Few people in pro wrestling were as intertwined with Brodie Lee as Erick Redbeard, the performer formerly known as Erick Rowan. Redbeard, real name Joseph Ruud, was almost immediately matched with Harper in NXT as the tag team members of the Wyatt Family and joined him on the main roster, even returning to their tag team on several occasions either as simply Harper and Rowan, or one of their biggest pushes outside the confines of the Wyatt Family characters, the Bludgeon Brothers.
Rowan shared his thoughts and memories about Brodie Lee on Instagram in a certainly emotional message to his late former partner.
Heartbroken and numb. Just when I think my eyes have dried, I think of you and begin to cry again. I have lost not only a friend but a brother! I struggled last night with many emotions and memories. Jon meant more to me than he will ever know. I remember clearly all the loops we had during our years on the road together. He would always look forward to getting home to his family. After every loop he would say to me, “Goodbye Forever”, because he would want his 1 or two days with them, to feel like forever. One thing he taught me through his own actions was to be a better father and husband. He was one of a kind in everything he did, great performer, great father, great husband, great friend, and all around amazing human. My heart goes out to everyone who was touched by his greatness. My deepest condolences to his family. Jon this is not, “Goodbye forever, but goodbye for now! I will see you on the otherside my brother. I LOVE YOU!
Upon Rowan’s release this year, many people asked Rowan if they thought the two would reunite in AEW, where Rowan jokingly said he hoped they wouldn’t. He wanted the two to breathe and develop characters apart from one another, but he had admitted the idea had merit down the road. Certainly Rowan will wish he had that opportunity now as he sends his condolences and best wishes to Lee’s family.
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