Reach Out and Touch Faith: 5 WWE Characters or Storylines Tied to Faith

Over the past few months, WWE has had Seth Rollins embrace a new entity, a different character that often believes he is a 'higher power'. In several cases, Rollins speaks about saving and being better than others. While that is hardly the case with religion, the notion of calling oneself a Messiah and having their face appear on a shirt with a stain glass background certainly does suggest something God-like.

This wouldn't be the first instance in which the WWF/E has embraced or used faith and religion as a focal point in their storylines or characters. With other promotions such as TNT/IMPACT, Ring of Honor and ECW before them also doing the same, faith has often been something tied to wrestling.

He LOVES you and at one time Brother Love meant it! Photo / YouTube

5. Brother Love

During the 1980s and early 1990s, television evangelists would often be used to help bring forth God. Those that believed were often awestruck by the manner in which they were able to captivate an audience. Over 25 years ago, the then WWF capitalized on the said character with a current WWE producer - Bruce Prichard would play an on-screen character that reflected said televangelist. As an organ would be heard so gently in the background, it would be time for The Brother Love Show. The character was a walking contradiction. He would claim to 'love you' but his comments were filled with criticism and hate.

With his hair slicked back, white pants, shoes, ties jacket, and suspenders, his outfit was broken up with a red shirt. He was certainly an over-the-top character, but it was also a much different time. Some of his biggest altercations were with the late 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and 'Macho Man' Randy Savage. Prichard's character also was among those that ushered in The Undertaker character back when he made his debut at the Survivor Series.

Austin 3:16 emerged after defeating a WWE Hall of Famer. Photo / MonstersandCritics.com

4. The Emergence of Austin 3:16

Many have seen and heard of the life and times of Jake 'The Snake' Roberts. He is often considered one of the most articulate and effective storytellers in the history of the sport. Roberts was able to make children tremble at his sight and voice. However, with each year that passed, Roberts faced several personal demons that took him away from wrestling. In 1996 however, Jake Roberts returned - only this time, he spoke of newfound faith. He had embraced God and found his way.

During the King of the Ring tournament in 1996, Roberts faced rising star within the company 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin. After defeating Roberts, Austin made the following statements in an interview and, in doing so, he references a biblical passage:"You sit there and you thump your Bible, and you say your prayers, and it didn't get you anywhere! Talk about your Psalms, talk about John 3:16... Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!"

These comments turned into a t-shirt which was easily one of the most significant moments in wrestling history.

At one point The Undertaker shared with the world his Ministry....of Darkness. Photo / WWE

3. The Ministry of Darkness

Some years ago, The Undertaker created a following that is still talked about today. Fans have always known him to embrace the dark side, however, at this time he also had with him a collective of talent embrace his message. With his entrance often bringing about cheers from fans, his synonymous gong always spawns a reaction. From his debut alongside Brothr Love to his long association with Paul Bearer,The Undertaker is the embodiment of darkness in light.

However, during the late 1990s around the turn of the century, The Undertaker now walked with an entire ministry. While suffering an injury at the time, The Undertaker had the opportunity to evolve his character rather than to focus on being an in-ring talent. He wore a long hooded cloak to the ring, and would be accompanied by The Brood (Edge, Christian, and Gangrel), The Acolytes (Bradshaw and Faarooq), Mideon and Viscera. His storyline of kidnapping a young Stephanie McMahon and attempting to marry her in an Eldritch ceremony almost resembled a crucifixion.

Shawn Michaels once had a tag team partner that you didn't need to see to believe in. Photo / Dailymotion

2. Shawn Michaels and GOD vs. The McMahons

Many stories have been told about the trials and tribulations of the Hearbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. He often defines it as a point when he is personally spiraling out of control. Michaels has often admitted that he needed to change his ways, or face the consequences of his actions. Fans will never argue the quality of his matches, the delivery of his promos or how his character has evolved. However, he believed he needed to see the light and, eventually, he did, leading Michaels to come clean and find God.

He became a born-again Christian and quite openly shared that on screen. His new choices became a storyline against Vince and Shane McMahon. While the quality of the feud will remain in question, the lack of respect shown towards the beliefs was quite apparent, regardless of your religious background. Their feud came to a head as Vince challenged Shawn to a tag team match against him and God. The promos leading up to it also included Vince drinking the holy water among other things.

Before Bray Wyatt asked us to follow the buzzards, Waylon Mercy wanted to save us. Photo / WWE

1.Bray Wyatt and Waylon Mercy

Often imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Before his time as the newly-invigorated Fiend, Bray Wyatt had a family. His character back then was reminiscent of a character portrayed by former WWF talent, Danny Spivey. As the character Waylon Mercy, he would talk about 'saving us'. He would then state that; "Lives are gonna be in Waylon Mercy's hands. You know what I mean?"

In comparison, Wyatt would as us to "follow the buzzards." Both of these personas very much had cult leader nuances and qualities about them. While neither one could be solely tied to the other, they did profess 'peace'. Fans will recall a moment in which children wore alter boy and alter girl gowns, surrounding the ring for Bray Wyatt. The chilling demonstration was another example of how he had, as the song says, the whole world in his hands. This rather popular song is sung in conjunction with masses and other church gatherings as well. It is a rather twisted tale but one where the notion of faith and belief are intertwined.