Bray Wyatt death updates — WWE star wasn’t wearing doctor-issued heart defibrillator when fiancée found him unresponsive
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WINDHAM Rotunda, known to WWE fans as Bray Wyatt, was reportedly not wearing a doctor-issued defibrillator at the time of his death.
Windham's immediate family members have revealed the WWE star had COVID in March 2023 which led to heart complications and a weaker lower heart, reported.
Doctors reportedly advised Windham to continue to wear an external heart defibrillator which is a device designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Officials revealed that the wrestler was not wearing the device when he died and later found it in his car.
Windham reportedly told his fiancée he was going to take a nap on Thursday and she became worried once she heard his alarm going off for more than an hour, according to police records.
The WWE star's fiancée called 911 while her mother attempted CPR after finding him in bed not breathing and turning blue, police records revealed.
Windham reportedly died from a heart attack, according to Fightful reporter Sean Ross Sapp, but the star's family has not yet released a cause of death.
Read our Bray Wyatt blog for the latest updates...
Fans in their feels
Fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express how tonight's tributes impacted them.
One user wrote: "Tonight's episode of #SmackDown was absolutely perfect in loving tribute to Bray Wyatt(Windham Rotunda) as well Terry Funk."
"All the videos looking back at the memories, the ten bell salute and ending was outstanding for a performer and man who was outstanding."
Another agreed to the same effect: "Everybody that performed tonight on absolutely brought it for Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda)."
";Great show, loved the tributes and fitting for LA Knight to end the night with a win over Finn Bálor. Closing out the show with Bray’s silhouette and lantern got me emotional."
Fans react to Bray tribute
Following tonight's tribute show to Wyatt and Funk, fans are reacting to Wyatt's video in particular, taking to replying to WWE's empty chair X post.
WWE legend Becky Lynch pays heartbreaking tribute to fellow star Bray Wyatt
WWE star Becky Lynch paid a heartbreaking tribute to Bray Wyatt following his tragic death.
“Windham was a special cat,” wrote Lynch.
“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”
Colleagues share online tributes
Many of Wyatt's colleagues and friends have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share in mourning.
Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson alongside an image of him and Wyatt: "Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with
universe. Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling. Still processing losing the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today. My love, light, strength & mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. As always, ‘thank you for the house’"
John Cena : "Devastated by the news of the passing of Windham Rotunda. My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought the best out of me in so many ways. I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for all those he reached around the world. RIP."
The Miz shares tribute
Wyatt's contemporary, The Miz, has take to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to his colleague.
He : "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."
Many fans have replied in support.
One writes: "He was a beautiful soul with a brilliant mind for the industry. This is a profound loss in every way."
Bray Wyatt’s potential cause of death
Wyatt hadn’t been seen on TV since February 2023, with rumors suggesting he was dealing with an injury.
It has since been reported that he had actually been suffering from heart issues that were brought on by a bout of Covid-19.
Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp shared online that Wyatt had been making progress shortly before his death.
He posted on Twitter: “I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues. There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery.
“Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”
According to the , the WWE had been taking precautions to ensure Wyatt was able to stabilize his health long-term before he died.
They report that his illness was “both career and life-threatening.”
Wyatt's character history, part two
Bray Wyatt shocked WWE fans when he wrestled Randy Orton and John Cena at Wrestlemania 33.
He defeated Cena at Wrestlemania 36 when the two fought in the Firefly Fun House, a bit that Wyatt invented.
He re-signed with WWE in October of last year and was developing a new persona named Uncle Howdy.
Wyatt was quietly removed from the roster in February, according to .
Wyatt's character history
Bray Wyatt became a staple in WWE with his unique persona, memorable bits, and legendary WrestleMania performances.
He started with the program in 2009 under the name Husky Harris before reinventing himself as Bray Wyatt.
His character was the cult leader of the Wyatt family, which later became a fan-favorite storyline in WWE.
Wyatt then took on the character, The Fiend.
Wyatt's credits
According to , Wyatt has over 32 credits between appearing in wrestling shows, and his likeness being used in video games.
His first listed credit is from 2011 WWE '12 video game for Xbox, followed by the SummerSlam TV special.
He is most recently credited for his involvement in WWE Raw and WWE Smackdown, having appeared in over 200 episodes of each program throughout the past 13 years.
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Segment change
In light of Wyatt's death, tonight's SmackDown lineup has been altered.
Jimmy Uso's segment had been previously slated for tonight but is no longer listed on the WWE schedule tonight.
While details have not been revealed on what the segment will look like, it is likely something for Wyatt will take Uso's timeslot.
Fan expectations are high
Ahead of tonight's WWE SmackDown event, fans are expressing there expectations for Wyatt tributes, and they are passionate.
On X (formerly Twitter) one fan writes: "I’m still in shock Bray Wyatt is gone. I hope WWE do a great tribute to him on smackdown tonight cause if not all hell will break loose."
Another added some perspective on what they think Wyatt deserves: "Chris Benoit got a whole damn 3 hour show and he murdered 2 people. Bray Wyatt gets a video and a match. Terry Funk gets 1 video and 1 match. What a load of crap."
Some fans are predicting changes to tonight's match, writes one user: "I’m sorry iyo, but your match is gonna be cancelled because tonight is about Bray Wyatt."
Fans miss the 'visionary'
Following Wyatt's death, fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn his passing.
Many have commented on his unique thoughts and ideas.
One fan : "No matter how far-out Bray Wyatt’s ideas may have been to people, to have a person like that on your team should be a win for anyone. You could tell how passionate he was in everything he put his mind to. Ultimate respect for how creative he was."
Another him a "visionary": "I LOVE YOU MAN! A complete visionary who captured our attention & our hearts. Man …. Words can’t explain how much I adored the evolvement of the character. So much more to offer in the crazy world of Professional Wrestling."
Mike Rotunda's children
Rotunda is married to Stephanie Windham - the daughter of wrestler Blackjack Mulligan.
Together they welcomed three children together, two sons Windham and Taylor, and a daughter, Mika.
Both their sons followed in their father's footsteps to become pro wrestlers.
In the past, Taylor has worked with the WWE and is known under his ring name, Bo Dallas.
Bray Wyatt's father, Mike Rotunda
Mike Rotunda was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on March 30, 1958.
He is a retired professional wrestler best recognized for his time in the WWE, fighting under various names like Michael Wallstreet, Irwin R. Schyster, and V.K. Wallstreet.
Rotunda retired from professional wrestling back in 2003 and started his own security company with his wife a year later.
In July 2022, he was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Bray and Samantha's children together
While married, the two welcomed two daughters, Cadyn and Kendyl Rotunda.
While Samantha and Bray have moved on, the two seem to have worked things out as parents.
In June 2019, Samantha took to Instagram to speak on their parenting arrangements.
She wrote: "I am truly so thankful for both of these men and because of our team effort, that we are working on each and every day, my girls are growing into amazing little women (who will never ever date...ever, if these guys have any say).
"It's not always easy, but it's our life, and they are what matters!"
Apart from Bray's children with Samantha, he shared two children with Jojo.
All about Bray Wyatt's estranged wife Samantha Rotunda
Samantha Rotunda is a real estate agent from Florida.
She and Bray Wyatt met in college and fell in love. The two eventually tied the knot in 2012.
However, while Bray was married to Samantha, he allegedly stepped out on their marriage with his most recent fiance, Jojo Offerman.
This resulted in Samatha filing for divorce in 2017.
Samantha has since moved on with a landscape laborer named Dan Pixley.
Bray Wyatt's illness, continued
Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp shared online that Wyatt had been making progress shortly before his death.
He posted on Twitter: "I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues. There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery.
"Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away."
According to the , the WWE had been taking precautions to ensure Wyatt was able to stabilize his health long-term before he died.
They report that his illness was "both career and life-threatening."
Bray Wyatt's illness
Wyatt hadn't been seen on TV since February 2023, with rumors suggesting he was dealing with an injury.
It has since been reported that he had actually been suffering from heart issues that were brought on by a bout of Covid-19.
2019’s Firefly Fun House, conclusion
When WWE lost followers due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Wyatt took full advantage of the opportunity to perform more dramatic, crazy things.
With its strange allusions to so many occasions in Cena's life, the Firefly Fun House match with Cena at WrestleMania 36 was a masterpiece.
It was the first time WWE spent so much money on a cinematic match, and the majority of fans praised it.
Wyatt continued to take chances in 2021 with the Firefly Inferno battle against Randy Orton, and while their encounter at WrestleMania 37 was unusual, it demonstrated Wyatt's ability to be creative in front of a live crowd.
2019’s Firefly Fun House, continued
When "The Fiend" first debuted, everyone was captivated by how scary the creature seemed and its capacity to make fans feel uneasy while reaching otherworldly levels.
Wyatt's decision to go all-in on this character after building up so much expectation was divisive and dangerous, but it paid off.
2019's Firefly Fun House
When Wyatt reappeared in 2019, the Firefly Fun House was a perplexing spectacle that left fans wondering where he was headed.
Nonetheless, Wyatt's ability to break the fourth wall during the section was some of the greatest storytelling going on.
Fans were eager to see how dark he might go as he continued to drop hints about a dark alter persona he was hiding.
John Cena is 'devastated' by death of Bray Wyatt
Fellow WWE wrestler John Cena, 46, took to social networking site X to recount some unique occasions they'd spent together that he'll never forget.
More on Terry Funk, continued
On August 23, 2023, wrestler Mick Foley broke the news on the wrestler's death.
Mick Foley posted on social media: "Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news.
"He was my mentor, my idol, one of my closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.
"If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him.
"May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend - it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk."
Terry's cause of death has not been made public.
More on Terry Funk
Ten years later, in 1975, he went on to beat Jack Brisco during the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Throughout his career, Terry competed in an array of wrestling franchises including All Japan Pro Wrestling, WWF, WCW, and the famous, WWE.
In 2017, Terry officially retired from the sport although he had many short-lived retirements throughout the span of his career.
Apart from wrestling, Terry dabbled in acting appearing in Road House, Rambo III, Over The Top, and the TV series Wildside.