Wrestling world pays tribute to Bray Wyatt
The professional wrestling community continues to pay tribute to Bray Wyatt in the wake of his unexpected death.
Dozens of stars have posted their memories of and tributes to Wyatt on social media following his passing on Thursday, including some of the biggest names in the history of the industry.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote:
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 @wwe 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’ #ohana
Ric Flair wrote:
When Your Great Friend And Someone Your Son’s Age Dies Within 2 Days, It Really Makes Me Reflect & Think About Life! Don’t Take Any Second For Granted! Rest In Peace Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt!
Alexa Bliss, who shared a long-term WWE storyline with Wyatt wrote:
Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.
I’m just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing & kind friend. one of the most creative minds to ever walk this earth. Windham, you’ve brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around you. It’s going to take me some time to really process this. Sending my love to the Rotunda Family, Jojo & their babies. We love you Windham
Braun Strowman, a Wyatt Family stable member wrote on Instagram:
i really don’t know how or where to start. This is just what i can muster up right now.
8 years ago today I joined you as your black sheep. If I knew only an 8 short years later I would have to say good by I sure as hell wouldn’t have taken so much for granted. You were my best friend my mentor my big little brother my brother of destruction. You were there for all my highs and my lows as I was for yours. You taught me so many things in the business that we shared and loved and you taught me so much in life. You truly made me a better person. I was so honored the day I found out you were having Knash boy and you asked me to be his Godfather. Windham you were one of a kind with a great mind and even better soul. The world lost such an amazing man. My heart is with the Rotunda family, JoJo and the babies know i love you all so much. I’ll see you down the road my friend. Slap Brodie on the ass for me when you see him. I know this isn’t bye forever.
I LOVE YOU HOOT!!!
RIP BRAY WYATT. This is awful news, just terribly sad for his family, friends and fans. I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt, and was so flattered when he started using the mandible claw for his finisher. He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling…
Current WWE stars including Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest, Natalya, and many more also chimed in.
Power and endless love to your family
Rest Cowboy
Horrible! Lost a good soul today. #RIPBray
My heart breaks for Windham and his family. You were always so nice to us, Windham. Ever since we were kids, going trick or treating together, following our dad’s footsteps. You were always relatable, kind and humble. We will always be so grateful for your presence in our lives.
Bray Wyatt was such a lovely man to be around. He loved his family so much. I’m so sorry.
This has totally gutted me. He welcomed us to the main roster with open arms and was so so so kind to us. I just don’t know what to say
I’m at a loss for words….I’m grateful to have witnessed his greatness and been around his sweet spirits, always so nice and kind, and willing to help. My prayers to all his family
Man…the first dude that took me under his wing when I got signed in 2009. We spent so much of our adult lives together. Praying for Jojo. Praying for his kids. I will miss your laugh & your boyish charm, my friend. Goodbye, Windham.
Heartbroken is an understatement to my feelings at the moment about this news. Windham was the consummate professional, the Ultimate Teammate and a Wonderful Father, Husband, Brother, Friend and son. Always brought smiles. Me and my Family send our Condolences & Support
Tragic news. Windham was an exceptional talent in the ring. His creation, Bray Wyatt, is an iconic character. Backstage, Windham was a lot of fun to be around, one of those people who never had a bad day. What a loss, both professionally and personally.
I have a hard time accepting death. Denial is strong. I am just shocked and I really can’t believe it. RIP Windham Rotunda, I’m grateful to have shared some good times with you.
Wrestlers and personalities from virtually every promotion past and present added their thoughts as well.
No man ever hugged me as tight as Windham did whenever we saw each other. I am completely devastated. Heartbroken. RIP Windham
Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away. It’s devastating to think he left us at only 36 years young. My condolences go out to his family, wife & children. I’m so sorry, my compeer. Miss you already.
Sending every bit of love I have in me to the Rotunda family. I know way too many people who have lost a child. I can only imagine the pain. I remember Windham & his brother coming to shows w/their dad when they were kids. Absolutely devastating news.
Just no fucking words. I love you Bray. I was like an uncle to them boys. I hate f*cking death.
Bray Wyatt is one of the most talented young wrestlers to ever come down the line. My heart goes out to his family. Rest in peace.
The toughest part of this industry… is when you bond with people…. and then that bond is severed unexpectedly. RIP brudda. I was rooting for you just like you did for me. I already missed you… but this… it’s painful. Safe journey my man.
Can’t stop the tears sending my love and prayers to the entire Rotunda family
I can’t believe I’m typing this. But RIP Windham. I knew you day 1 of moving to America, you were the biggest sweetheart and were loved by everyone who met you. I’m in shock.. sending all my love to the Rotunda family.
AEW released an official statement on Wyatt’s passing:
AEW joins the entire wrestling world in mourning the loss of Windham Rotunda, aka Bray Wyatt. A third-generation wrestler, Windham proudly carried on his family’s legacy by forging his own incredible path to superstardom. Windham’s unique style and persona showcased his passion for the industry and desire for innovation.
AEW sends its deepest condolences to Windham’s family, friends and fans. We are forever grateful for all his incredible contributions to the industry.
AEW’s Amanda Huber, the widow of former Wyatt family member Brodie Lee/Luke Harper wrote:
I have no words. I’m devastated.