The planet went dark for the WWE and the entire wrestling world in August 2023, when Windham Lawrence Rotunda a.k.a. Bray Wyatt passed away unexpectedly in his sleep from cardiac arrest, but no one felt the indescribable pain like his family — including his sister, Mika, and his brother, Taylor Michael Rotunda a.k.a. Bo Dallas.
Dallas has battled through grief to, along with the WWE, realize a longtime dream of Wyatt’s in turning Uncle Howdy into a central character flanked by others he envisioned and strategically seeded throughout his career.
Their debut on June 17 set the wrestling world ablaze but, more importantly, provided a major step forward in the grieving process of the Rotundas.
FULL EXPLANATION OF THE WYATT SICKS 6 IS HERE.
Mika, speaking by way of what was likely a tear-filled letter on Instagram, celebrated both her late brother and her surviving brother, and everyone involved in what has instantly become one of the most legendary scenes in the history of professional wrestling.
“Windham talked a lot about hurting in his character. He would describe real life pain and scenarios as a way to kind of harden, inspire or shape his future. He turned pain into a positive, through creativity and expression.
“Last night, Taylor debuted for the first time as Uncle Howdy, without Windham. This was their dream, their vision. Their fairytale to fulfill. He carried this on his back. But more importantly in his heart. As siblings, we’ve always had a strong cord attachment to one another. As the lights [went] out in the arena and I watched from my TV, my pulse raised. My eyes welled. I felt every iota with him. While also feeling this warmth, that can only be described as Windham.
“I’m so incredibly proud of Taylor.
“Honoring the memory of a Windham or a loved one while navigating the path of grief is a profound and personal journey. Our family has been on a stage with the outside world to see inside it since 3:33 pm on August 24th. A moment in time we as a family will never get past or over. But, somehow— we have to find a way through it.
“How does one do that?
“In my opinion, It’s in our day to day lives. And creating ways to celebrate their life and legacy, even as we cope with the pain of their absence.
“For Windham, it’s in storytelling. He was the greatest storyteller I’ve ever known. And as we embrace the moments of sorrow, there is a duty to uphold. To keep finding ways to express his madness and genius.
“In doing so, it is a testament from our family about the depth of his love. And our love for him.
“Upholding Windham’s homage can be a source of comfort and strength. We hurt. We heal.
“In doing so, we keep their spirit alive and find solace in the impact they had on our lives
“Also, massive, gigantic and amazing praise to [WWE Director of Character Development Rob Fee] and [professional special effects makeup artist Jason Baking] for doing the alchemy behind the scenes. Unreal, you guys are!
“Windham, Wish you were here.
“Love you more.”
Enough said.
Our continued condolences pour out to Mika, Taylor and the entire Rotunda family.
We all miss you, Bray.
