. This could involve unique lighting, camera angles, and sound effects.
The Importance of Credible Opponents
A second, equally important consideration is the quality of their competition. While victories over established teams are important for establishing dominance, consistently squashing opponents can ultimately diminish the value of those wins. Beating these credible opponents – as much as they have a chance now – turns the Wyatt Sicks into concrete threats. Their recent program with American Made, Chad Gable and the Creed Brothers was a nice start. Now, it’s up to them to start looking for larger and more dangerous opposing rivalries.
Strategies for Sustaining the Hype
WWE needs to be highly tactical and intentional in their effort to maintain the Wyatt Sicks’ interest and shock value on SmackDown. This new approach will maximize what they do in the ring and increase their overall mystique.
Establishing a Clear Purpose
The next most important step is to provide the Wyatt Sicks with a clear objective or purpose. Just terrorizing the entire tag team division won’t be enough to keep fans intrigued long-term. A clear overarching goal can help them focus and strengthen their work. For instance, they might go after individual wrestlers, go after titles, or even propagate a diabolical worldview.
Varying In-Ring Performances
While holding the tag division hostage is important, the Wyatt Sicks need to do is show off their unique talents and characters in the ring. Changing up their in-ring performances makes them less predictable and therefore, stale.
Utilizing Promos and Vignettes
Sinister video packages and ominous teases are key to keeping the Wyatt Sicks’ scary gig alive. These segments are an opportunity to increase the suspense, tease out their reasons for operating under the radar and display their capriciousness.
Balancing Destruction with In-Ring Action
On both ends, the Wyatt Sicks have to prove they can overtake everyone else in the ring. They need challenges to stretch and grow. If at times the good guys lose or settle for a draw it can increase the realism and make the ultimate triumph feel more deserved.
Booking Strategies for Long-Term Success
Here are some specific booking strategies that WWE could employ to ensure the Wyatt Sicks remain a compelling act:
- Thematic Feuds: Book them in feuds that align with their dark and twisted aesthetic. This could involve rivalries with supernatural or psychologically complex characters.
- Championship Pursuits: Allow them to challenge for championships, but don't rush the process. Build anticipation and make their eventual title wins feel significant.
- Strategic Alliances: Explore the possibility of alliances with other heel factions or individual wrestlers. This could create interesting dynamics and expand their influence.
The Wyatt Sicks could easily be a central power in WWE. Their success depends upon careful planning and execution. By balancing their in-ring action with a continued emphasis on mystique and storytelling, WWE can ensure that the hype surrounding this group doesn't fade away. I’m excited to watch how they get actively booked in the next few weeks and months. So, how will these wonks and politicos address the literally high expectations now being set for them?
