Update: Wyatt’s cause of death has been revealed, and WWE issued an official statement.
Former WWE Champion Bray Wyatt — real name Windham Rotunda — has passed away at the age of 36.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H issued a statement confirming Rotunda’s death. “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,” wrote Triple H. “Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”
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
One of the most popular modern pro wrestlers, Wyatt was a one-time WWE Champion and held the WWE Universal Championship twice. He grew to fame under The Wyatt Family faction, which saw him lead Erick Rowan, Luke Harper (aka Brodie Lee, who tragically passed in 2020), and Braun Strowman. Memorable feuds against CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns cemented Wyatt as a top wrestler.
After being shockingly released in July 2021, Wyatt returned to the promotion in October 2022. However, Wyatt only had one match against LA Knight and then disappeared off television. Wyatt was known for his innovative promos and storylines and for incorporating horror elements into his character. Wyatt had four children and was engaged to former WWE ring announcer Joseann “JoJo” Offerman.
ComingSoon sends condolences to Wyatt’s friends and family, which includes his father, WWE legend Mike Rotunda (I.R.S.), and brother Taylor Rotunda (Bo Dallas).
Tributes from other professional wrestlers, including Dwayne Johnson, are pouring in via social media, showing how respected and beloved Wyatt was.