The professional wrestling world is in mourning following the sudden passing of Windham Rotunda - better known as WWE superstar Bray Wyatt.
The 36-year-old had been sidelined since January due to an undisclosed illness and despite reports of a potential return to the squared circle recently, Wyatt passed away on Thursday as first announced by Paul 'Triple H' Levesque.
One of the most unique performers of the 21st century, Rotunda first broke onto the scene with WWE under the 'Husky Harris' moniker in the early-2010s, before reinventing himself and bringing the Wyatt character to life.
Alongside both the late Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, The Wyatt Family would become one of the most prominent acts on WWE programming in the mid-2010s, feuding with the likes of John Cena and The Shield.
MORE: Hall of Fame icon Terry Funk dies, aged 79
In 2017, Wyatt would capture his first championship with the company, emerging victorious in the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, before dropping the belt at WrestleMania 33 to Randy Orton.
The ultra-creative Wyatt would bring plenty of changes to his on-screen persona over the years, with the split-personality persona of the Firefly Fun House and The Fiend cementing his main-event status once again in 2019.
After being released from the company in July 2021, Wyatt returned in October last year, working a lengthy program with LA Knight, culminating at the 2023 Royal Rumble premium live event, before disappearing from television.
Wyatt is survived by his partner Joseann 'Jojo' Offerman and his four children, as well as his father Mike Rotunda and brother Taylor 'Bo Dallas' Rotunda.
WWE pay tribute to Bray Wyatt on Friday Night SmackDown
Just a day after the devastating news of Wyatt's passing, WWE paid tribute to their fallen comrade on Friday Night SmackDown, offering a 10-bell salute to both the 'Eater of Worlds' and hardcore icon, Terry Funk.
This week, we lost two beloved members of the WWE family, Hall of Famer Terry Funk and the one and only Bray Wyatt.
— WWE (@WWE) August 26, 2023
Tonight, we pay tribute to their incredible careers. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/rekZls2GrF
Following the sombre moment, WWE played an emotional and touching video package to honour Wyatt's legacy within the business and away from it.
He's got the whole world in his hands...
— WWE (@WWE) August 26, 2023
Thank you, Bray Wyatt. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/aLSay3lYh1
The company continued to show flashbacks and highlights of some of Wyatt's greatest moments within WWE throughout the episode of SmackDown.
To finish the show, WWE allowed the fans in attendance to shine the 'fireflies' one final time for Wyatt, before the light on his iconic lantern faded to black, signifying the end of a storied run and amazing life lived.
The Fireflies are shining extra bright tonight.
— WWE (@WWE) August 26, 2023
Thank you, Bray Wyatt. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/F2GQwY3byy
Bray Wyatt dies, aged 36: Wrestling world pays tribute to WWE star
Among those to pay tribute to Wyatt included two of his closest friends in the business - Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman - on their Instagram accounts.
Bliss and current WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins also took to social media to share their memories of Wyatt inside and outside of the ring via video messages.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) August 25, 2023
Alexa Bliss pays a beautiful tribute to Bray Wyatt.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) August 25, 2023
Also says she couldn’t make tonight’s #SmackDown due to last minute flight issues. pic.twitter.com/m0nB9TJH8G
Other members of the WWE family shared their devastation and memories of Wyatt via social media, including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, John Cena, Pat McAfee and Mick Foley.
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.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3
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… pic.twitter.com/tV3NJCeVpY
— The Miz (@mikethemiz) August 25, 2023
Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away. It’s devastating to think he left us at only 36 years young. My condolences go out to his family, wife & children. I’m so sorry, my compeer. Miss you already. pic.twitter.com/AVNuOTjdsx
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 24, 2023
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
I have a hard time accepting death. Denial is strong. I am just shocked and I really can’t believe it.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) August 25, 2023
RIP Windham Rotunda, I’m grateful to have shared some good times with you.
That Bray Wyatt tribute just fucked me up a bit… 36 years old and had reinvented himself effortlessly thru his career. Beloved by everybody.. us as fans and everybody behind the scenes
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 26, 2023
Rest Easy Mr Windham Rotunda.. You DONE GOOD. pic.twitter.com/NQTikJln9X
Devastated by the news of the passing of Windham Rotunda. My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought the best out of me in so many ways. I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for all those he reached around the world. RIP.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 25, 2023
Man…the first dude that took me under his wing when I got signed in 2009. 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.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 24, 2023
I’m trying to process this and can’t
— Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) August 24, 2023
Windham was a friend
I feel for his wife, his beautiful children, his parents, his brother, his sister and everyone else who knew what a incredible person he was.
Actress, Vanessa Hudgens was a huge fan of Bray Wyatt. She paid her respects on her Instagram story 💔 pic.twitter.com/wplg5jkjse
— Wrestlelamia.co.uk (@wrestlelamia) August 25, 2023
One of the most creative, unique minds I ever met in this industry.
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) August 25, 2023
One of the first to welcome new guys with open arms.
One of the kindest.
One of the good ones…
We will miss you, Windham.
We love you.
Between your laugh and being able to witness your greatness every time you performed, you are truly irreplaceable.
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) August 25, 2023
I’m in disbelief just like everyone else. My heart goes out Windham’s whole family & everyone who knows & loves him.
🎶 You’ve got the whole world in your hand
WWE has announced all of Wyatt's merchandise profits will be donated to his family.
The Sporting News send our heartfelt condolences to Rotunda's family, friends and colleagues following the news of his sudden passing. He will be remembered as one of the industry's most creative minds and iconic stars.
