Bray Wyatt ‘brought the best out of me,’ John Cena writes after the WWE star, born as Windham Rotunda, died suddenly at 36: ‘I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared’
Bray Wyatt “brought the best of me,” writes John Cena after the WWE star, born Windham Rotunda, passed away suddenly at age 36: “I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared”
- WWE hall of famer and hardcore legend Terry Funk passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79
- Wyatt had recently been medically cleared and was working toward his return
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
John Cena is the latest wrestling legend to share his grief over the sudden death of Windham Rotunda, the 36-year-old WWE star known to fans as Bray Wyatt.
“Devastated by the news of Windham Rotunda’s passing,” Cena wrote on social media. My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham has brought out the best in me in so many ways. I am forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for everyone he reached around the world. REST IN PEACE.’
Wyatt died Thursday, WWE announced. The three-time world champion had not competed since his victory over LA Knight in a Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble in January. According to reports, he was nearing a comeback after being cleared to return to the ring.
His death was described as unexpected, according to an article on the WWE website that did not list a cause of death.
According to reports from Fightful.com, Wyatt died of a heart attack after battling health issues caused by Covid-19 earlier this year.
John Cena (right) is the latest wrestling legend to share his grief over the sudden death of Windham Rotunda (left), the 36-year-old WWE star known to fans as Bray Wyatt
Cena wrote on social media that Rotunda “brought out the best of me in so many ways”
Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp posted on X, “I was cleared to reveal that Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID earlier this year that exacerbated heart problems. There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery.
“Unfortunately, he had a heart attack today and passed away.”
Wyatt, the 2017 WWE Champion, was also known as “The Fiend.”
Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining superstar of his generation.
Wyatt was the son of Mike and Stephanie Rotunda. He is survived by his ex-wife Samantha Rotunda and their two daughters, as well as his fiancee WWE ring announcer JoJo and their two children.
Wyatt’s grandfather Robert Deroy Windham (Blackjack Mulligan), father and two of his uncles (Barry and Kendall Windham) all wrestled in WWE. His grandfather also played college football at UTEP and saw preseason action for the New York Jets.
The Florida native was also part of the Troy football team in 2007.
Cena certainly wasn’t the only wrestling personality to share their grief on social media.
WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted, “I am heartbroken by the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, ring work and connection to the @wwe universe.”
Wyatt’s death came a day after former wrestler Terry Funk passed away at the age of 79.