Former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, has sadly passed away at 36 years of age due to a heart attack. The former Champion was also said to be struggling with mental health issues, sparking a call for awareness among wrestlers about the toll that the industry takes on mental well-being.
Bray Wyatt’s death
Triple H, WWE Chief Content Officer, shared the news of Wyatt’s passing via a tweet. The announcement revealed that Mike Rotunda, a WWE Hall of Famer, had informed them about the unexpected and tragic death of Windham Rotunda.
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
Known affectionately as Bray Wyatt, he held a significant place within the WWE franchise.
Despite grappling with undisclosed health problems that kept him away from the ring and television for a while, his passing, described by his family as sudden and unforeseen, has left a void.
About Bray Wyatt
Rotunda, a third-generation wrestler from a lineage including Mike Rotunda and Blackjack Mulligan, rose to fame as the head of the Wyatt Family and the mastermind behind The Firefly Funhouse, incorporating the alter-ego Fiend persona.
Following a surprising release in July 2021, Wyatt made an unexpected comeback to the promotion in October 2022.
However, his return was brief, featuring only a single match against LA Knight before disappearing from the screen. Known for his innovative promos, unique storylines, and infusion of horror elements into his persona, Wyatt was a distinctive presence. In his personal life, he was a father to four children and engaged to Joseann “JoJo” Offerman, a former WWE ring announcer.
Struggles with mental health?
Bray Wyatt, often reserved in public, occasionally offered glimpses into his inner struggles. Through various posts on his official Instagram account, he candidly shared the psychological challenges he faced.
In one post, he shared several images alongside a heartfelt caption. Within the caption, he expressed, “I lost myself a couple years ago, I never wanted to hurt but I quit on myself. I felt like I wanted to cease completely.”
The Instagram post emerged during his recovery, where he conveyed that his mental condition was actually a source of strength rather than an ailment.
Bray Wyatt’s wrestling journey has been captivating, to say the least. Starting in FCW in 2009 and progressing through NXT as Husky Harris, he underwent notable character shifts and narrative arcs. His 2019 comeback introduced a multi-personality persona. Despite fan support, he faced setbacks and was released in 2021. He surprisingly resurfaced at 2022’s Extreme Rules, blending his diverse identities into a new character.
During an episode of the Keepin’ It 100 podcast, admiration for Wyatt was evident, yet the suggestion arose that WWE should separate from him. The statement from host Konnan during the podcast went,
“Big Bray Wyatt fan, but he’s too much trouble, he’s got mental health issues, his matches aren’t good, and as creative as he is, three million dollars for what he’s doing? Yeah, get rid of him”
– Konnan on Keepin’it 100
His recent feud with LA Knight lacked enthusiasm. Wyatt was scheduled to face Bobby Lashley at this year’s WrestleMania, but undisclosed health problems prevented his participation.
The true cause and nature of Bray Wyatt’s mental struggles remain undisclosed. However, the consistent neglect of mental health problems within the WWE realm has been notably surprising. This has prompted numerous wrestlers to voice their concerns over the years, but the franchise has seldom allowed those concerns to surface publicly.
Reactions on the death
Several celebrities poured there condolences on the former WWE Champion’s death
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
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. pic.twitter.com/AVNuOTjdsx
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 24, 2023
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.
WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP
— WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023
The world lost a good one today. Bray Wyatt’s story telling ability along with his unique creativity in the ring was a force that kept your eyes glued to the television screen. Windham Rotunda’s fun-loving, free spirit paired with his infectious laugh is what I will truly miss… pic.twitter.com/tV3NJCeVpY
— The Miz (@mikethemiz) August 25, 2023