The Rock heartbroken as Triple H announces tragic death of young WWE star Bray Wyatt
The Rock was among the many left shocked and devastated at the death of former WWE champion Bray Wyatt at the age of 36.
News of the sad passing was announced by WWE legend Triple H, now content officer for the company, who posted on social media late on Thursday night: "Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda - also known as Bray Wyatt - unexpectedly passed earlier today.
"Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time."
The Rock expressed his sorrow of the news, which came a day after former wrestler Terry Funk's death at the age of 79.
"I'm heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing," the former champion-turned actor posted. "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 and mana to the Rotunda family and Funk family during this tough, heartbreaking time. As always, ‘thank you for the house’."
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WWE Hall of Famer Kane said: "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."
Mick Foley, who wrestled as Mankind added: "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 has ever seen."
WWE, meanwhile, wrote: "We are saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36. WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans."
Rotunda, who had been dealing with an undisclosed health issue that had kept him out of the ring since February, came from a family of wrestlers like his granddad Blackjack Mulligan, his dad Mike Rotunda and his younger brother Bo Dallas.
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He made his wrestling debut in 2009 and went by various names, including Husky Harris, Alex Rotunda, Duke Rotundo and The Fiend.
During his career he won the WWE championship, the Universal championship and two tag team championships.
In 2019, he debuted his iconic alter ego, The Fiend and the 'Fire Fly Funhouse' segments, which became hugely popular and his inventiveness kept fans on edge.
He is survived by his wife, former ring announcer JoJo Offerman and four children.
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