WRESTLING
‘Such a creative mind, gone too soon’ – WWE fraternity mourns death of Windham Rothunda aka Bray Wyatt
Former WWE wrestler Bray Wyatt left the world too soon as he died at the age of 36. He was reported to have been dealing with a serious and life-threatening illness. His real name was Windham Rotunda and Bray Wyatt was his stage name. From 2009 to 2021, he was signed with the WWE company and had an illustrious career from 2014.
Notably, he comes from a rich family history of wrestling. Rotunda was a third-generation athlete of the family with a rich wrestling background. His grandfather Robert Windham wrestled as ‘Blackjack Mulligan’ in the 1980s while his Hall of Fame father Mike was a prominent figure in the 1990s as Irwin R Schyster.
Even his uncles, Barry and Kendall Windham were all wrestlers. His brother Taylor Michael Rotunda, aka Bo Dallas, was too with the WWE from 2008 to 2021.
Bray White’s last two years were difficult for him
In 2021, his contract with the company ended and it wasn’t renewed. A year later, he made his comeback and was received by the fans very well.
He had a couple of matches as the angle saw him being haunted by the mysterious ‘Uncle Howdy’. The storyline, however, ended abruptly when Rotunda disappeared, leading to a match between himself and Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 39 getting scrapped. Reports of him being diagnosed with a serious illness also started to do the rounds around the same time. He was inactive for the past six months before the tragic news emerged.
Rotunda is survived by his wife and former WWE ring announcer Jojo Offerman, whom he has two kids with. He also has 2 children from his previous marriage to Samantha Rotunda from 2012 to 2017.
Rotunda’s beginning as The Wyatt family immediately got him over with the fans. The gimmick was believed to be the ‘next Undertaker’ as his dark and twisted persona was a breath of fresh air. The lights would go off and he would enter the arena holding a lantern and accompanied by eerie music.
This is how Twitter reacted
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. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their…
— Triple H (@TripleH) 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
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
Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee are together again 🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/ibfRpuzcBC
— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) 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
In Bray Wyatt’s last WWE press conference he spoke passionately about taking risks and doing it because he wanted to leave a legacy. 💔 he said that was the beautiful thing about pro wrestling that there was something for everyone 💔 pic.twitter.com/DJEDZ2c6z8
— Denise 'Hollywood' Salcedo (@_denisesalcedo) August 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/foleyispod/status/1694868924054053070?s=20
This week in London we celebrate the great sport that’s called professional wrestling and the life’s of those who left an everlasting impact on this great business 💔
Thank You Bray Wyatt
Thank You Terry Funk pic.twitter.com/qR3nb2jaXh— Aziz Altamimi (@Directedbyaziz) August 25, 2023
I interviewed Bray Wyatt once. In character, for Kerrang Magazine, about his favourite albums. He stayed creepy the entire time and I was thrilled about it; he was a brilliant entertainer. I cannot believe he is gone.
— Kirsty Bosley (@Bozzers) August 25, 2023
Becky Lynch's tribute post to the news of Bray Wyatt's passing, "To know him was to love him"
(Becky Lynch's IG) pic.twitter.com/MCNQdCtquf
— Stephanie Hypes (@StephanieHypes) August 25, 2023