WWE News: Luke Harper talks the Wyatt Family, the rise of Braun Strowman, and his aspirations 

What's the story?

WWE SmackDown Live Superstar Luke Harper did an interview a few days ago on Busted Open Radio with Dave LeGreca and was joined by soon to be WWE Hall of Famer, Bully Ray.

The Bludgeon Brother spoke about a number of topics, including Braun Strowman, The Wyatt Family and his future WWE ambitions.

In case you didn't know...

At the moment, Luke Harper is tag-teaming with Erick Rowan as The Bludgeon Brothers (which is their gimmick) on SmackDown Live.

The one-time Intercontinental Champion was part of the Wyatt Family faction with Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan, and then later Braun Strowman.

Harper and Rowan are not scheduled for tonight's SmackDown Live exclusive PPV, Fastlane, but they are teasing going after the SD Live Tag Team Championships currently.

The heart of the matter

When asked about his past in well-received The Wyatt Family, Harper described his time in the faction as 'special' and 'magic'. saying they came together at the perfect time.

"It's mind-boggling to me (how successful the gimmick was). The Wyatt Family was a very special thing. The 3 of us came together at a perfect time. It was a perfect storm, and that rivalry with The Shield in 2014-2015 was a magical time."

In regard to RAW Superstar Braun Strowman, Harper said that he knew that Strowman was talented from when he first started in the Wyatt Family even though the WWE Universe did not see it at first.

Hence, Harper is not surprised about Braun's current success as one of the top guys on RAW and praised his quick learning of the pro wrestling business.

"I remember back when he first started, everyone thought we were crazy (when we said he has the talent). Watching how massive he is and then to learn Pro Wrestling that quickly on the highest level you could be at, that's an impressive thing to do."

Lastly, on his own future, Harper revealed that he wants to go back to being a singles star like he was before rejoining Rowan in a new gimmick, insisting he wants to be a world champion.

But, Harper explained that he is also hoping to become a Tag-Team Champion with Rowan and does not mind if this is how he sets out on his path to a World Title. He also praised the SmackDown Live tag team division in the process

"I think the Smackdown tag-team division is flying right now. Shelton & Gable, New Day and Usos who are primed and I think they need the fresh blood. I think they need us (The Bludgeon Brothers) to do this for them. They have been wrestling each other many times and I couldn't be happier. We had matches with the Usos 3 years ago and they were some of the best in my career.

"At the end of the day, I want to be a world champion. I want to be Intercontinental Champion. I also want to be a tag-team champion. If that's my way in, then I'm willing to do it."

Here is a video of the interview on YouTube:

What's next?

The Bludgeon Brothers could go on to be the opponents of the SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions at WrestleMania 34, whether that it is The Usos or The New Day (these teams are facing off tonight at Fastlane, Usos being the current champs).

Harper and Rowan could attack the winners (and maybe losers too, especially if The New Day win, as The Usos will be due a rematch anyway if they lost) of this match after the bout tonight and set up a Mania clash.

Author's take

In particular, Harper's comments on Braun Strowman were really telling.

The WWE Universe was really sceptical of Strowman when he first debuted on WWE RAW with the Wyatt Family with barely any experience of wrestling, but he is now one of the biggest stars each and every week on Monday night and is one of the most popular WWE babyfaces in years.

Hopefully, Harper will achieve his own goals in WWE too. He is a very underrated talent.

---

Send us news tips at [email protected]