Windham Rotunda, who was better known as his wrestling alter ego Bray Wyatt, was a 3-time WWE world wrestling champion. He was known for his creative characters such as Wyatt, where his character was the leader of a made up cult named The Wyatt Family.
In February 2023, Rotunda stepped away from wrestling due to undisclosed health issues. He was preparing to come back to the ring, but he died “unexpectedly” on August 24, 2023. He was only 36 years old.
WWE content officer Triple H was the first to announce Rotunda’s death. On X (former 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.”
After the news of Rotunda’s death broke, Sean Ross Sapp, a wrestling reporter, posted on X to clarify some information about Rotunda’s death on behalf of Rotunda’s family. Sapp wrote, “I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.” He continued, “There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”
Sapp also asked for readers to “respect the family’s privacy if at all possible.” He explained that the reason for his post was because Rotunda’s “loved ones wanted some details clarified.”
After hearing the news of Rotunda’s death, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted a tribute to the late wrestler on X. He wrote, “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 world of pro wrestling.”
Watch the video below to learn more about Rotunda’s wrestling career and his unexpected death.
Rotunda is survived by his four children, two from a previous relationship and two with his fiancee, former WWE ring announcer Joseann Offerman. He is also survived by his sister Mika and his brother Taylor Rotunda (aka Bo Dallas.)
Rest in peace.
