By Mark Gray
2:41pm PDT, Sep 20, 2023
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With the wrestling world still reeling from the death of Terry Funk, a second major name in the sport has passed — and this loss is especially shocking considering his age.
On Aug. 24, former WWE Champion Windham Rotunda — who's better known by his stage name, Bray Wyatt — died at 36. Triple H announced the news on social media. "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," he wrote. "Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
Fightful reported that Bray suffered a heart attack after contracting COVID, which exacerbated a preexisting heart issue. People magazine and TMZ confirmed that his cause of death was a heart attack and that the wrestler had seen a doctor earlier in the day for an ongoing heart condition before he passed away after telling his partner he was going to take a nap.
According to TMZ, family members told police the star had COVID in March 2023 and developed heart complications that led to a "weak lower part of his heart." The outlet further reported that he was not wearing a doctor-recommended heart defibrillator at the time of his death; the device was found in his car, which was parked outside his home.
Bray was hugely popular among wrestling fans, and his ring entrances were always a spectacle. After his passing, many celebrities and famous wrestlers of past and present publicly mourned his death.
Keep reading to see how Bray is being remembered by his peers…
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"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. Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today. My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. As always, 'thank you for the house' #ohana" –Dwayne Johnson
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"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
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"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!" –Ric Flair
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"Lost for words. You'll be greatly missed!! Your laugh, stories, kindness, talent and the great person you were will always be remembered. RIP Bray" —Brie Garcia, formerly known as Brie Bella
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"Omgosh I'm so lost for words. Oh @joseann_alexie praying for you and the fam so much. So so sad. So heartbreaking. Bray was such a light." —Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella
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"I'm truly heartbroken to hear this news. I didn't know him personally but mannnn I am such a fan. Bray Wyatt was a force. An iconic wrestler that brought so much joy to my dark side. I would get soooo giddy every time he was on. I've been waiting to see him back on Smack Down (sic) and I'm so sad that just won't happen again. Heart. Broken. Deepest condolences to his family and friends." –Vanessa Hudgens
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"i really don't even know how or where to start. This is just what i can muster up right now.
8 years ago today I joined you as your black sheep. If I knew only an 8 short years later I would have to say good by I sure as hell wouldn't have taken so much for granted. You were my best friend my mentor my big little brother my brother of destruction. You were there for all my highs and my lows as I was for yours. You taught me so many things in the business that we shared and loved and you taught me so much in life. You truly made me a better person. I was so honored the day I found out you were having Knash boy and you asked me to be his Godfather. Windham you were one of a kind with a great mind and even better soul. The world lost such and amazing man. My heart is with the Rotunda family JoJo and all the baby's know i love you all so much. I'll see you down the road my friend. Slap Brodie on the ass for me when you see him. I know this isn't bye forever. I LOVE YOU HOOT!!!" –Adam Scherr, aka Braun Strowman
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"From the moment I first met #WindhamRotunda, I knew he was special. A true visionary, his unique ideas spilled from a never-ending creative stream that ran through his brain constantly. We worked each other all over the world and I literally trusted him with my life many times. I always enjoyed talking with him as he was always a step ahead of most….and I enjoyed trying to guess where his stories were going before his big reveals. Thanks big man, for always keeping me safe in the ring… and for being my friend outside of it." –Chris Jericho
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"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 the most. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rotunda family. Rest well my friend." —Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
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"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. It's going to take me some time to really process this. Sending my love to the Rotunda Family, Jojo & their babies. We love you Windham" —Alexa Bliss
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"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." —Glenn Jacobs, aka Kane
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"Windham was a special cat. One of those people you always looked forward to talking to. He was funny, interesting, passionate, thoughtful and most importantly, he was kind. He had time for people. He looked out for people. He helped people. He cared. My heart goes out to his family that he loved so much and everyone who knew him. To know him was to love him. I'll miss him a lot. Rest in Peace Hoot" –Becky Lynch
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"Bray Wyatt died!?! Omg this is so sad. His poor kids and wife. The dude had a vision and I always thought eventually he'd lead it into films. This is so shocking dude. I got chills. Rest in Peace Bray Wyatt Windham Rotunda" —O'Shea Jackson Jr.
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"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
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"I just heard Bray Wyatt has left this earth…Breaks my heart. An amazing human in and out of the ring. My time with him was so memorable. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. We've lost another GREAT One. God Bless you Windham! You will be sorely missed. RIP Brother. DDP" —Diamond Dallas Page
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"My heart goes out to my good friend and tag-team partner @irsmikerotunda at the loss of his son, Windham. I can't imagine losing one of my children. Thoughts & prayers go out to the Rotunda family. May God's peace comfort you in this horrible time of loss. Love you, my brother." —Ted DiBiase, The Million Dollar Man
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"Thoughts and prayers are with the Rotunda family. Bray Wyatt left us far too soon." —Eric Bischoff
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"My heart goes out to the family of Bray Wyatt who passed of what appears to be a cardiac arrest. To my longtime friend Mike Rotunda I know you're pain too well. Fantastic talent and better human being. Terry yesterday and Bray today. I'm still numb from Scott and my son."–Kevin Nash
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"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
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"One of the most creative people ever, whether it was Eater of worlds, firefly funhouse or the fiend, Bray Wyatt knew how to get peoples attention. I'm utterly speechless." —Adam Cole
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"Damn man.. Rest Easy Bray Wyatt" —Pat McAfee
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"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." —Matt Hardy
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"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 Bevis
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"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
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"My heart breaks for Windham and his family. You were always so nice to us, Windham. Ever since we were kids, going trick or treating together, following our dad's footsteps. You were always relatable, kind and humble. We will always be so grateful for your presence in our lives" —Natalya Neidhart
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"Like all of us, I just can't stop thinking about Windham and his family. I can't believe it's real. He was such a light and such electric energy. I can hear his laugh now. I get goosebumps remembering how the crowd would react when the lights would go out and the bass line would hit. He was so very special. Love to the Rotunda family." —Renee Paquette
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"One of the most creative, unique minds I ever met in this industry. One of the first to welcome new guys with open arms. One of the kindest. One of the good ones… We will miss you, Windham. We love you." —Kevin Owens
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"I'm trying to process this and can't. 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." —Baron Corbin
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"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" —Titus O'Neil
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"Sending every bit of love I have in me to the Rotunda family. I know way too many people who have lost a child. I can only imagine the pain. I remember Windham & his brother coming to shows w/their dad when they were kids. Absolutely devastating news." —Sean "X-Pac" Waltman
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"Between your laugh and being able to witness your greatness every time you performed, you are truly irreplaceable. I'm in disbelief just like everyone else. My heart goes out Windham's whole family & everyone who knows & loves him. You've got the whole world in your hand" —Pamela Martinez, aka Bailey
