WWE star Bray Wyatt dies aged 36
WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt has died aged 36.
The sad news was announced on social media by WWE Content Director Triple H, who tweeted that Wyatt – real name Windham Rotunda – had passed away unexpectedly.
Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda – also known as Bray Wyatt – unexpectedly passed earlier today. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their…
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 24, 2023
His statement read: “I just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda (Bray’s father) who informed us of the tragic news that our lifetime WWE Family member, Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, died unexpectedly earlier today. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time. »
Wyatt returned to WWE late last year after a long absence, but was sidelined after a match at this year’s Royal Rumble against LA Knight.
Earlier in August, Fightful reported that Wyatt was actively recovering from a “career and life threatening illness,” but was not cleared to compete in the ring.
Wyatt is the son and grandson of former WWE Hall of Famers Mike Rotunda (aka IRS) and Blackjack Mulligan respectively, and the brother of current WWE Superstar Bo Dallas.
While he initially wrestled in WWE as Husky Harris in the early 2010s, he repositioned himself as a Southern cult leader named Bray Wyatt in a character change that made him a superstar.
After being released from WWE in 2021, Wyatt made a highly anticipated return at Extreme Rules last October to showcase a new version of his character.
He leaves behind his girlfriend JoJo, a former WWE announcer, and four children.
British wrestling legend William Regal was among those paying tribute to Wyatt, writing on Twitter/X: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt. My deepest condolences to Mike, Bo, Barry and all his family. Rest in peace, my friend.x”
Wyatt’s former tag team partner Matt Hardy tweeted that he was “completely devastated,” while his former manager, Alexa Bliss, wrote that she was “really at a loss for words right now.” »
Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away. It’s devastating to think he left us at only 36 years young. My condolences go out to his family, wife & children. I’m so sorry, my compeer. Miss you already. pic.twitter.com/AVNuOTjdsx
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 24, 2023
This week was a sad week for wrestling fans as legendary wrestler Terry Funk also passed away on Wednesday after a long period of poor health.
