The professional wrestling world is in mourning following the sudden passing of Windham Rotunda – better known as WWE superstar Bray Wyatt.
The 36-year-old had been sidelined since January due to an undisclosed illness and despite reports of a potential return to the squared circle recently, Wyatt passed away on Thursday as first announced by Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque.
One of the most unique performers of the 21st century, Rotunda first broke onto the scene with WWE under the ‘Husky Harris’ moniker in the early-2010s, before reinventing himself and bringing the Wyatt character to life.
Alongside both the late Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, The Wyatt Family would become one of the most prominent acts on WWE programming in the mid-2010s, feuding with the likes of John Cena and The Shield.
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In 2017, Wyatt would capture his first championship with the company, emerging victorious in the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, before dropping the belt at WrestleMania 33 to Randy Orton.
The ultra-creative Wyatt would bring plenty of changes to his on-screen persona over the years, with the split-personality persona of the Firefly Fun House and The Fiend cementing his main-event status once again in 2019.
After being released from the company in July 2021, Wyatt returned in October last year, working a lengthy program with LA Knight, culminating at the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event, before disappearing from television.
Wyatt is survived by his partner Joseann ‘Jojo’ Offerman and his four children, as well as his father Mike Rotunda and brother Taylor ‘Bo Dallas’ Rotunda.
Bray Wyatt dies, aged 36: Wrestling world pays tribute to WWE star
Among those to pay tribute to Wyatt included two of his closest friends in the business – Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman – on their Instagram accounts.
Other members of the WWE family shared their devastation and memories of Wyatt via social media, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, The Miz and Mick Foley.
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
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
RIP BRAY WYATT. This is awful news, just terribly sad for his family, friends and fans. I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt, and was so flattered when he started using the mandible claw for his finisher. He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling… pic.twitter.com/gSuDQ1Z12I
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 25, 2023
I have a hard time accepting death. Denial is strong. I am just shocked and I really can’t believe it.
RIP Windham Rotunda, I’m grateful to have shared some good times with you.— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) August 25, 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
I’m trying to process this and can’t
Windham was a friend
I feel for his wife, his beautiful children, his parents, his brother, his sister and everyone else who knew what a incredible person he was.
— Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) August 24, 2023
WWE has announced all of Wyatt’s merchandise profits will be donated to his family.
The Sporting News send our heartfelt condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and colleagues following the news of his sudden passing. He will be remembered as one of the industry’s most creative minds and iconic stars.