Bray Wyatt Passes Away at the Age of 36

Bray Wyatt, whose real name is Windham Rotunda, has tragically passed away at the age of 36, according to WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H. The news was delivered to Triple H by Wyatt’s father, WWE Legend Mike Rotunda.

“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,” Triple H wrote.

At this time, there is no information available regarding the cause of Wyatt’s death. He had been absent from WWE since being pulled from WrestleMania 39 plans earlier this year due to a physical issue. It was reported that both Wyatt and the company were being cautious before his return. Recent reports suggested that Wyatt was getting closer to being medically cleared to compete after recovering from a significant illness, which was described as both career-threatening and life-threatening. Wyatt and WWE officials were working closely to ensure his long-term health was a priority.

Bray Wyatt came from a wrestling family, being the grandson of WWE Hall of Famer Blackjack Mulligan, the son of WWE Legend Mike Rotunda, and the nephew of Kendall Windham and WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham. He was also the older brother of WWE Superstar Bo Dallas. In 2017, Wyatt married former WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman, with whom he had two children. He also had two children from his previous marriage.

Wyatt began his professional wrestling career after signing a developmental deal with WWE. He made his debut in WWE’s FCW territory in 2009 and later appeared on the second season of the original version of WWE NXT in 2010. He was repackaged as Bray Wyatt in 2012 and introduced The Wyatt Family, which included Erick Rowan and the late Luke Harper (Jonathan Huber). The faction made their debut on RAW in 2013. Wyatt had a successful run in WWE, introducing characters like The Fiend and The Firefly Fun House.

Despite his release from the company in 2021, Wyatt returned in 2022 with a viral White Rabbit teaser campaign. He was feuding with Bobby Lashley before being pulled from WrestleMania 39 plans. His last match was a Lights Out win over LA Knight at a non-televised WWE live event in February 2023. Wyatt’s last TV match was a win over Knight in the Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match at the WWE Royal Rumble in January 2023.

Bray Wyatt leaves behind a legacy in WWE as a two-time former FCW Florida Tag Team Champion, a one-time former SmackDown Tag Team Champion, a one-time former RAW Tag Team Champion, a two-time former WWE Universal Champion, and a one-time former WWE Champion.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of Bray Wyatt during this difficult time.

Stay tuned to Prowrestlingwars.com for further updates on this developing story.

Follow Jeff Wolfe on Twitter at @prowrestlingw8r.