Tobias Sylvester
A former champion of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Bray Wyatt has tragically passed away at the age of 36.
Although the specifics of the location and cause of his unexpected death were not immediately disclosed by WWE, the news has left the wrestling community and fans shocked.
Bray Wyatt, whose birth name was Windham Rotunda, died Thursday at the age of 36 after suffering a heart attack.
His death was announced in a tweet by WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, who said: “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 privacy at this time.”
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
During his wrestling journey, Wyatt achieved the prestigious title of WWE Champion in 2017 and embraced various personas, including his time as a member of The Wyatt Family and his haunting masked alter ego, The Fiend.
His most recent victory was in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match against LA Knight at the Royal Rumble in January. Despite being medically cleared to return to the ring, WWE took careful measures to ensure Wyatt’s health and well-being, particularly following the significant health challenges he faced, possibly due to Covid-19.
While details were not definitive, it was reported that Wyatt had made progress, sparking creative plans for his potential return in September, although no official arrangements had been solidified.
Based on information from Fightful.com, it’s revealed that Wyatt’s unfortunate passing resulted from a heart attack, a health setback connected to Covid-19 complications he had encountered earlier this year.
In a statement, WWE expressed their sorrow: “WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.
WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP
— WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023
Bray Wyatt came from a wrestling family. His father Mike gained fame in WWE as Irwin R. Schyster, as well as in other promotions under his real name or Michael Wallstreet.
Rotunda’s uncle Barry Windham was one of the most highly regarded wrestlers of the 1980s and early 1990s and a former member of the prestigious Four Horsemen stable. Rotunda’s brother, Taylor, also wrestles for WWE and in the past used the moniker Bo Dallas.
Windham Rotunda was married to former WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman. They had two children and Rotunda had two other children from a previous marriage. He was a two-time former WWE Universal champion and former WWE champion.
Bray Wyatt leaves behind a legacy and a grieving wrestling community. He is survived by his ex-wife Samantha Rotunda and their two daughters, as well as his fiancé WWE ring announcer JoJo and their two children.
Following the news, superstars from every promotion took to social media to show their love for Wyatt. In particular, The Rock and Mick Foley shared their personal perspectives on what made Wyatt unique in sports entertainment.
Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe.
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/foleyispod/status/1694868924054053070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1694868924054053070%7Ctwgr%5E6e0c7eaaa7f9516aac3391976fcc951b620aabef%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fwwe%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F38253739%2Fformer-wwe-champion-bray-wyatt-dies-age-36
I’m just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing & kind friend. one of the most creative minds to ever walk this earth. Windham, you’ve brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around you.… pic.twitter.com/QELzyKKkNI
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
The world lost a good one today. Bray Wyatt’s story telling ability along with his unique creativity in the ring was a force that kept your eyes glued to the television screen. Windham Rotunda’s fun-loving, free spirit paired with his infectious laugh is what I will truly miss… pic.twitter.com/tV3NJCeVpY
— The Miz (@mikethemiz) August 25, 2023
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
Man…the first dude that took me under his wing when I got signed in 2009. We spent so much of our adult lives together. Praying for Jojo. Praying for his kids. I will miss your laugh & your boyish charm, my friend. Goodbye, Windham.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 24, 2023
In FCW Windham gave me a list of movies & documentaries to watch & pitch from. He wanted me to be in the family. I think he believed in me more than I did in myself at that time. I learned so much from him creatively but he was just a good good human. ❤️💔 So smart.This is so sad
— Summer Rae (@DanielleMoinet) August 24, 2023
I can’t believe I’m typing this. But RIP Windham. I knew you day 1 of moving to America, you were the biggest sweetheart and were loved by everyone who met you. I’m in shock.. sending all my love to the Rotunda family.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) August 24, 2023
Bray Wyatt’s death comes a few months after WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham, whose real name was Eldridge Wayne Coleman, passed away at the age of 79.
