WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H announced that Bray Wyatt passed away on Thursday, August 24, at the age of 36. Wyatt’s father, Mike Rotunda has informed the tragic news to Triple H. In a post on X, Sean Ross of Fightful stated that Wyatt died from a heart attack.
Windham Rotunda joined WWE in 2009 as Alex Rotundo. He made his in-ring debut on the February 5th episode of FCW (WWE’s developmental territory) that year. Rotundo then teamed with his brother Bo Dallas and won the FCW Tag Team Championships.
Windham Rotunda made his NXT debut as Husky Harris on the June 2nd, 2010 episode of NXT, where he teamed up with Cody Rhodes to face MVP and Percy Watson. In October, Harris became a member of Nexus. However, Harris returned to FCW for further development.
In 2012, WWE repackaged Husky Harris as Bray Wyatt. He then formed the Wyatt Family along with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. The faction made their main roster debut on the July 8th, 2013 episode of RAW, where they attacked Kane. Bray Wyatt wrestled his first match on the main roster against Kane in a Ring of Fire match at the 2013 SummerSlam.
In 2017, Bray Wyatt won the WWE Championship for the first time in his career by defeating John Cena, AJ Styles, The Miz, Dean Ambrose, and Baron Corbin in an Elimination Chamber match.
In 2019, Bray Wyatt began appearing on the Firefly Fun House segments with a few puppets. On the July 15th episode of RAW, Wyatt debuted his new gimmick, The Fiend. In October, The Fiend defeated Seth Rollins in a Falls Count Anywhere match at Crown Jewel to become the Universal Champion.
In 2020, Bray Wyatt paired with Alexa Bliss amid his storyline with Braun Strowman. The Fiend defeated Strowman to win the Universal Championship for the second time at SummerSlam. Bray Wyatt then started a storyline with Randy Orton which ended at WrestleMania 37. Wyatt was then released from WWE in July of 2021.
Last October, Bray Wyatt made his WWE return at Extreme Rules PLE. Wyatt started a feud with LA Knight which ended at Royal Rumble. Bray Wyatt last competed at the live event in Rockford, Illinois, where he defeated LA Knight in a Lights Out Street Fight. Wyatt last appeared on WWE television on the February 27th episode of RAW in a pre-recorded segment.
Here's how the pro wrestling world reacted to the passing of Bray Wyatt.
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.
— WWE (@WWE) August 24, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pabVuaKlnP
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
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
— LA Knight (@RealLAKnight) August 25, 2023
Devastated by the news of the passing of Windham Rotunda. My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought the best out of me in so many ways. I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for all those he reached around the world. RIP.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 25, 2023
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.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3
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
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
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
Man…the first dude that took me under his wing when I got signed in 2009. We spent so much of our adult lives together. Praying for Jojo. Praying for his kids. I will miss your laugh & your boyish charm, my friend. Goodbye, Windham.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 24, 2023
Devastated to hear of the passing of Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt. My deepest condolences to Mike, Bo, Barry and all his family. Rest well my friend.x
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 24, 2023
Heartbroken is an understatement to my feelings at the moment about this news. Windham was the consummate professional, the Ultimate Teammate and a Wonderful Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and son. Always brought smiles. Me and my Family send our Condolences & Support❤️🙏🏿 https://t.co/osbvNqvUkJ
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) August 24, 2023
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
I’m trying to process this and can’t
— Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) August 24, 2023
Windham was a friend
I feel for his wife, his beautiful children, his parents, his brother, his sister and everyone else who knew what a incredible person he was.
Power and endless love to your family
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) August 24, 2023
Rest Cowboy pic.twitter.com/URY6zvZqBq
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
I have a hard time accepting death. Denial is strong. I am just shocked and I really can’t believe it.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) August 25, 2023
RIP Windham Rotunda, I’m grateful to have shared some good times with you.
RIP Windham Rotunda pic.twitter.com/qGhcqAPBei
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 25, 2023
We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Rotunda family. Out of respect, we will not be live tweeting IMPACT tonight during the broadcast. pic.twitter.com/vq4bNANzgo
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 24, 2023
The toughest part of this industry... is when you bond with people.... and then that bond is severed unexpectedly. RIP brudda.
— Excellent Lee (@RealKeithLee) August 24, 2023
I was rooting for you just like you did for me. I already missed you... but this... it's painful. Safe journey my man.
I can’t believe I’m typing this. But RIP Windham. I knew you day 1 of moving to America, you were the biggest sweetheart and were loved by everyone who met you. I’m in shock.. sending all my love to the Rotunda family.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) August 24, 2023
❤️ pic.twitter.com/GYSJCsLMil
He will always be remembered as one of the all time greats…
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) August 24, 2023
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