A new report from PWInsider adds that WWE’s original plan was for Wyatt to be present at all pre-WrestleMania 39 SmackDown tapings in preparation for the match with Uncle Howdy.
Speaking of Howdy, he (Bo Dallas) wasn’t on Friday’s SmackDown either, but was originally supposed to be.
There’s no official word on Wyatt’s status, and WWE sources didn’t really provide an answer when asked.
Dave Meltzer noted that he didn’t get a definitive answer either when he asked whether or not Lashley vs. Wyatt was still ongoing. It has been confirmed that Wyatt is still with the company. We found Wyatt reportedly came out with an undisclosed “physical issue,” but Meltzer called it an illness.
WWE hasn’t mentioned Lashley vs. Wyatt on TV since March 6th RAW. Wyatt has not appeared in a pre-taped segment since February 27 RAW. Howdy last appeared on SmackDown for the March 3 episode, alongside Lashley. Howdy was booked once for RAW on March 6th but he didn’t show up.
As we’ve noted, Wyatt has reportedly been sidelined with a “physical issue” and has missed a handful of recent WWE live events, including recent Supershows in Toronto and New York at Madison Square Garden on February 27th RAW, where he was in a pre-taped “Wyatt’s Gym” promo to mock Lashley. He has not wrestled since winning a Lights Out Street Fight against LA Knight at the WWE Live event in Rockford, Illinois on February 26.
WWE has not officially announced Wyatt vs. Lashley for WrestleMania 39 at this time.