Last night, the pro wrestling world tragically lost Windham Rotunda, better known to WWE fans as Bray Wyatt. He reportedly passed away from COVID-related complications with his heart, which led to him having a heart attack yesterday. Multiple top stars from WWE, AEW, and beyond have taken to social media in the last twelve or so hours to share memories and their condolences.
WWE Shop now has the following note attached to all Bray Wyatt merchandise that is for sale:
In the wake of Bray Wyatt’s death, WWE will donate all net proceeds to support JoJo Offerman and Bray’s children.
WWE.com also released its official statement this morning regarding Rotunda’s passing.
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.
During his time with WWE, Rotunda, as Wyatt, won the WWE Universal Championship on two occasions and was also a one-time WWE Champion, as noted in WWE’s release. He also held the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships with Matt Hardy, collectively known as The Deleters Of Worlds, and the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championships with Randy Orton and Luke Harper under the Freebird Rule.
Rotunda’s final televised match as Wyatt occurred earlier this year at the WWE Royal Rumble, which I was fortunate enough to attend in person. Wyatt kicked off the show with LA Knight in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match that culminated with Knight taking a big splash off scaffolding from Uncle Howdy. The two men had several matches after this at WWE live events and in Smackdown dark matches that were not televised. A feud with Bobby Lashley was teased following his program with Knight but was cut short on the road to WrestleMania, likely due to his illness.