Bray Wyatt Passes Away Due to Post-COVID-19 Heart Issues
Windham Rotunda, aka Bray Wyatt in WWE, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Triple H took to Twitter to reveal that William Rotunda, Bray’s father and WWE Hall of Famer, has informed him about Bray’s unexpected passing on Thursday. Triple H gave condolences to the family and asked to respect their privacy.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com revealed, with permission from Bray’s family, that Bray contracted COVID-19 earlier this year. Bray was making progress in his recovery, but the post-COVID issues led to a heart attack. Sapp also tweeted that it was his family that wanted the details around Bray’s death clarified.
I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) August 25, 2023
There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.
The news was definitely shocking for all the fans worldwide. Many have taken to Twitter to express their tribute to one of the greatest wrestling minds. Many fans are also asking for tomorrow’s SmackDown episode to be a Bray Wyatt tribute show only. Several WWE stars also paid their tribute via social media.
WWE has also announced that all net proceeds from Bray Wyatt merchandise sales on their website will go to his family.
Wyatt signed with WWE in 2009 and started performing under the ring name Husky Harris. He was part of Nexus stable for a while before going to FCW. He debuted on the main roster with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan to lead The Wyatt Family stable. Under the stable, he had feuds with John Cena, The Undertaker, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton and others, leading to him winning WWE Championship at Elimination Chamber 2017 event.
Wyatt came back in 2019 with Firefly Fun House and “The Fiend” character, a concept that caught on fire. He became a two-time WWE Universal Champion under this gimmick. He was released from the company in July 2021 before returning in October 2022 with a new set of characters including Uncle Howdy.
Wyatt was last seen in WWE in February this year when he was building up a feud with Bobby Lashley for WrestleMania 39. However, his appearance stopped abruptly in February.
As now revealed, the disappearance was the result of COVID-19. Earlier this month, a report suggested that Wyatt was recovering well from a “life and career threatening” health issue, but was taking every precaution in preparation for his return to the ring.
We, at ITNWWE, would also like to extend our condolences to Wyatt’s Family and Friends. Rest in Peace, Bray Wyatt.
