Joe Gacy Reveals WWE’s Early Plans to Position Him as Bray Wyatt Replacement

Creative Pressure and the ‘Diet Wyatt’ Persona

During appearances on the Developmentally Speaking and The FiveMarks podcasts, Joe Gacy detailed a period shortly after the launch of NXT 2.0 where WWE leadership, specifically Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, became heavily involved in his creative direction. Gacy stated that while he was developing a cult leader gimmick, the direction shifted toward elements that felt suspiciously similar to Bray Wyatt’s original presentation.

Gacy recalled a specific proposal regarding his attire: a black button-up shirt paired with white pants. According to Gacy, this look was almost identical to the gear Wyatt wore during his early days in NXT. Gacy told ewrestlingnews.com that he openly expressed his concerns to the creative team, stating, “I don’t want to be diet Wyatt,” as he sought to establish a unique identity rather than a cheaper substitute for the absent star.

Gacy believes that had Vince McMahon remained in control of the company, he likely would have been called up to the main roster as the “button-up version” of his cult leader character. However, he noted that these plans shifted once Bray Wyatt returned to the company in 2022, allowing Gacy to pivot his focus toward the formation of the Schism faction.

The Origins of the Wyatt Sicks

Gacy also provided insight into the internal development of the Wyatt Sicks, the faction that debuted in 2024 to honor Wyatt’s legacy after his passing in August 2023. Gacy confirmed to WrestleTalk.com that the concept for the group existed before Wyatt’s death, and it was originally intended that Wyatt himself would lead the faction.

Following Wyatt’s death, Gacy shared details regarding the casting of the group:

• Bo Dallas: Gacy stated that Dallas was always destined to portray the character of Uncle Howdy.
• Alexa Bliss: Gacy noted that Bliss was involved in early creative discussions and was planned to join the clan before WWE changed direction.
• Potential Members: Dexter Lumis was in active talks to join, and Braun Strowman was considered a candidate due to his history with the original Wyatt Family.

Bray Wyatt’s Respect for Gacy’s Work

Despite the corporate attempts to mirror Wyatt’s character, Gacy revealed a personal connection between himself and the late performer. According to Gacy, Rob Fee, WWE’s Director of Character Development, contacted him shortly after Wyatt’s passing to share that Windham Rotunda (Wyatt) held Gacy’s work in high regard. Fee informed Gacy that Wyatt had expressed a genuine desire to come down to NXT to work with him personally.

Gacy described the revelation as a “crazy moment” that blew him away, noting that he had no prior knowledge of Wyatt’s interest. He expressed regret that they never had the opportunity to share a segment or a promo on television, calling it what would have been an honor.

Comparison of Creative Directions