“After the unfortunate passing of WWE Hall of Famer Terri Runnels, the wrestling industry has lost another valuable talent (Bray Wyatt). Former WWE champion Windham Rotunda, known by his ring name Bray Wyatt, left us at the age of 36 on August 24. The news of his demise was announced by the 14-time world champion and Chief Brand Officer, Triple H. Wyatt’s untimely departure was due to a heart issue, leaving the wrestling community in shock. Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp shared on his social media, ‘Just got a call from Mike Rotunda, father of Bo, informing us of the sad news that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, a lifelong member of our WWE family, unexpectedly passed away today.’ Sapp, previously known as ‘X’ on Twitter, continued, ‘Our thoughts are with his family, and we hope that everyone respects their privacy during this time.’
WWE also issued a statement, expressing their sorrow over the passing of Windham Rotunda, known as Bray Wyatt, on Thursday, August 24, at the age of 36. WWE conveys its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends, and fans.
Former wrestler and actor Dwayne Johnson, famously known as ‘The Rock,’ expressed his sadness about Wyatt’s passing. He shared, ‘I’m saddened by the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had much respect and love in my heart for him and the Rotunda family. His presence, promos, in-ring work, and connection with the WWE Universe were exceptional. A truly unique, spectacular, and rare character, which is a challenge to create in our wild wrestling world. Still in the process of losing a goat, yesterday Terri Funk, and now today Bray. During this difficult and heartwrenching time, my love, light, strength, and heart go out to the Rotunda and Funk families. As always, ‘Thank you for your home.”
Ric Flair also penned his thoughts, saying, ‘When a great friend and someone your son’s age passes away within 2 days, it truly makes me ponder and appreciate life! Don’t take any moment for granted! May Terri Funk and Bray Wyatt find peace!’
Bray Wyatt’s Life and Achievements:
Windham Lawrence Rotunda, popularly known by his in-ring name Bray Wyatt and currently recognized as the eerie enigmatic figure ‘The Fiend,’ is an American professional wrestler associated with WWE’s Raw brand. He’s a superstar who rose to prominence in a short span of time in his wrestling career with WWE.
Bray Wyatt is a third-generation superstar hailing from a family deeply rooted in this profession. His grandfather was the renowned wrestler Blackjack Mulligan, and his father Mike Rotunda, along with his uncles Barry and Kendall Windham, were all part of the wrestling world. His younger brother Taylor Rotunda also performs in WWE under the ring name Bo Dallas.
Rotunda has earned his place in the WWE champions’ roster as he is a one-time WWE Champion, a SmackDown Tag Team Champion with both Orton and Harper, and a Raw Tag Team Champion with Matt Hardy.
Recently, Bray Wyatt made a chilling comeback to WWE as an entertainer for children. He hosted a show called “Firefly Fun House” and reappeared with a terrifying presence as “The Fiend.”
Bray Wyatt Personal Life
Bray Wyatt resides in Miami, Florida, with his wife and WWE ring announcer, JoJo Offerman, and their newborn son, Nash. Coming from a wrestling background, Wyatt belongs to a family deeply rooted in the wrestling world, with his grandfather being the renowned Blackjack Mulligan, his father being Mike Rotunda, and both his uncles, Barry and Kendall Windham, being professional wrestlers. Before marrying JoJo Offerman, Wyatt was previously married to his childhood friend Samantha in 2012 and had two children together. However, Samantha’s connection with WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman became public, leading to their divorce filing in March 2017.
Samantha accused him of spending $11,000 on “non-essential items” and failing to provide financial support for her and their children. She claimed he owed her $15,000 per month in relation to those amounts.
Bray Wyatt Professional Life
Bray began his career in 2009 when he joined Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) as Alex Rotundo, although later he changed his name to Duke. During his time at FCW, Wyatt teamed up with Bo Dallas to form The Rotundo Brothers and defeated Justin Angel and Kris Logan for the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship.
In 2010, Wyatt made his appearance on NXT as Husky Harris. He competed in a tag-team match against Montel Vontavious Porter and Percy Watson, alongside Cody Rhodes, but they ended up on the losing side. Despite being on NXT, he continued to wrestle for FCW, engaging in battles with several superstars from FCW and NXT throughout his career.
Bray Wyatt was also a part of the Nexus faction in WWE. The rivalry between Cena and Nexus is still considered one of the most famous stories in WWE history, where Wyatt was part of the team competing against Cena and Orton.
In the year 2012, Rotundo introduced a new character, Bray Wyatt, and formed a faction known as The Wyatt Family, which included Luke Harper as his “first son” and Erick Rowan as his “second son.” The Wyatt Family made an impact on NXT and later made their debut in WWE by attacking Kane. The Wyatt Family went on to challenge other wrestlers in the dark corners of WWE. Since Bray and his team joined WWE, they engaged in feuds with John Cena, Kane, The Undertaker, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, and many other superstars. At WrestleMania 31, Wyatt challenged The Undertaker to a match, which The Undertaker accepted, but Wyatt couldn’t defeat The Undertaker.
Wyatt introduced a new Wyatt Family member named Braun Strowman. Right after Strowman’s entry into the group, The Wyatt Family defeated Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Chris Jericho in a Six-Man Tag Team Match at Night of Champions. Wyatt initiated a feud with Kane and The Undertaker, attacking them and dragging them behind the stage. The Brothers of Destruction made their return and attacked the Wyatt Family. At Survivor Series, Wyatt and Harper lost against The Brothers of Destruction.
In 2016, Bray teamed up with Randy Orton, known as The Viper, and defeated Heath Slater and Rhyno to become the SmackDown Tag Team Champions in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. This marked Wyatt’s first championship win in WWE. Wyatt entered the Royal Rumble match as the 21st entrant and assisted Orton to remain in the final three. Roman Reigns eventually eliminated Wyatt, but Orton eliminated himself, leading to him winning the Rumble match and earning a title shot at WrestleMania. Later, in an Elimination Chamber match, Wyatt defeated John Cena, AJ Styles, The Miz, Dean Ambrose, and Baron Corbin to become the WWE Champion. His feud with Orton for the WWE Championship began, but at WrestleMania 33, he lost the title.
Honors
- 2010: Feud of the Year for being part of the intense rivalry between The Nexus and WWE.
- 2014: Match of the Year, a thrilling Last Man Standing bout against John Cena at Payback.
- 2010: Most Hated Wrestler of the Year, while being a key member of The Nexus.
- 2014: Ranked No. 6 in the prestigious PWI 500 list of top singles wrestlers.
- 2013: Awarded Best Gimmick for his role within The Wyatt Family.
- 2017: Recognized with the title of Worst Gimmick for the portrayal of Sister Abigail.
- 2014: Named in the Worst Worked Match of the Year, facing John Cena at Extreme Rules.
- 2017: Marked with the distinction of Worst Match of the Year, battling Randy Orton at WrestleMania 33.
- 2017: Noted for the Worst Feud of the Year, involving the intense rivalry with Randy Orton.
Achievements and Recognitions
- Twice achieving glory, Bray Wyatt teamed up with Bo Rotunda to claim the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship.
- Wyatt grasped the WWE Championship once, etching his name in history.
- Bray Wyatt clinched the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship once, alongside the formidable Matt Hardy.
- Bray achieved the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship once, joined by the partnership of Luke Harper and Randy Orton.