WWE debuted Braun Stowman as the latest member of the Wyatt family on the post-SummerSlam Raw. His debut had originally been planned for SummerSlam, but WWE instead did a Reigns / Ambrose versus Wyatt / Harper rematch on Raw, with the arena lights going out towards the end and this huge man in a black sheep mask appearing on the apron. He caused a DQ, attacking Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose with choke holds. He also no sold their moves, which was the right thing to do in getting himself over as fearsome. He's a huge man at nearly seven feet and 385 pounds, coming into the wrestling business with a background in strongman competitions. He certainly has a great look about him, and the black sheep mask was an effective touch. At 31 years old, he has no previous wrestling experience, although he has been training at WWE's Performance Center since 2013. He has worked some NXT house shows and a dark match at Main Event, but hadn't appeared on any of WWE's televised productions until his debut last night. That lack of experience, and that sort of 1980's big man body, are clues that he probably isn't very good in the ring. He's joined the Wyatt family in an enforcer type role, with Bray Wyatt calling him "Abigail's black sheep of the family." He's definitely a Vince McMahon type of guy. He won several strongman competitions, demonstrating freaky strength and power. But as Mark Henry proved in the mid 90's, those sort of skills don't necessarily translate well into pro wrestling. At the very least, he's got a great look and will make a good aesthetic addition to the Wyatt family. Just don't expect to be blown away by his wrestling ability.
