The world of pro wrestling is paying tribute to Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) following his tragic passing.
As noted, Wyatt unexpectedly passed away today at the age of 36. He reportedly passed away from a heart attack after a case of COVID-19 exacerbated issues with his heart earlier this year. For those who missed it, you can click here for the original report with announcement from WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, you can click here for the report on Wyatt’s cause of death, and you can click here for details on how WWE is letting fans help Wyatt’s wife and kids.
WWE issued a lengthy statement on Wyatt’s passing, which you can see below. They also tweeted to send condolences to Wyatt’s family, friends and fans, writing, “WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.”
AEW also paid tribute to Wyatt on social media and their official website.
“AEW joins the entire wrestling world in mourning the loss of Windham Rotunda, aka Bray Wyatt. A third-generation wrestler, Windham proudly carried on his family’s legacy by forging his own incredible path to superstardom. Windham’s unique style and persona showcased his passion for the industry and desire for innovation. AEW sends its deepest condolences to Windham’s family, friends and fans. We are forever grateful for all his incredible contributions to the industry,” they wrote.
Impact Wrestling offered condolences to Wyatt’s family and noted that they would not be live tweeting during tonight’s Impact broadcast out of respect.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Rotunda family. Out of respect, we will not be live tweeting IMPACT tonight during the broadcast,” they wrote.
The NWA added, “All of The National Wrestling Alliance would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Windham Rotunda.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said he is heart-broken over Wyatt’s passing. His post included a photo of their face-off at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, and also included condolences to the family of WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk, who passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday.
“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. 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’ #ohana [blue heart emoji],” Rock wrote.
Alexa Bliss initially commented on how she was shocked at the news of Wyatt’s passing as she wrote, “Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.”
Bliss posted a follow-up around 1.5 hours later and remembered Wyatt as an amazing human being, an amazing and kind friend, and one of the most creative minds to walk the Earth.
“I’m just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing & kind 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 & their babies. We love you Windham [heart emoji],” she wrote.
Braun Strowman, who is the godfather to Wyatt’s son Knash, tweeted a photo of he and his former tag team partner with the kids Wyatt had with wife JoJo Offerman. The former Wyatt Family member also took to Instagram and posted a message to Wyatt, which includes a photo of the two with the late Luke Harper (Jon Huber).
“i really don’t even know how or where to start. This is just what i can muster up right now. 8 years ago today I joined you as your black sheep. If I knew only an 8 short years later I would have to say good by I sure as hell wouldn’t have taken so much for granted. You were my best friend my mentor my big little brother my brother of destruction. You were there for all my highs and my lows as I was for yours. You taught me so many things in the business that we shared and loved and you taught me so much in life. You truly made me a better person. I was so honored the day I found out you were haveing Knash boy and you asked me to be his Godfather. Windham you were one of a kind with a great mind and even better soul. The world lost such and amazing man. My heart is with the Rotunda family JoJo and all the baby’s know i love you all so much. I’ll see you down the road my friend. Slap Brodie on the ass for me when you see him. I know this isn’t bye forever. I LOVE YOU HOOT!!!,” he wrote.
Speaking of Harper, his wife, AEW production employee Amanda Huber, posted several photos of Wyatt with Harper and wrote, “I have no words. I’m devastated. [broken heart emoji] [alligator emoji]”
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, who was the first to announce Funk’s passing on Wednesday, commented on how the tragedies of the last 24 hours have made him reflect and think about life.
“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!,” Flair wrote.
Matt Hardy, who feuded with Wyatt and then held the RAW Tag Team Titles with him as The Deleters of Worlds, sent condolences to Wyatt’s family and sent a message to his friend. Hardy’s post also includes photos from their WWE run 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,” he wrote.
Big E also paid tribute to his good friend and recalled how Wyatt helped him out when he signed his WWE developmental deal in 2009.
“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,” he wrote.
Wyatt also helped The Viking Raiders in WWE. Ivar commented on Wyatt being kind to them when they were called up to the main roster, writing, “This has totally gutted me. He welcomed us to the main roster with open arms and was so so so kind to us. I just don’t know what to say [broken heart emoji]”
Tyson Kidd gave insight into how Wyatt was in the locker room, and revealed that Wyatt trained in the wrestling ring owned by Kidd and wife Natalya. Kidd also said the world did not get to see Wyatt’s full creativity, and that the loss is too great to be measured.
“RIP Bray- You will be very missed my friend. You always brought the locker room many many laughs. I’m grateful for so many special moments we shared at my ring this past year. I can’t believe this. The world only saw a glimpse of your creativity. This loss is immeasurable,” he wrote.
LA Knight, who worked against Wyatt in his final matches earlier this year, simply posted a photo of the two facing off backstage.
Below is the aforementioned WWE statement, along with tributes from the following promotions, wrestlers, Hall of Famers and Legends – MLW, WWE On FOX, WWE On TNT Sports UK, The Cauliflower Alley Club, ESPN, Pat McAfee, Cedric Alexander, Baron Corbin, Titus O’Neil, Kane, Jake Roberts, Diamond Dallas Page, Chelsea Green, Frankie Kazarian, Cora Jade, Cody Rhodes, Keith Lee, Mick Foley, Sami Zayn, The Miz, Eric Bischoff, Cathy Kelley, Joe Gacy, IYO SKY, Dijak, B-Fab, Sonya Deville, Damian Priest, Taz, Rhea Ripley, Dustin Rhodes, Sean Waltman, Saraya, Top Dolla, and William Regal:
Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.
Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining Superstar of his generation and accomplished many feats in WWE, including becoming WWE Champion in 2017.
From his leadership of The Wyatt Family alongside Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman to his enthralling time as “The Fiend,” Wyatt embarked on an incredible career and saw several iconic rivalries with Superstars such as John Cena, Randy Orton and The Undertaker.
WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.
WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP
— WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023
RIP Windham Rotunda pic.twitter.com/qGhcqAPBei
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 25, 2023
We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Rotunda family. Out of respect, we will not be live tweeting IMPACT tonight during the broadcast. pic.twitter.com/vq4bNANzgo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 24, 2023
All of The National Wrestling Alliance would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Windham Rotunda.
— NWA (@nwa) August 24, 2023
MLW's locker room, crew and front office team send our love to the family and friends of Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt on the tragic passing of a brilliant performer and person. RIP.
— MLW (@MLW) August 25, 2023
RIP to WWE family member Windham Rotunda – also known as Bray Wyatt – who unexpectedly passed earlier today. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BwYxPHiaKD
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) August 24, 2023
Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt, will go down as one of the most creative minds this industry has ever seen.
He dared to push boundaries and explore areas of pro-wrestling where others dared not.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this time.
RIP. pic.twitter.com/eQ6pigHeMO
— WWE on TNT Sports (@wweontnt) August 24, 2023
Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt.
Brodie Lee and Windham Rotunda.
Gone too soon but together again ❤️
RIP. pic.twitter.com/kB3I3Ei632
— WWE on TNT Sports (@wweontnt) August 24, 2023
We are hit hard again today with the passing of Bray Wyatt at the young age of 36. We send out our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans world over. He leaves behind an incredible legacy during his short time here on earth, rest in peace Sir. pic.twitter.com/ehVOsfN2Q0
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) August 24, 2023
Former WWE champion Bray Wyatt died Thursday at the age of 36, WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque announced on social media.
More: https://t.co/VJ705TLs6v pic.twitter.com/eqOdhYJ4vR
— ESPN (@espn) August 24, 2023
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 Monster of all Monsters (@Adamscherr99) August 25, 2023
Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
I’m just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing & kind 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.… pic.twitter.com/QELzyKKkNI
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
I have no words.
I’m devastated.
— Amanda (@MandaLHuber) August 24, 2023
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
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
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
This has totally gutted me. He welcomed us to the main roster with open arms and was so so so kind to us. I just don't know what to say 💔 https://t.co/lVK2kUxhMa
— Ivar (@Ivar_WWE) August 24, 2023
RIP Bray-
You will be very missed my friend. You always brought the locker room many many laughs. I’m grateful for so many special moments we shared at my ring this past year. I can’t believe this. The world only saw a glimpse of your creativity. This loss is immeasurable.— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) August 24, 2023
— LA Knight (@RealLAKnight) August 25, 2023
Damn man.. Rest Easy Bray Wyatt https://t.co/fNrYqPZbU5
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 24, 2023
Every time I was able to share a locker room with Bray Wyatt was a pleasure. Always willing to give advice or just shoot the breeze and tell fun stories on the road.
My and family and I send out our prayers to the Rotunda family
Rest In Peace Wyndham #BrayWyatt
— PRIME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) 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
https://twitter.com/TitusONeilWWE/status/1694853873221980668
Tragic news. Windham was an exceptional talent in the ring. His creation, Bray Wyatt, is an iconic character. Backstage, Windham was a lot of fun to be around, one of those people who never had a bad day. What a loss, both professionally and personally. https://t.co/zSwG6OWiQI
— Kane (@KaneWWE) August 25, 2023
Bray Wyatt is one of the most talented young wrestlers to ever come down the line. My heart goes out to his family.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/kj6ZBAGjCZ
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) August 25, 2023
I just heard Bray Wyatt has left this earth…Breaks my heart. An amazing human in & out of the ring. My time with him was so memorable. My deepest sympathies to his family & friends. We’ve lost another GREAT One. God Bless you Windham! You will be sorely missed. RIP Brother. DDP pic.twitter.com/R2mgWXKgWk
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) August 25, 2023
What a horrible loss for his family, his friends, and the entire wrestling world. He was a creative genius and I will forever be influenced by his work.
🖤 https://t.co/r5tyUQHijd— CHELSEA GREEN (@ImChelseaGreen) August 24, 2023
Rest in peace Windham Rotunda/Bray Wyatt. My god…I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with his family and children…..I have nothing else right now. Godspeed to you my friend.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/CoraJadeWWE/status/1694848386048970871
Power and endless love to your family
Rest Cowboy pic.twitter.com/URY6zvZqBq
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 24, 2023
The toughest part of this industry… is when you bond with people…. and then that bond is severed unexpectedly. RIP brudda.
I was rooting for you just like you did for me. I already missed you… but this… it's painful. Safe journey my man.
— Excellent Lee (@RealKeithLee) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/foleyispod/status/1694868924054053070
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
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
Thoughts and prayers are with the Rotunda family. Bray Wyatt left us far too soon.
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) August 24, 2023
absolutely gutted and so completely heartbroken for his family right now. rest easy Bray https://t.co/bPOmmw6eNu
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) August 24, 2023
I don’t really have words,
I’m stunned and shocked.
You will be greatly missed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UEJPkt4SA1
— Joe Gacy (@JoeGacy) August 24, 2023
So sad…💔
ブレイ・ワイアット選手とご遺族の皆さまにお悔やみ申し上げます。 https://t.co/ZaZi6Frm9N
— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) August 24, 2023
Bray Wyatt was such a lovely man to be around. He loved his family so much. I’m so sorry.
— DIJAK (@DijakWWE) August 24, 2023
HEARTBROKEN 💔 I’m at a loss for words. One of the most creative minds to ever be in a WWE ring. Inspired all of us to continue to think out of the box. And know who we are. A REAL and HONEST SOUL… You will be missed deeply 😔🕊️ R.I.P Bray Wyatt Prayer to your family pic.twitter.com/om27VMHshC
— Briana Brandy (@TheVibeBri) August 24, 2023
I’m at a loss for words….I’m grateful to have witnessed his greatness and been around his sweet spirits, always so nice and kind, and willing to help. My prayers to all his family 🙏🖤 https://t.co/FVTLoVbiul
— Daria/Sonya Deville (@SonyaDevilleWWE) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/ArcherOfInfamy/status/1694843406302752798
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
Lost for words. 💔 RIP
— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/dustinrhodes/status/1694847833080234252
Sending every bit of love I have in me to the Rotunda family. I know way too many people who have lost a child. I can only imagine the pain. I remember Windham & his brother coming to shows w/their dad when they were kids. Absolutely devastating news. 💔
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) August 24, 2023
I can’t believe I’m typing this. But RIP Windham. I knew you day 1 of moving to America, you were the biggest sweetheart and were loved by everyone who met you. I’m in shock.. sending all my love to the Rotunda family.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) August 24, 2023
I can’t believe this… Bray Wyatt was the reason I came to @WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans… working with him in Montreal & feeling that crowd reaction is one of my greatest memories in life.
The world lost a true artist, a good man and a great father. #RIPBray 🙏🏽🕊️ pic.twitter.com/UhTFcpM1bK
— A.J. FRANCI$ 💰 (@AJFrancis410) August 24, 2023
Devastated to hear of the passing of Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt. My deepest condolences to Mike, Bo, Barry and all his family. Rest well my friend.x
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 24, 2023
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