Hi folks! After talking things over with John Scafide (AKA The Mouthpiece), it was decided he would enjoy my take on the uniquely bizarre encounter which left many scratching their heads in confusion. The Firefly Fun House between Bray Wyatt & John Cena at WrestleMania 36 was critically acclaimed by other wrestlers & superstars, but it left many fans divided. While some appreciated the deeper message and references within the story, others would’ve preferred more action in the squared circle.
With that said, there is ‘no chance in hell’ that I can put this as eloquently as John, who wrote his own piece the other day at the link below. I did ask if he wanted to do a follow-up with my notes, but he figured I should go ahead as everyone interprets it differently. His piece is highly recommended ‘good shit’ explaining the Firefly Fun House’s demonic nature in graphic detail:
Also Read: Firefly Fun House: Cena & Wyatt At WrestleMania 36 Wasn’t A Match, It Was Art.
The biggest difference between John’s piece and mine is I’ll be detailing Bray Wyatt’s madness step-by-step as it progresses, just so we don’t miss anything. I’m not going to call it art, although I do strongly believe it will grow on people and speak for itself; much like how Broken Matt Hardy and the Broken Universe took time to permeate with the wrestling world (and still isn’t appreciated by everyone).
Sometimes it’s a matter of understanding, so this is me trying to explain all the obvious things, as well as the subtle nuances others may not have commented on. Without further ado, let’s enter at your own peril pass the bolted door where impossible things may happen that the world has never seen before.
Welcome To Wrestle!
– John Cena looks amused as he welcomes a non-existent crowd. He’s almost corpsing, likely because he recorded this last with the knowledge of what’s in store. As he echoes the company’s past, Bray Wyatt takes control by distorting footage of Vince McMahon (WrestleMania II) and Gene Okerlund (WrestleMania IV). Essentially, he steals Cena’s spotlight by denying him a grand entrance. He’s already taken control as the director and producer of this journey.
– The writing on the door in the Firefly Fun House saying ‘Abandon All Ye Who Exit Here’, is a reference to ‘Lasciate Ogni Speranza, Voi Ch’entrate’ (translated as ‘Abandon All Ye Who Enter Here’). This sign is shown above the gate of hell in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno from the 14th-century poem titled Divine Comedy. Near the beginning of this story, the main character Dante (John Cena) is taken through the gate by his guide Virgil (Ramblin’ Rabbit?).
– Bray Wyatt ecstatically introduces us to the Firefly Fun House. He talks about a plane of existence where gods, monsters, angels and demons live together in harmony. This is likely to mean the after life where good vs. evil, life & death, black & white, and heaven vs. hell form, depending on what we believe as individuals. He represents this in a cartoony way to mock us for our immaturity.
– When Wyatt tells Cena he will be facing himself, he means he’ll be facing his demons in a period of self-reflection. He will atone for his sins in the way of confession. Not just to help Wyatt to put something right, but because it will help to heal Cena’s soul for all the monstrous things he did in the past. He wants to help Cena to become a better person.
“You Are About to Enter Another Dimension, a Dimension Not Only of Sight and Sound, but of Mind. a Journey Into a Wondrous Land of Imagination”
– Back to the Firefly Fun House, Cena entering through a mystical door is reminiscent of the TV show ‘The Twilight Zone’. I’ve also seen this compared to the Black Lodge from Twin Peaks. Next, John finds himself stranded in what can be described as a dark abyss, the void, or even hell. Or if you want to get deep? It could be the darkest recesses of Bray Wyatt’s mind beyond the surface of the Firefly Fun House; which explains why his imagination holds all the power. Wherever he is, Cena is welcomed by the gatekeeper ‘McBossman’ (Cerberus?). It makes sense for Vince to be a puppet, seeing as he pulls the strings of everyone in WWE.
– We know McMahon loves ‘This Is Your Life!’, so we could be seeing the formation of a more twisted version. He pokes Cena repeatedly in a fashion reminiscent of him screaming ‘Ruthless Aggression!’ at the roster in 2002 (when he had them standing on the ring apron). The threat of being fired is added motivation, much like how he told his superstars “Who among you is the next legend! Who among you wants it! Because if you don’t want it, I damn sure hell don’t want any of you!”
– The true extent of Wyatt’s power is seen when he baby morphs Cena in to his earliest form. In a repeat of Kurt Angle’s open challenge, Cena enters in front of the old ‘Smackdown fist’ in attire similar to his original. After making his way to the ring to confront Wyatt, he is robotic like ‘The Prototype’ character from his OVW days. Cena has no control and predictably yells ‘Ruthless Aggression!’. Amusingly, Wyatt is playing with him like a toy, and can see his strikes coming a mile away.
I Am Literally Living Your Biggest Failure Right Now
– The above quote is directed at John Cena’s admission (in a recent documentary) that his original character was his biggest failure. ‘Ruthless Aggression’ Cena didn’t land and almost cost him his job. The only difference they ever made to his presentation was the colour of his trunks. He would work well with others, but the crowd quickly turned on him. The potential was there, but no one cared because his character was uninteresting. Cena blamed himself for being complacent.
– “You Can Look But You Can’t Touch” are lyrics from The Bella Twins’ entrance theme. Wyatt mocks Cena for his failed relationship with Nikki Bella.
– “Is This Really What You Want To Do With Your Life?”. Combined with images of Cena’s childhood self holding up homemade paper championships, this line holds a lot of weight. Has he fallen out of love with wrestling? Why is he doing movies when he told the WWE Universe he’d never leave them? During his feud with The Rock, he mocked The People’s Champ for going off to Hollywood.. but then ironically proceeded to go down the same path. Greed? Fame? Ego? Is this what Cena really wants? Was WWE merely a stepping stone to greater success?
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