Bray Wyatt “brought out the best in me”, writes John Cena after the sudden death of the WWE star, born as Windham Rotunda, at 36: “I will be forever grateful for the times we shared “
- WWE Hall of Famer and hardcore legend Terry Funk died Wednesday at age 79.
- Wyatt had recently been medically released and was working on his return.
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John Cena is the latest wrestling legend to share his grief over the sudden death of Windham Rotunda, the 36-year-old WWE star known to fans as Bray Wyatt.
“Devastated by the news that Windham Rotunda has passed away,” Cena wrote on social media. “My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought out the best in me in so many ways. I am forever grateful for the times we shared. A sad day for all those he joined around the world. RIP.’
Wyatt died Thursday, WWE announced. The three-time world champion had not competed since beating LA Knight in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble in January. Reports had indicated that he was set to return after being cleared back into the ring.
His death was described as unexpected, according to an article on the WWE website which did not mention the cause of death.
According to reports from Fightful.com, Wyatt died after suffering a heart attack, after battling health issues brought on by Covid-19 earlier this year.
John Cena (right) is the latest wrestling legend to share his grief over the sudden death of Windham Rotunda (left), the 36-year-old WWE star known to fans as Bray Wyatt.
Cena wrote on social media that Rotunda “brought out the best in me in so many ways”.
Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp posted on X: “I was cleared to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) contracted COVID which exacerbated his heart issues. There has been a lot of positive progress towards a return and recovery.
“Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”
Wyatt, the 2017 WWE Champion, was also known as “The Fiend”.
“Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining superstar of his generation,” WWE said.
Wyatt was the son of Mike and Stephanie Rotunda. He is survived by his ex-wife Samantha Rotunda and their two daughters, as well as his fiancée, WWE ring announcer JoJo, and their two children.
Wyatt’s grandfather, Robert Deroy Windham (Blackjack Mulligan), his father, and two of his uncles (Barry and Kendall Windham) all wrestled in WWE. His grandfather also played college football at UTEP and attended the New York Jets preseason.
The Florida native also wore a red shirt on Troy’s football team in 2007.
Cena wasn’t the only wrestling personality to share his grief on social media.
WWE Legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted, “Heartbroken at the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. I have always had immense respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. I loved his presence, his promos, his work in the ring and his connection to the @wwe universe.’
Wyatt’s death came a day after former wrestler Terry Funk passed away at 79.
