The man who had the whole world in his hands is no more. Unfortunately, the world had to bear yet another loss. In the most painful news, Windham Rotunda, aka Bray Wyatt, passed away on the 24th of August, 2023, at the age of just 36, leaving the wrestling community in shock and agony.
Triple H announced the tragic news after he announced the fact that WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda relayed the news to him. With the world still trying to process the loss, notable WWE personalities such as Ric Flair and Rhea Ripley among other admirers of Wyatt have expressed their pathos on social media, making fans around the globe even more gutted.
Triple H shares tragic news about Bray Wyatt
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There was no denying that Bray Wyatt was a special breed. His character work gained plaudits from every quarter and his unrivaled charisma dynamic superstars, perhaps in WWE history. What’s more astonishing is that his character “Bray Wyatt” was his own creation. From the vignettes to the iconic music that he entered, it was all the superstar’s idea. Such was the belief of the WWE officials in him who backed him to establish his character work further.
Triple H on his social media confirmed the sad truth. The Head of Creative informed his viewers about the untimely demise of Wyatt and requested everyone to respect his family’s privacy.
You can check out the tweet below:
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
The 36-year-old reportedly suffered an unfortunate heart attack after dealing with the ramifications of the deadly COVID-19 since February, which had weakened his heart. The superstar was on the road to a swift recovery and was cleared by WWE just two weeks ago for an in-ring return. But unfortunately, destiny had other plans.
While it’s a jolting blow to his comrades who’ve been with him in WWE, one can’t even imagine the loss and suffering being endured by his family. The superstar is survived by his four children, two from his previous wife, Samantha, and two from his current fiancee, JoJo. With such an enormous loss, wrestlers and legends have now shared their condolences on social media.
“Lost for words” Notable wrestling personalities can’t process the sudden demise
The wrestling community is a close-knit association. Hence, superstars came together and expressed their pain on social media.
Rhea Ripley, the current women’s champion, shared her thoughts about the shocking demise. While the words were less, they still made a high impact.
Lost for words. 💔 RIP
— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) August 24, 2023
Who can forget Alexa Bliss and her association with Wyatt? The two were involved in a riveting storyline which concluded after Bliss betrayed Wyatt’s character “The Fiend“, in his match against The Viper, Randy Orton. While the storyline ended, respect and admiration have always remained off screen between the two superstars. She posted a heartfelt message on her feed.
I’m just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing & kind friend. one of the most creative minds to ever walk this earth. Windham, you’ve brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around you.… pic.twitter.com/QELzyKKkNI
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) August 24, 2023
Legends like Ric Flair and Mick Foley, who are still reeling from WWE Legend Terry Funk’s demise, shared their sentiments, leaving fans stunned.
When Your Great Friend And Someone Your Son’s Age Dies Within 2 Days, It Really Makes Me Reflect & Think About Life! Don’t Take Any Second For Granted! Rest In Peace Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt! pic.twitter.com/U2FpzeibmY
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 24, 2023
RIP BRAY WYATT. This is awful news, just terribly sad for his family, friends and fans. I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt, and was so flattered when he started using the mandible claw for his finisher. He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling… pic.twitter.com/gSuDQ1Z12I
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 25, 2023
Superstars like R-Truth, Damian Priest, and former WWE wrestler Keith Lee, among others, all voiced their despair and pain on Twitter. They have all had interactions with Wyatt in the past and have always showered kind words for the late superstar.
I am sadden by the news 😞My condolences to the family of Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt RIP I’m gonna miss you my friend ❤️ 💐 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/p44T8Hz9BL
— Ron Killings (@RonKillings) August 25, 2023
Horrible! Lost a good soul today. #RIPBray 🙏
— Damian Priest (@ArcherOfInfamy) August 24, 2023
The toughest part of this industry… is when you bond with people…. and then that bond is severed unexpectedly. RIP brudda.
I was rooting for you just like you did for me. I already missed you… but this… it's painful. Safe journey my man.
— Excellent Lee (@RealKeithLee) August 24, 2023
Even WWE’s rival brand, AEW, had to keep aside the professional differences and bid farewell to the iconic superstar in a moving tweet. No rivalry is bigger than the moment of coming together to celebrate and applaud one’s legacy.
RIP Windham Rotunda pic.twitter.com/qGhcqAPBei
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 25, 2023
Responding to Triple H’s tweet, WWE Hall of Famer Kane, whom Wyatt encountered on his debut, offered his condolences. The Big Red Monster was once involved in a feud with the 36-year-old. Their most memorable feud between the duo featured the Brothers of Destruction taking on The Wyatt Family at Survivor Series.
Tragic news. Windham was an exceptional talent in the ring. His creation, Bray Wyatt, is an iconic character. Backstage, Windham was a lot of fun to be around, one of those people who never had a bad day. What a loss, both professionally and personally. https://t.co/zSwG6OWiQI
— Kane (@KaneWWE) August 25, 2023
Superstars like Sami Zayn, Zack Ryder, and WWE legend Jake The Snake Roberts also offered their insights on the now-deceased star.
I have a hard time accepting death. Denial is strong. I am just shocked and I really can’t believe it.
RIP Windham Rotunda, I’m grateful to have shared some good times with you.— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) August 25, 2023
He will always be remembered as one of the all time greats…
Both in the ring and in the locker room.
I’m lucky to have spent time with him in both places.
My thoughts are with his family.
RIP!!! pic.twitter.com/CevnPFkSAv
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) August 24, 2023
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Bray Wyatt is one of the most talented young wrestlers to ever come down the line. My heart goes out to his family.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/kj6ZBAGjCZ
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) August 25, 2023
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While these are just some of the reactions and tweets on social media, words can’t sum up the current wavelength among fans across the world. We pray for Bray Wyatt’s soul to rest easy and give his family enough strength to undergo these difficult times. RIP Bray Wyatt.
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