Bray Wyatt (real name Windham Rotunda) has been reported dead.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque post the shocking message on X formerly known as Twitter.
His words:
“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 said their thoughts are with his family and they asked that everyone respect their privacy at this time.
Wyatt who was unable to perform at WrestleMania 39, and was removed from television weeks before the event despite being in the midst of a high-profile feud with Bobby Lashley sadly passed away and the cause of Wyatt’s death is currently unknown.
It was reported that though Wyatt remained out of action for months, as recently as early August the forecast for his return seemed promising and was later described as being closer to a comeback after seemingly overcoming a life-threatening medical absence.
A wildly popular figure in modern-day WWE, Bray Wyatt’s merchandise was a top seller even after his shocking release in 2020.
Wyatt, according to “Triple H” would go on to make his return to the company at the onset of the Triple H Era, where WWE dropped subtle hints centered around a “White Rabbit.”
“Fans quickly deciphered that Wyatt was on his way back, and the anticipation paid off with historic ratings for the September 23, 2022 broadcast.
“WWE’s 2.535 million viewers for SmackDown was the highest of the year to this point, and the highest since 2020.
“Though Wyatt did not appear on the broadcast, as many had speculated based on the “9/23” vignette, Wyatt went on to make his triumphant return at WWE Extreme Rules less than a month later.”
“Wyatt was one of the most popular and successful WWE Superstars of the modern era. Wyatt was so beloved, in fact, WWE’s mind-boggling decision not to crown him as WWE Universal champion against Seth Rollins led to some of the most intense backlash the company has ever seen.”
“The Fiend went on to win the WWE Universal Championship at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia, though this iteration of Bray Wyatt continued to face turbulence until his final appearance at WrestleMania 37.
A creative force of nature, Wyatt’s imaginative approach to pro wrestling was often his best friend and his worst enemy,” Triple H said.
“One of the most… I mean this in the best way possible… crazy, creative people I’ve ever been around,” said Triple H in an interview with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport. “(His) mind just never stops thinking of creative.
“But it’s like being in a whirlwind of stuff, so without the harness and without somebody to point the tornado, it’s just all over the place (laughs). He’s a victim of his own mind and his creative, and it’s just everywhere.”
“Wyatt’s magical 13-year WWE career will be filled with everything from praise, to confusion and even questions of what might have been. Still, Wyatt will never be forgotten, and the mark he left on the wrestling business leaves behind a unique, beautifully dark and twisted legacy.”
Wyatt (Age 36) is said to have survived by his partner, and former WWE ring announcer, Jojo Offerman and their children Knash and Hyrie Von.