NEWS WEEK
Windham Rotunda, known to WWE fans as Bray Wyatt, has died at 36.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, following a call from Wyatt’s father. Levesque called Wyatt’s passing “unexpected.”
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
Wyatt is survived by his partner Jojo Offerman and four children. No cause of death was announced.
Wyatt had not been seen on WWE television since January. No official announcement had been made regarding the reason for his absence. Many industry outlets reported an undisclosed injury, and a recent report from Fightful Select stated that he was still not medically cleared.
Wyatt’s family is well known in the industry. His father, uncles and grandfather were all professional wrestlers. His brother Taylor, better known to WWE fans as Bo Dallas, former NXT champion and WWE tag team champion. His partner Jojo previously worked for WWE as a ring announcer.
Wyatt was a multi-time world champion in WWE and known for his deep creativity. He shared the ring with some of the industry’s biggest names. Many of his friends and colleagues took to X to remember Wyatt.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson remembered Wyatt for his “very unique, cool and rare character.”
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
Alexa Bliss, who worked closely with Wyatt when he portrayed his character “The Fiend” couldn’t find words on X.
Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
She later posted on her official Instagrampage: “What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. Amazing 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. It’s going to take me some time to really process this. Sending my love to the Rotunda Family & Jojo. We love you Windham.”
Wyatt was close with the late pro wrestler John Huber, better known to fans as Brodie Lee and Luke Harper, who died in December 2020 after a lung illness. The two were part of “The Wyatt Family,” along with wrestlers Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan. Lee’s widow, Amanda Huber, also struggled to find words.
Wyatt worked closely with current AEW wrestler Matt Hardy. Wyatt and Hardy worked as a tag team in WWE, capturing the tag team championships together.
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
Former wrestler and current All Elite Wrestling commentator Taz remembered him as “extremely talented and creative.”
Very sorry to hear of Bray Wyatt’s passing. It’s very sad. Unfortunately, I never got to know this man, but watching him perform, you can instantly tell he was extremely talented & creative. And more importantly hearing how great of a person he was. My condolences to his family.… pic.twitter.com/rSsT4hi1Ej
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) August 24, 2023
Ric Flair reflected on losing Wyatt the day following the death of his friend Terry Funk.
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! pic.twitter.com/U2FpzeibmY
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 24, 2023
