Bray Wyatt Dead At 36 - Wrestling World Reacts

Stars from WWE, AEW, and elsewhere mourn Windham Rotunda's tragic passing.

Bray Wyatt
WWE

The world today mourns the tragic death of Windham 'Bray Wyatt' Rotunda, who passed away at 36 years old on Thursday, having suffered a heart attack.

The former WWE star is survived by his partner, Joseann 'JoJo' Offerman, his four children, brother Taylor 'Bo Dallas' Rotunda, and parents Mike and Stephanie.

Tributes have poured in from every corner of the professional wrestling world. Wyatt's home promotion, WWE, issued the following statement:

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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.

AEW, meanwhile, offered its condolences to the Windham family in its own statement:

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.

Wrestlers Pay Tribute To Bray Wyatt

Bray Wyatt
WWE.com

Rotunda's close friend, former Wyatt Family stablemate, and godfather to his son Knash, Braun Strowman, penned an emotional tribute on Instagram:

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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!!!

Alexa Bliss, who also shared a close connection with Rotunda onscreen and off, paid tribute to the "joy and happiness" the 36-year-old brought to those he came into contact with:

Cody Rhodes, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Big E and many, many more WWE names made their own tributes:

Ricky Starks, meanwhile, is amongst the AEW talents to speak on the one-of-a-kind Rotunda so far:

WhatCulture wishes to extend its deepest thoughts, sympathies, and condolences to Windham Rotunda's friends and family at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Bray.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.