Bray Wyatt Dead At 36 - Wrestling World Reacts
Stars from WWE, AEW, and elsewhere mourn Windham Rotunda's tragic passing.
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:
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
Rotunda's close friend, former Wyatt Family stablemate, and godfather to his son Knash, Braun Strowman, penned an emotional tribute on Instagram:
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:
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
Advertisement— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
Cody Rhodes, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Big E and many, many more WWE names made their own tributes:
Power and endless love to your family
Rest Cowboy pic.twitter.com/URY6zvZqBq
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) 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
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
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
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
RIP BRAY WYATT. This is awful news, just terribly sad for his family, friends and fans. I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt, and was so flattered when he started using the mandible claw for his finisher. He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling… pic.twitter.com/gSuDQ1Z12I
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 25, 2023
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
Ricky Starks, meanwhile, is amongst the AEW talents to speak on the one-of-a-kind Rotunda so far:
One of a kind talent and a person beloved by many. Rest easy
— Ricky Starks (@starkmanjones) August 25, 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 have no words.
I’m devastated.?? pic.twitter.com/PQrduYhVH2
— Amanda (@MandaLHuber) 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
We need to stop only coming together when we lose someone...
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) August 24, 2023
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.