Bray Wyatt’s passing at 36 years of age has left the WWE universe stunned. The former WWE Champion was seen as a visionary in sports entertainment, with fans as recently as yesterday waiting for his return to WWE. It was teased just a couple of days earlier that Bray Wyatt would be making his return after battling a life-threatening disease.
A few days later, WWE fans were met with the unfortunate news. Triple H broke the news on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed condolences to the Wyatt family. His real name, Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt, made himself known to the WWE universe with his involvement with Nexus. Wyatt would later go on to form the Wyatt Family and then take over the wrestling world with his Fiend gimmick.
It is reported that Bray Wyatt suffered a heart attack, which ultimately took his life. He was battling heart issues and had battled COVID earlier this year.
WWE superstars react after Bray Wyatt dies aged 36
Several WWE superstars took to social media to express their support for the Rotunga family. The Rock, a third-generational professional wrestler, also shared his thoughts on fellow third-generational wrestler Bray Wyatt, who he considered to be a “very unique, cool and rare character.”
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… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
Mick Foley, who played a massive inspiration in Fiend Bray Wyatt’s Finisher The Mandible Claw described Wyatt as having the “most compelling presences that wrestling has ever seen.” While one would say Wyatt stole his finisher, Foley described Wyatt’s decision to keep Mandible Claw as his finisher as “flattering.”
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
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
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
Ric Flair and Kane also took to social media to send their strength during this grieving period of the Rotunda family. After his death, the WWE has decided to send all proceeds from his merchandise sales to charity.