FORMER World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion Bray Wyatt has died at the age of 36, it has been confirmed.
The professional wrestling and entertainment body announced the unfortunate death late last night as his colleagues, rivals and fans paid tribute.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, August 24, at age 36,” the body stated on social media.
“WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.”
In addition, WWE’s chief content officer Triple H posted on X/Twitter: “Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”
Wyatt, whose father Mike Rotunda was also a prominent wrestler, was one of the most flamboyant characters in the WWE.
He became WWE champion in 2017 but took a break between 2018 and 2019 before getting released in 2021.
Wyatt made his second return with the ‘Extreme Rules’ in October 2022 and his last televised appearance was in the ‘Royal Rumble’ in January.
Although cause of death has not been officially announced, Wyatt had battled with Covid-19 and there are reports that he died from its complications.
“I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated heart issues,” reporter Sean Ross Sapp of frightful.com posted on Twitter.
“There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”
Legendary WWE star who is now a famous actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, paid tribute to the late wrestler, posting: “I’m heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family.”
