WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt dies aged 36
Bray Wyatt a three-time world champion in the WWE has passed away.
According to reports by the BBC, Wyatt had been dealing with a long-term illness that has kept him out of the ring for most of this year.
Reports suggest that, despite his illness, his death is still seen as a surprise by his family.
Per reports from WrestleTalk.com, Wyatt had been struggling with the illness for some time, but seemed to be recovering well and showing positive signs in recent times.
Some reports even suggested Wyatt was set to return to the WWE immensely before his fatal heart attack.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful has reported the cause of death as a heart attack.
In his report, released via X.com (formerly Twitter), Sapp said, “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.”
WWE executive and former wrestler Triple H announced Wyatt’s passing on X.com, saying, “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.”
Bray Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda is from a wrestling family, his grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, father Mike Rotunda, and younger brother Bo Dallas all wrestled professionally.
WWE legend, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson released a statement in tribute to Wyatt in which he said, “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.”
Another former WWE Superstar, Mick Foley also wrote a tribute for Wyatt, saying, “I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt... He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling has ever seen.”
Bray Wyatt was best known for his performances as the leader of the cult-like ‘Wyatt Family’ that included Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman and the late Luke Harper.
The Wyatt Family were announced to the wrestling world in 2013 when they terrorized the WWE, especially targeting main man John Cena, even interrupting a title fight at one point.
John Cena also released a statement via X.com in which he said, “My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought the best out of me in so many ways. I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for all those he reached around the world. RIP.”
Wyatt was released by the WWE in 2021 and wasn’t seen in the ring again until October 2022, during that time he broke character to discuss how this had negatively affected his mental health.
Bray Wyatt is survived by his wife, Joseann Offerman and their two children.