WWE revealed Thursday that wrestler Bray Wyatt has passed away. He was 36.
Wyatt, whose actual name was Windham Rotunda, passed away “unexpectedly,” according to a WWE website story that made no mention of the cause of death.
Windham Rotunda, who was also known as Bray Wyatt, passed suddenly on Thursday, August 24, at the age of 36, WWE said. To Rotunda’s family, friends, and supporters, WWE offers its condolences.
The 2017 WWE Champion Wyatt also went by the moniker “The Fiend.” His final on-screen appearance occurred at the 2023 Royal Rumble.
According to CBS Sports, Wyatt won the 2017 WWE championship by defeating the two previous holders of the title, John Cena and AJ Styles.
Wyatt was a “defining superstar of his generation, known for his mesmerizing performances and incredible in-ring presence,” according to WWE.
Wyatt was the child of Stephanie and Mike Rotunda.
Robert Deroy Windham (Blackjack Mulligan), Wyatt’s father, & two of his uncles (Barry and Kendall Windham) were all professional wrestlers for the WWE. His granddad participated in preseason games for the New York Jets and played collegiate football at UTEP as well.
In 2007, Wyatt wore a redshirt for the Troy football team.
On social media, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson responded to the news.
I’m devastated to learn of Bray Wyatt’s passing,” he wrote. “Have always loved and admired him and the Rotunda family. I adored his presence, his promos, his ring performance, and his relationship with the @wwe universe.
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.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3
The news of Wyatt’s passing came just one day after that of WWE wrestling legend Terry Funk, who passed away at the age of 79. Funk’s cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but his manager Timothy Beal stated to CBS News that the renowned wrestler “was in bad health for some time” & was “in a nursing home.”