By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
Windham Rotunda, who wrestled as Bray Wyatt, died on Thursday at age 36. WWE executive Paul Levesque revealed the news on social media and stated that it was shared with him by Rotunda’s father Mike.
Update: Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com reports that the cause of death was a heart attack. Sapp added that Rotunda caught COVID earlier this year, which “exacerbated a heart issue.”
Powell’s POV: Simply put, 36 is way too young. Rotunda leaves behind four young children. My condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends, and fans.
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
I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.
There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) August 25, 2023
I don’t even know what to say. I’m absolutely gutted.
That’s devastating. I can’t fathom what his parents, siblings, wife, and children are going through right now, and just hope their closest friends and loved ones can comfort them in the coming days.
He was my favorite character. he was fresh and creative. I know he wasn’t everyone’s cup o tea but man he brought something really cool. I am very sad
Go hug your loved ones. Have that slice of cake. And call out sick tomorrow and do something you love
RIP
So shocking. I’m speechless.
I’m speechless. What a creative mind and had one of the best gimmicks in the last decade. I mean who wasn’t a Bray Wyatt fan? I was a fan.
Sending my condolences to Bray’s family and friends.
I can’t even lie, this shocked me and brought a tear to my eye… This has hit me harder than any wrestler death ever… First Briscoe and now Wyatt, what a horrible year…
I admit I had quit watching WWE before he came around so I don’t know his work, but passing so young, with a family and everything? Damn, sad news.
When the Wyatt Family first came around, I hadn’t been as captivated by anyone in wrestling since Mankind’s debut, and nobody has had that effect on me since. Every week I was glued to the screen waiting for the lights to go out and that music to start up. RIP.
So saddened by this news. Still in shock today. RIP.