Erick Rowan posts tribute to Bray Wyatt, Brodie Lee

In an emotional Instagram post on Friday, Erick Rowan (Joseph Ruud) paid tribute to his departed Wyatt Family stablemates.

Despite no longer being with WWE, Rowan was brought into SmackDown last Friday to be part of the company's tribute to Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda). Wyatt passed away due to a heart issue on August 24.

Rowan explained in his tribute that he and Wyatt originally bonded over their mutual love of horror movies and music while in FCW. Over time, the Wyatt Family's on-screen partnership grew into a real-life bond. Rowan wrote that, though Wyatt and Luke Harper/Brodie Lee (Jon Huber) are no longer here, he knows they're always listening and smiling. Rowan expressed how much his heart hurts for Wyatt and Brodie's families.

"I love you both so much," Rowan wrote. "This is only Goodbye for Now, I will see you down the road."

His full tribute can be read below:

Writing this down makes my soul foggy and my heart ache. Over 12 years ago from the island of FCW we would talk of our mutual love of horror movies and music before embarking on this crazy journey that brought us around the world with Jon. In the process something happened, this family we portrayed weekly in the wrestling world became a real life bond. We spent more time together over the next few years than we would our own families. Strengthening our bond as we dealt with life trials and tribulations together. Eventually this family grew with the introduction of Adam. As did our love for one another. Life is sometimes unfair, I want to pick up the phone and talk to my brothers. For when I think of Windham It makes me think of Jon then the reality of the crazy truth that they are no longer with us. Though I know they are always listening and smiling. With their sudden passings I can not state enough how much they loved their families. My heart hurts for their kids, for Jojo for Amanda for their brothers and sisters or anyone lucky enough to call them a friend. I love you both so much. This is only Goodbye for Now, I will see you down the road.

Braun Strowman (Adam Scherr) responded: "Love you brother. Family over everything"

Strowman underwent neck fusion surgery in June but was also brought into SmackDown last week for Wyatt's tribute. He and Rowan stood together on the stage for the 10-bell salute to Wyatt and Terry Funk.

Rowan also appeared during AEW's Brodie Lee tribute show in December 2020.