WWE legend Bray Wyatt has died ‘unexpectedly’ at the age of 36.
The former world champion, real name Windham Rotunda, had not been seen on screen since February 2023 with reports he had been battling an unspecified illness with Dwayne Johnson among those paying respect to the star.
WWE boss Triple H led tributes to Wyatt as he revealed the tragic news on Thursday and tweeted: ‘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 privacy at this time.’
During his time with WWE, Wyatt was known for his creativity in the wrestling world as he constantly evolved to create intriguing and enigmatic characters.
He truly made his name as the cult leader of the Wyatt Family alongside Erick Rowan and the late Luke Harper (Brodie Lee), facing the likes of John Cena, Kane and The Shield.
Wyatt would later reinvent himself in 2019 with the Firefly Fun House, which saw him play a sinister children’s TV presenter with a demonic alter ego called The Fiend.
He was shockingly released by WWE in 2021 amid cuts during the pandemic, before making a triumphant return at Extreme Rules in October 2022, appearing more like his real self as a character for the first time.
His comeback also saw him joined by the mysterious Uncle Howdy – who was played by his real life brother and fellow wrestler Bo Dallas – with the two at odds before forming a partnership.
Wyatt had been set to face Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania in April 2023, but the storyline was halted weeks before the event, with reports following that Wyatt was suffering from an unspecified illness.
Tributes have begun pouring in for the late star, with Alexa Bliss – who teamed with him on screen during his time as The Fiend – simply writing: ‘Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.’
William Regal wrote: ‘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’
And AEW star Saraya – who is known to WWE fans as Paige – added: ‘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.’
Wyatt had two daughters with his ex-wife Samantha, who he was married to from 2012 to 2017.
He became engaged to WWE announcer Jojo last year. They had a son together, who was born in 2019.
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