Bray Wyatt Dead at 36: WWE Superstar's Death Shocks and Saddens Fellow Wrestlers

Brian Jones

08/25/2023 10:47 am EDT

WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt died at the age of 36 on Thursday, shocking the entire professional wrestling world. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Wyatt died of a heart attack after a long struggle with COVID-19 symptoms. He has been off television for the last few months but was getting ready to make a comeback.

"WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36," WWE wrote in a statement. "Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining Superstar of his generation and accomplished many feats in WWE, including becoming WWE Champion in 2017.

"From his leadership of The Wyatt Family alongside Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman to his enthralling time as "The Fiend," Wyatt embarked on an incredible career and saw several iconic rivalries with Superstars such as John Cena, Randy Orton and The Undertaker."

Wyatt won the WWE Championship once and the Universal Championship twice. He also won the Raw Tag Team Championship with Matt Hardy and the SmackDown Tag Team Championship with Randy Orton and Luke Harper. Here's a look at fellow wrestlers paying tribute to Wyatt.

Becky Lynch

Lynch wrote: "Windham was a special cat. One of those people you always looked forward to talking to. He was funny, interesting, passionate, thoughtful and most importantly, he was kind. He had time for people. He looked out for people. He helped people. He cared. My heart goes out to his family that he loved so much and everyone who knew him. To know him was to love him. I'll miss him a lot. Rest in Peace Hoot."

Zelina Vega

Vega wrote: "RIP to one of the kindest, most captivating people that I've ever known. One of wrestling's most brilliant minds. Always helpful, always sticking up for his friends.. I can not believe the news today. I've known Windham since my first tryout at FCW.. one of the people that believed in me and wanted me to live my dream since jump street. I'm so so sorry. My deepest condolences to his beautiful family, his lovely wife JoJo.. his awesome kids… this is such a loss for everyone.. his friends, family, fans.. the wrestling world."

Mick Foley

One fan said: "I am truly heartbroken and sad over this. I will truly miss him. May he Rest in Peace."

The Miz

The Miz wrote: "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. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rotunda family. Rest well my friend."

Sami Zayn

One fan replied: "No one does homie and you're our superhero It's okay to be human sometimes brother What you're feeling is completely normal Time heals all."

Baron Corbin

Another fan said: "Doesn't seem real. Cannot fathom him not being around anymore. Huber and him are now having a blast up there for sure. The fireflies are missing their brightest light down here :("

Saraya

And this fan replied: "WWE, the world and Especially Windhams friends and family has truly lost a man who was full of life, joy, and passion for everything that he did. There are no true worlds that nor any of his fans can say right now or probably ever that would ease (sic) this loss (sic)."

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