5 Reasons why Uncle Howdy must debut before Money in the Bank: Blockbuster summer match, confusing messages & more
The WWE Universe has been waiting with anticipation for Uncle Howdy's return. The character was introduced during Bray Wyatt's final run with WWE and even factored into Wyatt's last match against LA Knight at the 2023 Royal Rumble.
Teases for Uncle Howdy have been strewn across RAW and SmackDown and have escalated. One such tease involved a therapist who 'went missing' but who mysteriously re-appeared with a new attitude.
With things heating up literally and figuratively, the time for Uncle Howdy and his new rumored faction to debut is now. The cryptic star should make his anticipated return before Money in the Bank for the next five reasons.
#5. It's been two months since the teases began
After WrestleMania 40, mysterious glitches randomly appeared during episodes of RAW and SmackDown. Those glitches sent fans on a treasure hunt for meaning via QR codes.
The fans have received one every week on RAW and SmackDown. Since it's been going on for two months now, it's time for fans to see some sort of tangible reward for their patience.
Long-term storytelling is one thing, but if teases are made without anything massive being revealed, fans can lose focus or attention. One such QR message referenced June 17, the day after Clash at the Castle. That's the RAW after that event. If nothing happens, it will only frustrate everyone.
#4. Some of the Uncle Howdy teases are too convoluted
The social media campaign to reintroduce Bray Wyatt to the WWE Universe was lengthy but had a good payoff. Fans knew the messages were from Wyatt and often centered around a white rabbit.
The QR codes used this time have sent willing hunters through numerous hoops. Sometimes, the code leads to a website or a video, and then another clue emerges, leading to yet another step, like during the above segment from SmackDown.
Having a one or two-step chase is fine, but taking fans on such a complex hunt for meaning can have the opposite effect. Looking for treasures is fun. However, extending beyond Money in the Bank without any in-ring reveals may cause some to lose interest or focus on something else.
#3. Commentators have started to acknowledge them
For the first month of teases, commentators on both RAW and SmackDown didn't acknowledge the glitches as they happened. Over the last few weeks, however, that stance has changed.
During the last few episodes of the red brand, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee mentioned the codes and glitches. They haven't specifically said what they are for, but when something is referenced on live TV, it means the reveal is coming soon.
For that reason, Uncle Howdy needs to make an impact before Money in the Bank. It's one of the more important Premium Live Events on the calendar and sets up SummerSlam. With announcers involved, they may play a part in how Uncle Howdy and his allies emerge on TV screens.
#2. RAW and SmackDown have been chaotic lately
One recent staple of both RAW and SmackDown has been utter chaos. Whether it's the Judgment Day brawling with another group or Bron Breakker running through opponents, both shows have had uncontrolled chaos.
The women's tag team scene has had two straight shows with brawls between three teams. On SmackDown, that was in addition to the Cody Rhodes-AJ Styles drama and The Bloodline and Kevin Owens going at it once again.
Chaos seems to be the norm in WWE at the moment, and Uncle Howdy's return would add to that. He could emerge during a huge brawl to shock everyone or attack a major match with top stars. Adding to the chaos may create new angles that could carry WWE through the summer.
#1. Doing so could lead to a blockbuster match at SummerSlam
Unless it's like the Trick Williams vs. Ethan Page situation, the best build for a huge event usually takes a month at the very least. With the effort put into the QR code campaign, Uncle Howdy needs to be in a meaningful feud upon debuting.
Emerging before Money in the Bank will set the tone for a potential blockbuster match at SummerSlam. Uncle Howdy could target LA Knight since the two have already crossed paths. He could also go after Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, or Randy Orton.
SummerSlam is the second biggest show of the year and debuting before Money in the Bank will give bookers ample time for a big angle. If they debut at Money in the Bank, it will take away from the case winners.
Showing up before WWE heads to Toronto would also add the possibility of Uncle Howdy and the Wyatt 6 appearing at Money in the Bank.