Bray Wyatt’s death has shaken the WWE.
The wrestler passed unexpectedly on Thursday, WWE chief content officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque announced on Twitter.
A cause of death for the 36-year-old, whose real name is Windham Rotunda, was not immediately revealed.
He is survived by his fiancee, JoJo Offerman, formerly a WWE ring announcer, their two children, and two children from a previous marriage.
Wrestling stars took to social media to mourn the former champion.
“Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing,” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “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.”
Wyatt first signed with the WWE’s developmental promotions in 2009, working his way up to the main roster in 2012 and leaving a real effect on his fellow combatants.
“Man…the first dude that took me under his wing when I got signed in 2009,” Ettore “Big E” Ewen wrote. “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.”
“Devastated to hear of the passing of Windham Rotunda, Bray Wyatt,” William Regal wrote. “My deepest condolences to Mike, Bo, Barry and all his family. Rest well my friend.”
His willingness to help others was an oft-repeated trait among his fellow wresters.
“I’m at a loss for words….I’m grateful to have witnessed his greatness and been around his sweet spirits, always so nice and kind, and willing to help,” Sonya Deville posted. “My prayers to all his family.”
“Heartbroken is an understatement to my feelings at the moment about this news,” Titus O’Neil shared on X. “Windham was the consummate professional, the Ultimate Teammate and a Wonderful Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and son.
“Always brought smiles.”
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