VIDEO: Becky Lynch pays tribute to Bray Wyatt after WWE Raw

After WWE Raw went off the air last night, Becky Lynch spoke to the crowd and gave a tribute to the late Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda).

Lynch shared a story of how Wyatt helped her when she competed in her first-ever tables match at TLC 2016. Lynch had no idea how to get a table out and set it up. She said no one even thought about that — except for Wyatt. He worked with Lynch and helped get her ready to compete in the match.

He came up to me and he said, ‘Do you have any idea how to set up a table?’ I said, ‘No, man. I’ve got no clue. I don’t know how to do a tables match. I don’t know what I’m doing.’ And he said, ‘Come with me.’ And he took me under his arm and he brought be out to the ring and he showed me everything I needed to do. This was on a live event. And then at the pay-per-view, at TLC, even though he had a match, he was busy, he spent the whole afternoon helping me and showing me. That is the kind of person that Windham was.

Lynch dedicated using tables in her match last night to Wyatt. She defeated Zoey Stark in a falls count anywhere match in the main event of Raw.

Lynch is facing Trish Stratus in a steel cage match at Payback this Saturday.

The tribute to Wyatt on last night’s Raw also included Seth Rollins wearing a Wyatt sideplate on his World Heavyweight Championship.

Wyatt passed away at 36 years old on August 24. His death was caused by a heart issue.

Report: Bray Wyatt was suffering from heart complications prior to death

More details have emerged regarding the death of Windham Rotunda, best known as Bray Wyatt in WWE.

According to police records obtained by TMZ, Rotunda had experienced heart complications in the weeks prior to his death. His family members told police that he had COVID back in March and developed heart complications, causing him to have a “weak lower part of his heart”. He was hospitalized one week prior to his death due to a heart issue, and had a follow-up appointment with his doctor the morning that he died.

Rotunda told his fiancee (former WWE ring announcer Josanne Offerman) that he was going to take a nap on Thursday, the day of his death, according to the police report. Offerman became concerned when his alarm went off an hour later without stopping. Rotunda was then discovered in his bed not breathing and was turning blue. Offerman called 911 as her mother attempted CPR, but Rotunda was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The report also said that Rotunda was advised by doctors to wear an external heart defibrillator, a device that is designed to treat people who experience sudden cardiac arrest. The defibrillator was later found inside Rotunda’s vehicle parked in the driveway.

Following Rotunda’s passing, WWE held tributes both on Friday’s SmackDown and Monday’s Raw. Other promotions including Impact, AEW, and NWA also paid tribute.

Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross, Shotzi get Bray Wyatt tribute tattoos

Bray Wyatt left a permanent mark on Braun Strowman, Karrion Kross, and Shotzi.

Strowman, Kross, and Shotzi were among a group of people who got Wyatt tribute tattoos on Friday night. The tattoos are of Wyatt’s moth logo.

The tattoos were done at Deep Search Tattoo in Clarksville, Indiana. WWE was in Louisville, Kentucky for SmackDown on Friday.

WWE’s Director of Longterm Creative Rob Fee, who worked closely with Wyatt, also got the tattoo of Wyatt’s logo.

Last night’s SmackDown was a tribute to both Wyatt and Terry Funk. Though Strowman underwent neck fusion surgery in June, he appeared for Wyatt’s tribute. Strowman’s former Wyatt Family stablemate Erick Rowan was also brought in to celebrate Wyatt. Strowman and Rowan stood alongside each other for the 10-bell salute and moment of silence.

Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) passed away at 36 years old on August 24. His death was caused by a heart attack. Wyatt had a heart issue that was exacerbated by having COVID-19 earlier this year, but his health had recently been improving and he was getting closer to returning to the ring.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Celebration of Bray Wyatt & Terry Funk

WWE celebrated the lives of Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) and Terry Funk on last night’s episode of SmackDown.

The show opened with a 10-bell salute for both Wyatt and Funk. The roster came out to the stage for a moment of silence, with Erick Rowan being brought in for the tribute. Braun Strowman, who is currently out of action after undergoing neck fusion surgery, stood alongside Rowan as they mourned their Wyatt Family brother.

A tribute video for Wyatt played after the moment of silence. When the video ended, the crowd chanted “Thank you, Bray” and started singing “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” A spotlight was then shown on Wyatt’s rocking chair on the stage.

Cody Rhodes postponed an autograph signing appearance so he could make it to SmackDown last night. He cut a promo honoring Funk and introduced a Funk tribute video. The Street Profits then defeated The Brawling Brutes in what was billed as a Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match.

The night ended with WWE continuing to celebrate the life of Wyatt. LA Knight, who was Wyatt’s last-ever opponent, defeated Finn Balor in the main event. The lights then went out and Wyatt’s lantern appeared in the ring. The fans held up their phones and again chanted “Thank you, Bray” as SmackDown went off the air.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

A 10-bell salute for Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk

Bray Wyatt tribute video

Rey Mysterio vs. Grayson Waller

IYO SKY vs. Zelina Vega for the WWE Women’s Championship

Cody Rhodes honors Terry Funk

Terry Funk tribute video

Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match: Brawling Brutes vs. The Street Profits

LA Knight gives a touching tribute to Bray Wyatt

LA Knight vs. Finn Balor

Thank you, Bray

Wrestling Observer Live: The Filthy Tom solo show

For the first time ever on Wrestling Observer Live, former UFC star, NJPW Strong Champion and MLW Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor hosts all by his lonesome.

Observe and listen to his words about the passing of both Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt, this Sunday’s AEW All In, and all of the rest of the wrestling news of the day.

YouTube video subscribers can also watch today’s show there.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Chris Jericho honors Bray Wyatt during Fozzy concert

Chris Jericho & Fozzy paid tribute to Bray Wyatt during their concert on Friday.

A clip shared on X Friday showed Jericho saying that Windham Rotunda (Wyatt) was “a pleasure to work with”, allowing people to sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”, a trademark of Wyatt during his run in WWE. He then dedicated the Fozzy concert to Rotunda.

Seth Rollins on X also shared his feelings on Wyatt.

“Windham was a unique cat,” he said. “Simple, yet deeply complex individual. And I loved him. I loved working with him, but most of all I loved being around him.”

“I thought about going to SmackDown tonight, but that would entail leaving my family a day early,” Rollins continued. “And I just keep going back to the conversation I had with Windham on the phone when Brodie [Lee] passed a few years ago…we ended the conversation with I love yous and goodbyes and I remember this very specifically, he said ‘you just go on hugging that baby girl’, talking about my daughter…so I just feel like that’s what I should be doing.”

Rollins ended the videos by saying “Windham, I’ll miss you, we’ll all miss you…see you down the road, cowboy.”

Rotunda passed away Tuesday at the age of 36. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Rotunda had suffered a heart attack due to COVID-19 exacerbating a previous heart ailment.

WWE SmackDown live results: Bray Wyatt & Terry Funk tributes

WWE SmackDown takes place from the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky tonight.

The company announced on Friday that the show will pay tribute to the late Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda). Wyatt passed away at 36 years old on Thursday due to a heart issue.

WWE hasn’t announced what the tribute will look like, but Director of Longterm Creative Rob Fee posted that tonight “is gonna be really special.”

The show will also pay tribute to Terry Funk, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79.

It’s been confirmed that WWE Women’s Champion IYO SKY will defend her title against Zelina Vega tonight. It’s SKY’s first defense since cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase at SummerSlam to become champion.

A non-title match with United States Champion Rey Mysterio facing Grayson Waller is also set.

WWE had advertised that Jimmy Uso would be on SmackDown to continue the Bloodline story, but that segment is no longer included on WWE.com’s rundown for the show.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

SmackDown opened with a graphic paying tribute to both Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt. The top of the entrance ramp was met by the WWE locker room including Braun Strowman and Wyatt family member Erick Rowan. Michael Cole then dedicated the show to the memories of Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk before we witnessed a moment of silence with a ten bell salute. After the ten bell salute, we were honored with the accomplishments, memories and lasting images of Windham ‘Bray Wyatt’ Rotunda and what he meant to the WWE Universe.

After the tribute played, WWE Superstars remained on stage, choking up as fans sang “He’s got the whole world in his hands…” before we saw a lone rocking chair sitting on stage before the camera faded away into darkness.

– A video tribute followed of Terry Funk’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Michael Cole stated that Cody Rhodes was in attendance tonight and followed up by mentioning Dusty Rhodes’ rivalries with the late Terry Funk. Cole then stated that the WWE wanted to provide entertainment tonight as Rey Mysterio’s music hit.

Rey Mysterio defeated Grayson Waller in a non-title match

Waller was hungry to gain the victory against the current United States champion as quickly as he could but Mysterio remained resilient. Waller misstepped and action spilled to the outside and Mysterio gained momentum as we headed to commercial.

We are back from commercial and action was back in the ring and as Mysterio charged Waller in the corner, Grayson side-stepped and Mysterio was now in trouble. Waller followed up with a diving elbow but could only land a two count however.

Waller followed up by sending Mysterio corner to corner but as Waller attempted a powerbomb, Mysterio maneuvered and landed a seated senton and a tornado ddt but could only manage a two count himself.

Myterio with the momentum in his hand, managed to land Waller in a position to hit the 619 but before he could hit it, Austin Theory’s music hit causing the distraction. Santos Escobar hit the ring and countered Theory’s interference and after Mysterio was able to gain control of the match once again, he nailed Waller with the 619 followed by the Drop the Dime to get the 1-2-3.

– A video promo aired on the birth of The Wyatt Family.

– It was announced that on top of IYO SKY defending the WWE Women’s Championship against the LWO’s Zelina Vega tonight, we would also see Butch and Ridge Holland of The Brawling Brutes battle The Street Profits.

– A video promo aired on the return to WWE Friday Night SmackDown of the one-and-only John Cena live next week.

– A video tribute was shown of Bray Wyatt’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Michael Cole announced that two of Bray Wyatt’s former foes would go to battle in the main event tonight as LA Knight would face Finn Bálor.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviewed Damage CTRL. Bayley stated that this was IYO SKY’s era and it would remain that way.

IYO SKY (w/Damage CTRL) defeated Zelina Vega to retain the WWE Women’s Championship

After both competitors were introduced, we headed to commercial.

– Back from commercial and a video promo aired on the debut of The Fiend equipped with a QR code in the corner.

The bell rang and it was all SKY as Damage CTRL cheered on loudly from the outside. Vega attempted a comeback by climbing to the second rope but SKY caught her and Zelina was grounded hard to the mat.

Vega finally managed to gain momentum and managed to nail SKY with the Meterora but only managed a two count. SKY countered but so did Vega as she attempted to land Code Red but SKY escaped. SKY followed up and attempted to hit the air but Vega countered and nailed Code Red but SKY luckily rolled to he outside.

Vega followed SKY to the outside but IYO was able to execute an assault and send Zelina into the post switching momentum in her favor. SKY followed up by heading back into the ring, nailing Vega with the Over the Moonsault to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.

– Backstage, Cody Rhodes was shown heading to the ring to honor the career and legacy of the late Terry Funk.

– Another video tribute was shown of Bray Wyatt’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Cody Rhodes made his way to the ring. Rhodes stated that he knew what he wanted to talk about tonight and shared a story when he was 11 years old, hearing a guy calling his father an “egg sucking dog”.

Cody paid tribute to the 50-year legacy of Terry Funk before introducing a video package honoring the career of the WWE Hall of Famer. Clips were shown of Funk’s highlights in the NWA, WWE and ECW before ending the package with Terry and Dory Funk Jr.’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

After the package ended, Rhodes announced that the tag team match taking place next would be a Terry Funk Hardcore Match!

– A video promo aired on The Era of Wyatt, focusing on Bray winning the WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber in 2017.

The Street Profits defeated The Brawling Brutes in a Terry Funk Hardcore Tag Team Match

No count outs, no disqualifications and the new edge Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford gained control of the match early on but it wouldn’t last long as in tribute to the late “Funker”, Holland picked up Butch in a fireman’s carry and swung him around, knocking out Dawkins and Ford, reminiscent of Funk’s infamous ladder spot in ECW.

The Street Profits would rebound and after Ford took out his opponents on the outside, Bobby Lashley made his presence known as we headed to commercial.

Back from commercial and Butch and Holland were in control but Lashley was now ringside and watching on like a shark. Momentum  changed and Ford nailed Holland with a double team blockbuster but Butch was able to make the save.

Ford followed up with his “From the Heavens” frog-splash but Butch once again was able to make the save. Butch grabbed a table from under the ring but with no rules, Lashley got involved and laid out Butch. The Street Profits followed up with The Revelation through a table on Holland to score the 1-2-3 after a hard fought battle.

– A video promo aired on The Firefly Funhouse.

– Backstage, LA Knight was shown heading to the ring.

– Another video promo aired on the return of John Cena to WWE Friday Night SmackDown live next week.

– Another video tribute was shown of Bray Wyatt’s peers recognizing and honoring him on social media.

– Highlights were shown of this week’s past Monday Night Raw where LA Knight helped Akira Tozawa score a victory over The Miz.

 – Video was shown of TMZ catching up with The Miz, questioning him about his feud with LA Knight.

LA Knight defeated Finn Bálor

Knight took the mic before the match to honor the career and legacy of the late Bray Wyatt. Knight stated that sometimes your greatest foe can become your greatest helper and said he held it together tonight until he thought about Bray’s family.

Knight then went into character and cut a promo on The Miz and his current feud with him. Knight finished the promo, telling The Miz to “run” . 

– A video promo aired on Bray Wyatt’s return at Extreme Rules last year.

– Another video promo aired on the return of John Cena to WWE Friday Night SmackDown next week followed by the announcement of Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar battling Austin Theory & Grayson Waller and the return of Jimmy Uso to Friday Night SmackDown as well.

Knight was quick to gain control of the match using his size and power and as he was capitalizing, it was announced that Knight would battle The Miz at WWE Payback early next month before we headed to commercial.

– A video promo aired on Bray Wyatt’s “Heartfelt Message” promo on SmackDown earlier this year.

We’re back from commercial and Bálor had gained momentum but Knight went back on the attack fairly quickly, landing some stiff shots but could only manage a two count. Bálor followed up with a sling blade but failed to capitalize any further.

Bálor nailed his running dropkick in the corner but missed the Coup de Grâce and Knight followed up with a massive powerslam. Knight furthered his momentum and after nailing a suplex from the top rope, hit the B.F.T. and picked up the victory.

– After the match, a lantern sat in the middle of the ring as a silhouette of Bray Wyatt was shown on the screen. Fans chanted “Thank you Bray” as the show came to an end.

Final Thoughts:

Touching tributes to both the late Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk but not what I expected with regards to the tribute shows the WWE produced for the late Owen Hart and Eddie Guerrero.

Nonetheless, the WWE honoured both men tonight with class and after seeing the presence of Braun Strowman and Erick Rowan on the entrance ramp tonight at the beginning of the show, you couldn’t help but shed a tear.

Hug your loved ones and let them know how much you appreciate them.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Death of Bray Wyatt, Terry Funk Q&A, Mania and All In ticket sales

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Bray Wyatt and what we know about it at this time, more on the passing of Terry Funk with your questions, WrestleMania and All In ticket sale notes, Collision spoilers and tons more. A packed show live from London, check it out~!

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Kurt Angle: Bray Wyatt ‘revolutionized the business’

Kurt Angle praised Bray Wyatt’s contributions to the wrestling industry during a recent interview with ESPN. 

While Angle and Wyatt never wrestled one another, they did take part in a couple of segments together on WWE programming, including when Angle was the GM of Raw in 2017. Wyatt’s Fiend character also attacked Angle in the build-up to SummerSlam 2019. 

Angle told Marc Raimondi that Wyatt “revolutionized the business” with his creativity. 

“He was really creative. He came up with some incredible characters that were really fun to watch. He was really exciting, he was smart, he was athletic. We’re going to miss a very special person,” Angle said. 

“This kid revolutionized the business, he really did. He had some amazing ideas and concepts that he did. He always kept the fans entertained and we’re going to sorely miss Bray Wyatt.” 

Angle also spoke about the rate of premature deaths in pro wrestling’s history during the interview. 

“One thing about pro wrestling is if you look at its history, the entertainers tend to pass away at a lot younger ages than the average person,” Angle said. “I’m not sure if it’s because you take a toll on your body and for 20-30 years you’re doing pro wrestling and you’re bumping in that ring the whole time and you’re traveling every day. There’s just so many unhealthy issues in pro wrestling that probably are the reason why you’re seeing a lot of younger deaths in the sport.”

The wrestling world continues to react to the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing yesterday at the age of 36. John Cena paid tribute to his two-time WrestleMania opponent earlier today as well, writing that Wyatt always “brought out the best” in him. 

Fight Game: Remembering Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt

John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.

We veered away from our normal show because of this week’s passing of both Terry Funk and Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt).

Here’s what we talked about:

  • Our memories of the Husky Harris character that preceded the Bray Wyatt character
  • The great Wyatt Family vs. The Shield feud
  • How we thought The Fiend was going to be the new Undertaker when he debuted as that character
  • Trick Williams as a prospect and where that leaves Carmelo Hayes
  • How Shinsuke Nakamura’s promo got us excited for his match with Seth Rollins
  • The updated AEW All In card after changes Tony Khan had to make
  • A deep dive into Terry Funk’s 1989 feud with Ric Flair

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

John Cena pays tribute to Bray Wyatt: ‘Windham brought the best out of me’

John Cena has joined his pro wrestling colleagues in mourning the death of Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda).

“Devastated by the news of the passing of Windham Rotunda,” Cena wrote on Friday morning. “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.”

Cena and Wyatt had several pay-per-view matches against each other in WWE. Two of those happened at WrestleMania. They faced off at WrestleMania 30 in 2014 before meeting again in a cinematic Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36. The WrestleMania 36 match happened right after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with Wyatt showing his creativity and making the most out of a change in plans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxgMSo4-PDE

The 36-year-old Wyatt unexpectedly passed away of a heart attack on Thursday. Wyatt was dealing with a heart issue that was exacerbated by having COVID-19 earlier this year, but he had recently been making progress toward returning to the ring.

Kevin Owens wrote about Wyatt: “One of the most creative, unique minds I ever met in this industry. One of the first to welcome new guys with open arms. One of the kindest. One of the good ones…We will miss you, Windham. We love you.”

Bayley added:

Booker T reacted to Wyatt’s passing after learning the news while he was recording his Hall of Fame podcast yesterday:

Miro shared that Wyatt was someone who always made him feel welcomed. Miro wrote that he’s praying for Wyatt’s family:

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:CwWS9OMKxq2

Wrestling world pays tribute to Bray Wyatt

The professional wrestling community continues to pay tribute to Bray Wyatt in the wake of his unexpected death. 

Dozens of stars have posted their memories of and tributes to Wyatt on social media following his passing on Thursday, including some of the biggest names in the history of the industry. 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote: 

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

Ric Flair wrote: 

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!

Alexa Bliss, who shared a long-term WWE storyline with Wyatt wrote

Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.

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 

Braun Strowman, a Wyatt Family stable member wrote on Instagram:

i really don’t 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 having 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 an amazing man. My heart is with the Rotunda family, JoJo and the babies 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!!!

Mick Foley: 

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…

Current WWE stars including Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest, Natalya, and many more also chimed in. 

Rhodes: 

Power and endless love to your family 

Rest Cowboy

Priest: 

Horrible! Lost a good soul today. #RIPBray

Natalya: 

My heart breaks for Windham and his family. You were always so nice to us, Windham. Ever since we were kids, going trick or treating together, following our dad’s footsteps. You were always relatable, kind and humble. We will always be so grateful for your presence in our lives.

Dijak: 

Bray Wyatt was such a lovely man to be around. He loved his family so much. I’m so sorry.

Ivar: 

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

Sonya Deville

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

Big E

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.

Titus O’Neil:

Heartbroken is an understatement to my feelings at the moment about this news. Windham was the consummate professional, the Ultimate Teammate and a Wonderful Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and son. Always brought smiles. Me and my Family send our Condolences & Support

Kane: 

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.

Sami Zayn

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.

Wrestlers and personalities from virtually every promotion past and present added their thoughts as well.

Fred Rosser: 

No man ever hugged me as tight as Windham did whenever we saw each other. I am completely devastated. Heartbroken. RIP Windham

Matt Hardy: 

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.

Sean Waltman: 

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.

Dustin Rhodes: 

Just no fucking words. I love you Bray. I was like an uncle to them boys. I hate f*cking death.

Jake Roberts: 

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.

Keith Lee: 

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.

Trinity Fatu: 

Can’t stop the tears sending my love and prayers to the entire Rotunda family

Saraya: 

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. 

AEW released an official statement on Wyatt’s passing: 

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.

AEW’s Amanda Huber, the widow of former Wyatt family member Brodie Lee/Luke Harper wrote:

I have no words. I’m devastated.

WWE donating all net proceeds of Bray Wyatt merchandise to his family

WWE is donating all net proceeds from Bray Wyatt merchandise to his family after his unexpected passing, the company announced. 

All Wyatt merchandise items on shop.wwe.com have the following note attached in the description:

In the wake of Bray Wyatt’s death, WWE will donate all net proceeds to support JoJo Offerman and his children.

Wyatt had four children, two with his fiance and former WWE ring announcer Joseann Offerman. The couple were engaged in 2022. 

WWE’s chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque announced Wyatt’s passing on X on Thursday, asking that everyone respect the privacy of Wyatt’s family. 

Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported on Thursday that Wyatt had passed away after suffering a heart attack, and that contracting COVID-19 earlier this year had exacerbated a heart condition that Wyatt had been suffering from. 

Wyatt was just 36 years old. 

Among his many wrestling career accolades, Wyatt was a one-time WWE Champion, two-time WWE Universal Champion, one-time Raw Tag Team Champion, one-time SmackDown Tag Team Champion, and won WWE’s 2019 year-end Wrestler of the Year award. Wyatt twice won the Best Gimmick award in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, winning in both 2013 and 2019.

Former WWE champion Bray Wyatt passes away at 36

Update —

Fightful reports that Bray Wyatt passed away due to a heart attack.

“I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues,” Sean Ross Sapp wrote. “There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”

**********

Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda), one of the most creative pro wrestlers of all time, has passed away at 36 years old.

Wyatt’s death was announced by Paul “Triple H” Levesque on Thursday. Levesque wrote that Wyatt’s father Mike Rotunda had just informed him that Wyatt passed away unexpectedly today. Levesque stated that WWE’s thoughts are with the Rotunda family and asked everyone to respect their privacy.

“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,” Levesque wrote. “Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”

Wyatt had been away from the ring since February due to an undisclosed illness. Fightful reported earlier this month that the illness was both career and life threatening, but Wyatt had improved significantly and he was closer to being medically cleared to return to the ring. The report noted that WWE and Wyatt were being extra cautious regarding his condition and long-term health.

Mike Rotunda said in a recent interview that he was hoping Wyatt would return to action shortly.

After being released by the company in July 2021, Wyatt made his return to WWE at Extreme Rules last October. He was a one-time WWE Champion and a two-time Universal Champion during his career.

Wyatt played multiple characters in WWE, including The Fiend and leading the Wyatt Family with Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman, and the late Luke Harper/Brodie Lee (Jon Huber).

Wyatt is survived by his four children, his fiancee Joseann Offerman, and other family including his father Mike, mother Stephanie, brother Taylor (WWE wrestler Bo Dallas), and sister Mika.

Mike Rotunda believes Bray Wyatt will return to WWE ‘hopefully shortly’

The father of Bray Wyatt feels his son will be coming back to WWE soon.

Appearing at WrestleCon over the weekend, former WWE and WCW star Mike Rotunda (IRS) told Sportskeeda that he feels Wyatt will be back “hopefully shortly.”

“You read a lot of stuff on the internet which I wouldn’t believe a lot of or, in my case, any of it. Bray Wyatt…I’m sure he will return to WWE, hopefully shortly, and we’ll go from there,” he said.

The 36-year-old Wyatt has been gone since February due to an undisclosed illness for which he has yet to be medically cleared. Earlier this month, Fightful reported that he is getting closer to achieving that status. The ailment was reported as both career and life threatening which is why there has been caution with bringing him back.

Wyatt last wrestled on a February 26th house show against LA Knight.

Rotunda also gave an update on his brother-in-law Barry Windham after he suffered a heart attack last December. Rotunda said Windham was “doing good and back up and running” and just did an autograph signing recently.