Tag: Bray Wyatt

Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) Dies at Age 36

Windham Rotunda, known to WWE fans as Bray Wyatt since 2012, has died. The news was broken on Twitter by Rotunda’s employer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, who says he received the news from Rotunda’s father. Rotunda was 36 years old.

According to a report from Fightful, Windham Rotunda battled a case of COVID-19 earlier this year that exacerbated a previous heart issue he’s been dealing with for awhile now.

While there had been a lot of “positive progress” in recent months, Wyatt suffered a massive heart attack on Thursday and passed away.

WWE issued the following statement on their website:

Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36.

Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining Superstar of his generation and accomplished many feats in WWE, including becoming WWE Champion in 2017.

From his leadership of The Wyatt Family alongside Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, and Braun Strowman to his enthralling time as “The Fiend,” Wyatt embarked on an incredible career and saw several iconic rivalries with Superstars such as John Cena, Randy Orton and The Undertaker.

WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.

All Elite Wrestling has issued a statement on the tragic death of Bray Wyatt, who passed away at the age of 36 on Thursday after suffering a massive heart attack.

You can check out the official statement from AEW below:

“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.”

Rotunda worked in WWE from 2009 to 2021, when he was released. He returned to the company a year later, to much fanfare, at the Extreme Rules premium live event, where he began performing an intricate storyline involving a character called Uncle Howdy (portrayed by his brother, former WWE star Bo Dallas) and Alexa Bliss. The story was apparently tabled, however, following Rotunda’s match with LA Knight at the 2023 Royal Rumble. Afterward, Rotunda began a feud with Bobby Lashley prior to WrestleMania 39, but was removed from television due to an undisclosed illness, which was later said to have threatened both his career and his life. Until this news, the worst seemed to have passed; as recently as August 10, wrestling media outlets were reporting that Wyatt was recovering and moving in the direction of being medically cleared to return.

Rotunda’s televised WWE career began in 2010, when he joined the cast of the original “NXT” as Husky Harris, competing in the second season of the original “reality show” format of the program. As Husky Harris, he joined the “NXT”-centric heel stable The Nexus on the main roster, but was written off television and sent back to WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling, in 2011. He was repackaged as the sinister cult figure Bray Wyatt in 2012 and was a major part of the re-branded “WWE NXT” when it functionally replaced FCW, becoming one of the show’s most popular acts alongside his cohorts, Erick Rowan and the late Luke Harper, aka The Wyatt Family. This incarnation would take him back to the main roster, where his career had numerous ups and downs; Rotunda seemed almost constantly in the act of re-inventing himself, a process that culminated in 2019, when he debuted both his Firefly Funhouse segments and his alter ego The Fiend, who notoriously wrestled under a terrifying mask and obtrusive red lights. Over the course of his career, he won the WWE Championship, the WWE Universal Championship, and two tag team championships.

Sources: Wrestling Inc. and Fightful

Backstage Update on Bray Wyatt’s Return to WWE; Was Dealing With Life Threatening Illness

Bray Wyatt has been out of action for almost all of 2023 having not received clearance to return to in-ring activity by WWE medical personnel. Fightfulselect.com is reporting that Wyatt has been battling an undisclosed illness during that time, something that was termed both career and life threatening that caused him to be hospitalized at one point.

While rumors over the last couple of months leading into SummerSlam suggested that Wyatt was ready to return and simply waiting for proper “creative” to be drawn up for him, fightful reports that isn’t the case and that Wyatt was never ever considered for SummerSlam as no one was sure when or even if he would return. However, things have taken a positive turn lately and WWE sources now state that Wyatt is getting closer to a return and that internally, the company has discussed some creative plans for his return with September being tossed around as a target date.

Prior to his illness, Wyatt was set to be integrated with Alexa Bliss, Eric Young and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy) in a stable but Bliss is now on maternity leave, Young requested his release after Vince McMahon returned and was granted it, while Dallas is the only active member of the group who is truly waiting for creative. For what it’s worth, Bray Wyatt’s father Mike Rotunda recently seemed to confirm the above report stating that he is “sure” that Wyatt would be returning to WWE hopefully in short order.

Source: RAJAH.COM

Bray Wyatt Still Not Medically Cleared For WWE Return

Bray Wyatt disappeared from WWE television in March due to a reported illness, with his last match happening in February.

This caused WWE to nix his plans for a WrestleMania 39 match with Bobby Lashley.

According to a report from Fightful Select, Wyatt is still not “medically cleared” to make an in-ring return.

“When Fightful Select inquired about Wyatt’s status, a WWE higher up confirmed to us that Wyatt is still sidelined, and not cleared for action. We’re told that he’s still awaiting clearance and hopeful for a return whenever that occurs,” the report noted.

The report added that there have been no significant creative pitches for him since he was sidelined.

Source: eWn

Update On Bray Wyatt’s WWE Status

Bray Wyatt’s status with WWE appears to be a bit more than the previously reported “physical” issues other outlets have reported on.

According to a source close to the situation, Wyatt has been going through what is being described to us as a “mental break.”

We do know that Bray had battled a case of COVID-19 and the belief is that the illness either “brought on” or “coincided” with some sort of mental health issue.

Additionally, it was said that when Wyatt returned to WWE at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event on October 8, 2022, he expressed concern over simply saying the words “I’m here” as the show came to a close. There was a debate that took place between Wyatt and several writers at the time regarding whether he should say more. During the post-WWE Extreme Rules 2022 edition of RAW, Wyatt appeared in front of live fans for the first time since his WWE release in July 2021.

Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, WWE officials are giving Bray as much time as he needs. One source added that Wyatt seemed a bit “out of it” when spoken to over the past few months. We also know that he wasn’t happy with the creative plans for his character as time went on.

As of this writing, there is no timetable for Bray Wyatt’s return to WWE.

Source: Exclusive from eWn

Bray Wyatt Reportedly Sidelined With An Illness

WWE has been planning to do Wyatt against Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 39, but the match is now up in the air. 

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported on Sunday Night’s Main Event Wyatt is currently sidelined with an illness. 

Meltzer didn’t specify the exact illness and doesn’t know the status of Wyatt’s WrestleMania match as he didn’t get an answer when asked. Meltzer said he thinks the match is up in the air due to Wyatt’s illness.

Source: Wrestling Observer via eWrestlingNews

WWE RAW Is XXX News – The Undertaker Helps Bray Wyatt Take Out LA Knight

The 30th anniversary of WWE Monday Night RAW saw The Undertaker share the ring with current generation Superstars.

LA Knight cut a promo, challenging any of the legends to come out and face him in the ring. The Undertaker, in his American Badass gimmick, appeared on his motorcycle with the Kid Rock “American Badass” theme song buzzing in the arena. The decorated veteran hit the ring and Knight retreated, stating that he would let the old man live another day.

The lights then went out and Bray Wyatt popped up behind Knight, forcing the loud-mouthed wrestler to return to the squared circle. The Undertaker grappled with Knight and held him until Wyatt joined the ring. The Phenom then handed Knight over to Wyatt who nailed him with a vicious Sister Abigail. The Deadman then murmured something in Wyatt’s ear before making his way to the back.

Knight will collide with Wyatt in a Pitch Black match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on Saturday, January 28th.

Source: eWrestlingNews

Bray Wyatt’s Uncle Howdy Appears Live On WWE SmackDown

On last night’s episode of WWE SmackDown, LA Knight called out Bray Wyatt for attacking and kidnapping him last week.

In response, Wyatt tried to convince Knight that he was not the one who perpetrated the attack.

Knight lost his cool and attacked Wyatt. It was at this moment that Uncle Howdy appeared on the entranceway, resembling the deadly Jack The Ripper. Howdy tipped his hat and laughed and so did Wyatt. Knight left the ring in utter disbelief.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1603928956557746182

WWE Reportedly Planning A “Pitch Black” Match For Bray Wyatt At Royal Rumble

Let the speculation on what exactly a Pitch Black match is going to be begin.

The next major event on the WWE calendar is Royal Rumble, and other than the two usual 30-person matches, nothing for the card has been officially announced. However, the event might well be the backdrop for Bray Wyatt’s long-awaited in-ring return.

According to WrestlingNews.co, the entire card for Royal Rumble is already planned out, and currently on that card is something being referred to as a Pitch Black match. WWE’s sources didn’t indicate what exactly a new match type will involve, but it’s believed if it does happen, Wyatt will be one of the competitors.

Even though Wyatt made his WWE return at Extreme Rules well over a month ago, The Eater of Worlds is yet to have actually wrestled a match. In fact, by the time Royal Rumble rolls around, Wyatt will be nearing two years since he last wrestled. The former WWE Champion’s final match up until this point was a loss to Randy Orton at WrestleMania 37, and before that match he hadn’t wrestled since being burned alive by Randy Orton the year prior at TLC.

As for who Wyatt might face should there be a Pitch Black match at Royal Rumble, the most likely candidate right now is LA Knight. The two of them have been clashing on SmackDown as Wyatt’s first rivalry since his return has been unfolding. As for whether that can be dragged out for the next two months, especially if Wyatt isn’t going to wrestle, is another question entirely.

That could mean we see Wyatt wrestle before then. Whether it be during an episode of SmackDown or perhaps when WWE travels to India for a big show, something that is currently being planned for January. While the storyline with Knight appears to have fans gripped, Wyatt has to wrestle again sooner or later, and doing it in a new gimmick match might be the perfect way to reintroduce him to the ring.

Source: TheSportster

Backstage Latest on WWE’s Storyline Plans for Bray Wyatt’s “Wyatt 6” Faction

Bray Wyatt is the most talked about name in WWE this week, as his storyline plans remain a mystery.

Wyatt made his return over a week ago at Extreme Rules, and he spoke for the first time as himself during SmackDown, but the show ended with his promo being cut off by the mysterious video on the titantron, leaving fans wondering what was going on. There’s also speculation that Wyatt will command a new “Wyatt 6” faction. According to a WWE source, the entire storyline is still being worked out.

Dave Meltzer was asked about some of the suspected names for Wyatt’s faction during an appearance on TSN Radio’s “Sunday Night’s Main Event” broadcast.

Meltzer said, “I think they are gonna be a faction but I’m not sure who is gonna be in it. I’ve certainly heard names for a faction but then I heard other people say those aren’t the names. And someone even told me it’s not even all worked out exactly how it’s all gonna go down. I think it’s a faction. As far as who’s playing what, I don’t know. It’s being kept like that for a reason. I think they are trying to keep it secretive…”

Joe Gacy as Huskus, Grayson Waller as Mercy the Buzzard (Waller has denied this speculation), and Alexa Bliss as Sister Abigail are among the names that have been circulated. There is also a hint that Liv Morgan will become a darker character. There has been rumors of Erick Rowan’s comeback, particularly following a recent interview in which he stated that he is open to a WWE return because he has unfinished business.

Based on what Meltzer has gathered about the speculated names, it appears that most, if not all, of the individuals listed above, will not be part of the group.

Source: PWMania

Bray Wyatt Delivers Heartfelt Words To Live Fans On WWE SmackDown

Bray Wyatt poured his heart out as he addressed his 18-month absence from the wrestling business on this week’s “WWE SmackDown” in New Orleans, LA.

Wyatt walked through the same shining door as he did at Extreme Rules, with a lantern in hand, and to brand new theme music. However, he wasn’t wearing a mask and was dressed simply in a t-shirt and jeans. Wyatt would then blow out the lamp before greeting some fans in the ringside area. 

In the ring, Wyatt was showered with thunderous “Welcome back!” chants as he looked genuinely moved.

“I am incredibly grateful and really, really nervous,” Wyatt began. “I never thought this would happen. This right here, this is just me, OK? This is a version of me I never got to introduce to you guys before. This is just me, genuinely being me for the first time.”

Wyatt then teared up as he touched upon the emotional hurdles he’s had to battle during his time away from WWE.

“I just want to share with you; this past year, I lost a lot of things,” Wyatt said. “I lost my career, I lost my self-confidence, I lost two people who were very, very close to me. And I lost my way. I got to a point where I thought that everything I did here [in WWE] was meaningless. I felt like nothing I ever did mattered to anyone, but I was wrong. Once I was done feeling sorry for myself and went back into the world, all I heard was people saying, ‘Thank you, Bray. When are you coming back home?’ Every once in a while, I would meet some truly remarkable people, who would tell me, ‘Thank you, Bray, I was in a time of need and felt weak but I found your words. I just wanted to thank you for saving my life.'”

At this point, a huge “Thank you Bray” chant broke out at Smoothie King Center, as Wyatt continued to tear up. 

“I can sit here and look at all of you and say you were all there when I was weak, vulnerable, and down,” Wyatt continued. “Thank you; you all saved my life. You wouldn’t let me alone. Every time I tried to run away and hide, you would always find me and chase me. You are the reason…” 

Suddenly, Wyatt’s speech was cut short and the lights went out. The Wyatt 6 moth logo then appeared on the screen, following which Wyatt’s new creation, introduced at Extreme Rules, spoke directly to him.  

“Oh little one, my little one,” said the masked figure. “Come with me, your life is done. Forget the future and the past. Life is over. Breathe your last. You have no idea who you’re dealing with. But you will.” 

The show went off the air following the mysterious video. Fans on social media believe the masked figure could be the brains behind the Wyatt 6 stable, which is rumored to include the likes of Bo Dallas, Joe Gacy, Alexa Bliss and Grayson Waller. While, there’s a lot of speculation regarding Wyatt’s new character, and whether he’ll actually be part of a stable, we could get more answers during next week’s “SmackDown” in Toledo, Ohio.

Source: Wrestling Inc.