RIP Windham Rotunda, Better Known As WWE's Bray Wyatt

Man - this is unbelievably shocking and tragic news. 

Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt to WWE fans, passed away unexpectedly earlier today according to his father Mike Rotunda. He was only 36.

Bray Wyatt was a fan favorite from the moment he debuted in the WWE, not only because of the incredible vibe and aura the gimmick and the Wyatt Family brought with him, but because of how captivating Rotunda was with a microphone in his hand. Very few stars of today's era were able to build a character and persona as well as Windham Rotunda, and almost nobody matched his passion. 

From the reinvention of himself as 'The Fiend' to the 'Firefly Fun House' match with John Cena at WrestleMania - when you talk about the most creative minds of the 21st century in this business, you will have to mention Bray Wyatt. I'm sure his influence will be felt strongly over the generations to come, as well.

Rotunda returned to the WWE in 2022 after spending some time away from the company, but he was taken off of television not too long ago after being rumored to be dealing with some real life injuries. That quickly changed, and we started to hear word that he was dealing with something that was not only career threatening, but potentially life threatening. It was reported two weeks ago however that everything was on the up-and-up....

After reading that, I think plenty of us were actively wondering when he'd show up on TV next, crafting his next feud and angle in our heads, and then to get hit with this....it's just gut-wrenching. It's one of those deaths that is actually hard to process right now.

Our condolences go out to the entire Rotunda family, his wife Jojo and his four kids, and all of his friends, coworkers, and fans. 

Hopefully the WWE puts on a tribute half as good as the one AEW did for the late Brodie Lee, and hopefully those two are already reunited somewhere....

RIP