Former WWE Champion Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passes away at 36

The Wresting industry has lost one more gem days after WWE Hall of Farmer Terry Funk passed away. Former WWE champion Windham Rotunda popularly known as Bray Wyatt passed away on 24 August at the age of 36. The news of his death was announced by 14-Time World Champion and Chief Content Officer ‘Triple H.’ Wyatt died of a heart attack, wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp tweeted on X.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "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," Levesque wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”

Also Read: Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, Terry Funk, dies at 79

WWE also put out a statement “WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, August 24, at age 36. WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans”

Former wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson who is popularly known as 'The Rock' said he is heartbroken by the news of Wyatt's demise. In his post, he wrote, “I'm 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 world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today. My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. As always, ‘thank you for the house’.”

Ric Flair also wrote, “When Your Great Friend And Someone Your Son’s Age Dies Within 2 Days, It Really Makes Me Reflect & Think About Life! Don’t Take Any Second For Granted! Rest In Peace Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt!”

Bray Wyatt's life and achievements

Known for his most creative and innovative minds in professional wrestling, he was the third generation wrestler in his family. 

Wyatt was the son of Mike Rotunda and Stephanie Rotunda. His grandfather Robert Windham who was known as 'Blackjack Mulligan' was famous in 1980s. His grandfather also played college football at UTEP and saw preseason action for the New York Jets.

Apart from them, Wyatt’s father, and two of his uncles (Barry and Kendall Windham) all wrestled in WWE.  Wyatt redshirted on the Troy football team in 2007.

 As reported by The Sun, Wyatt was engaged to his fiancée Joseann Offerman who is also known as JoJo and have two children with her.

Wyatt won world champion in WWE thrice of which he once won WWE Championship while twice won the Universal Championship. Media reports stated that there were rumours about him dealing with an injury due to which he also wasn't seen on TV since February 2023. 

In 2017, Rotunda lifted the WWE Championship by defeating five other men John Cena, AJ Styles, The Miz, Dean Ambrose and Baron Corbin, however, his career still didn't stop from spiralling down.

Later in 2019, he stole the limelight when he reinvented his character and came in the ring as the 'Fiend'. His most remarkable victory came in Wresltmania 36 in 2020, when he defeated the 17-time champion John Cena. The highly anticipated encounter further piqued the intrigue of the audience as both wrestlers fought in a "Firefly Fun House."

(With inputs from ANI, AP)