WWE
WWE Bray Wyatt dies aged 36: what caused his death?
The famous fighter, real name Windham Rotunda, was regarded as one of the best minds in wrestling, and sadly passed away unexpectedly.
Yesterday, Triple H conveyed through his official Twitter account one of the most somber announcements for all WWE fans. The wrestler Windham Rotunda, recognized as Bray Wyatt, passed away at the age of 36.
“Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda [Windham’s father] 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,” posted Triple H on social media.
“Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”
Bray Wyatt’s heart condition and COVID infection
Over time, the details surrounding the cause of death became known. On 10 August, Ross Sapp of ‘Fightful’ reported that Rotunda was actively recovering from an illness that jeopardised both his career and his life. He had not yet received clearance to make a return. Despite these remarks, no one anticipated this tragic outcome. Bray Wyatt had been absent from WWE programming and had not stepped into the ring for an extended period of time. His most recent appearance on television dated back to February 2023, while the last significant match of his career took place on 28 January 2023, against LA Knight at the Royal Rumble event.
However, as mentioned by Ross Sapp himself a few hours ago, Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) suffered a heart attack resulting from other cardiac issues compounded by a COVID-19 infection, which he had been battling for several months.
The Legacy of Bray Wyatt
The news has deeply shaken the entire WWE Universe, as they did not anticipate happening to one of the most unique and brilliantly creative wrestlers in the history of the company. Bray rose to stardom with the formation of The Wyatt Family, a stable he led alongside Erik Rowan, Braun Strowman, and Luke Harper. The latter, a close friend of Rotunda both in and out of the ring, also passed away three years ago due to heart problems. Brodie Lee, his real name, formed a remarkable partnership with Windham Rotunda, and millions of fans around the world now fondly remember the incredible matches and moments these two wrestlers shared.
Rotunda secured three major championships in the organisation: once the WWE Championship and twice the WWE Universal Championship. Furthermore, he left an indelible mark on fans’ memories with standout performances at WrestleMania against some of the wrestling industry’s greatest legends, such as Undertaker, John Cena, and Randy Orton.
Tribute in the WWE Universe for Bray Wyatt
Expressions of affection and messages honoring the wrestler have poured in throughout the day. Active wrestlers, former wrestlers, industry legends, and fans have dedicated heartfelt words to a wrestler who captivated all.
According to those closest to him, his personality transcended his on-screen character, making him one of the most beloved individuals within the wrestling community.