The WWE universe is in mourning as one of its most charismatic and creative performers, Bray Wyatt, dies unexpectedly.

Bray Wyatt, born Windham Rotunda, died on Thursday at the age of 36. WWE confirmed the news of his passing in a statement:

“WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.”

Bray Wyatt Cause Of Death

WWE did not disclose Wyatt’s place or cause of death, but said it was unexpected. Wresting reporter Sean Ross Sapp spoke to Wyatt’s family and revealed how The Fiend died:

“I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issue. There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”

A Sterling And Creatively Entertaining Career In The Ring:

Wyatt was a third-generation wrestler, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Blackjack Mulligan, his father Mike Rotunda, and his uncle Barry Windham. He made his WWE debut in 2010 as Husky Harris, but soon reinvented himself as the leader of The Wyatt Family, with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper, a cult-like faction that terrorised the WWE roster with their eerie promos and supernatural abilities.

WWE Universe in Shock As Star Bray Wyatt Dies

Following Wyatt’s death, Rowan is now the only surviving member of the group, as Luke Harper also died in 2020.

Wyatt’s most memorable character was The Fiend, a nightmarish masked alter ego that emerged in 2019. The Fiend was a master of mind games and horror, often targeting his opponents with twisted versions of their own personas.

Wyatt won the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship as The Fiend, and had memorable feuds with stars like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Seth Rollins.

Wyatt’s last appearance on WWE television was in February 2023, when he lost to Orton in an inferno match at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. He had reportedly been dealing with an illness, and was granted his release from WWE in July 2023.

He is survived by his two children and his fiancée JoJo Offerman, who is also a WWE personality.

WWE Stars Pay Tribute To Bray Wyatt:

Bray Wyatt’s death has shocked and saddened many fans and fellow wrestlers, who have taken to social media to pay tribute to him.

The Miz:

“The world lost a good one today. Bray Wyatt’s story telling ability along with his unique creativity in the ring was a force that kept your eyes glued to the television screen. Windham Rotunda’s fun-loving, free spirit paired with his infectious laugh is what I will truly miss the most.” 

Triple H:

“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.”

“I’m 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.