Over the last forty-eight hours, the wrestling universe has been dealt a heavy hand. On Wednesday, 8/23/2023, news broke that wrestling Legend Terry Funk had passed away. When any famous wrestler passes away the community mourns their passing and tries to remember some of their best moments. Over the last 50 years, it is very rare that two wrestlers die within close proximity to one another. Sadly, on August 24th, 2023, that became a heartbreaking reality with the passing of one of WWE’s most popular wrestlers; throughout the day, rumors swirled about the passing of Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt.
At first, the cause of death for Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt, was not announced, and some speculated that the WWE superstar had potentially taken his own life; for those who knew Rotunda, his dark past was always a conversation point. Rotunda was able to take those dark things and incorporate them into his characters. Whether he was himself, the leader of the Wyatt Family, or the Fiend, Rotunda was able to captivate a crowd and keep them on the edge of their seats. The last match we would get to experience with Bray Wyatt’s creative mind was the often criticized MTN Dew Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble.
Twitter/X News Break
At 6:32 PM, HHH aka Paul Levesque announced via Twitter/X that WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda had reached out to inform about the tragic passing of Windham Rotunda. The tweet says,
“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 privacy at this time.
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
With no cause of death listed, some started to speculate what might have happened. Less than two hours later, SeanRossSap revealed that Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt, had passed away due to a COVID-related heart attack. His tweet read,
I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.
There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.
I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.
There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) August 25, 2023
Community’s Response
To say that the wrestling community is heartbroken would be an understatement. Often considered a heel, WWE’s the Miz shared,
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 the most. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rotunda family. Rest well my friend.
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
The Rock said,
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.
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
Matt Hardy, who was previously in a tag team with and champions with Bray Wyatt said,
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.
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
If you look on Twitter or any social media platform, you can see the outpouring of love that the wrestling community has put out there. We will miss you, Bray Wyatt, Windham Rotunda. The dark and creative mind was only 36 when he passed. The last feud Bray Wyatt had in WWE was with the extremely popular LA Knight.
Your reminder that Bray Wyatt briefly turned babyface in 2016, to monstrous ovations right before an injury took him out. He returned as a heel.
I’ll always wonder what might have come out of that babyface run!
— A Kenny For Your Thoughts (@_kennythoughts) August 24, 2023
The Wyatt Family vs The Shield – Elimination Chamber 2014 – Highlights
Probably my favourite Bray Wyatt match ever pic.twitter.com/nR8UICWHmu
— Raion (@Raion74_) August 25, 2023
https://youtu.be/yxgMSo4-PDE?si=GP7p4ap7D0HIhrro