Windham Rotunda, widely known as Bray Wyatt in the world of professional wrestling, tragically died on Thursday at the age of 36. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer, broke the news on social media, stating that he had received a call from Mr. Rotunda’s father, Mike, informing him of the unexpected passing. Levesque extended his condolences to the grieving family and requested privacy during this difficult time.
As of Thursday night, no cause of death had been disclosed, and the WWE did not immediately comment on the matter. However, wrestling journalists had previously reported that Mr. Rotunda was battling a “life-threatening” illness.
Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Mr. Rotunda pursued a career in professional wrestling. He established himself as Bray Wyatt during his time with WWE from 2012 to 2021, portraying a villainous cult leader. After capturing the WWE Championship in 2017, he reemerged as “The Fiend,” a demonic clown character that enthralled audiences.
Mr. Rotunda’s signature moves included the Mandible Claw, where he thrust his fingers into an opponent’s mouth, targeting the soft tissue under the tongue, and Sister Abigail, a move that involved kissing the opponent’s head before flipping them over by the neck. His entrances were theatrical, often accompanied by the arena plunging into darkness as crowds would illuminate their phones like torches. He would make his way slowly, carrying a lit lantern, to the haunting sounds of “Shatter” by the Pittsburgh metal band Code Orange.
Although he was released from WWE in 2021, Mr. Rotunda made a comeback in 2022 and participated in the Royal Rumble event in January. However, he had been on hiatus for most of this year.
During one of his final press conferences, Mr. Rotunda expressed his appreciation for his millions of fans, acknowledging their reactions, whether positive or negative. He embraced taking risks and pushing boundaries, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the wrestling industry. He believed in doing things that no one else had done before, as he found it exciting and captivating.
Survived by his fiancée, Joseann Offerman, and their two children, as well as two children from a previous marriage, Mr. Rotunda’s sudden death has left fans and fellow wrestling stars devastated. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson expressed his heartbreak over the news, praising Mr. Rotunda’s unique, cool, and rare character that resonated with the WWE universe.
Fans flooded social media with messages of sorrow, sharing their favorite moments and expressing shock at the untimely loss. The wrestling community has experienced a double blow with the recent passing of Terry Funk at the age of 79.
On his Instagram account, Mr. Rotunda often revealed a softer side that contrasted with his villainous persona. He shared images of him lovingly interacting with his children, displaying a deeply caring and family-oriented side.
In December 2022, Mr. Rotunda made a heartfelt plea on social media, seeking support for his uncle, WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham’s medical treatment expenses through a GoFundMe page. In his post, he emphasized the importance of cherishing and expressing love to loved ones, for nothing lasts forever.
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