Tag: Mike Rotunda

Rotunda Family Sets the Record Straight on Mike Rotunda’s Health

The wrestling world has been sending love and prayers to WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda after concerning reports surfaced earlier this week — but his family has now issued an official statement to clear the air about his condition.

Former tag team partner Barry Windham sparked confusion on Tuesday when he mentioned that Rotunda had entered hospice care. However, the Rotunda Family has since confirmed that this is not accurate. According to a statement shared by Mika Rotunda on social media Wednesday, Mike is currently in a rehabilitation facility, continuing to recover from a massive heart attack he suffered on September 20.

“My father is not in hospice, but rather in a rehabilitation center,” Mika wrote. “He suffered a massive heart attack on September 20, was in a coma for a week, and spent over a month hospitalized. By the grace of God, he has now transitioned to a rehabilitation center, where our family remains present, hopeful, and focused on his recovery.”

The family’s message also cleared up how the misunderstanding began, explaining that Barry Windham misspoke while answering a question during an interview and did not intend to spread incorrect information.

Despite making progress, Rotunda still faces a long road to recovery. His family emphasized that his trademark strength, work ethic, and athleticism will be crucial in helping him heal, and they asked for privacy as he continues his rehabilitation.

Mike Rotunda — known to WWE fans as Irwin R. Schyster (IRS) — is not only a Hall of Famer but also the patriarch of one of wrestling’s most beloved families. His sons, Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas, both made their marks in WWE, with Dallas currently leading the Wyatt Sicks faction. Sadly, Bray Wyatt passed away in 2023, but his influence continues to be felt across the wrestling world.

The Rotunda family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues alike. As Mike continues his recovery journey, the wrestling community remains united in wishing him a full and steady return to health.

WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda Reportedly in Hospice Care

The wrestling world is once again rallying around the Rotunda family as heartbreaking news emerges about WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda, father of the late Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy).

According to a post shared Tuesday morning by former WWE star Leilani Kai, Rotunda has reportedly been placed in hospice care. Kai shared a touching photo of herself with Rotunda, writing that she would “treasure it forever” and asking fans to keep him and his family in their prayers.

Kai’s post follows comments made earlier in the day by Rotunda’s brother-in-law and longtime tag team partner Barry Windham, who spoke briefly about Rotunda’s health during an interview with Bill Apter. While Windham didn’t go into specifics, he called the situation a tragedy — particularly so soon after the passing of Rotunda’s son, Windham “Bray Wyatt” Rotunda, who died suddenly in 2023 at just 37 years old.

For decades, Mike Rotunda was a respected presence both in and out of the ring. A versatile performer, he found success across multiple promotions and eras — first as one half of The U.S. Express with Windham, later as part of The Varsity Club alongside “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, and of course, as the calculating Irwin R. Schyster (I.R.S.) during WWE’s golden era of character-driven wrestling. Rotunda even had a brief run as part of the nWo during the mid-90s boom.

In 2024, Rotunda was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside Windham, solidifying his legacy as one of wrestling’s most consistent and dependable performers.

The wrestling community continues to send love and strength to the Rotunda family during this difficult time. Fans around the world have taken to social media to share memories and messages of support, celebrating the impact that both Mike and his late son Bray had on the industry.

U.S. Express To Be Inducted To The 2024 WWE Hall Of Fame

The U.S. Express, the tag team of Mike Rotunda and Barry Windham, are entering the WWE Hall of Fame. The news was first reported by the website The Ringer, with a video posted by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque on social media of him sharing the news with Rotunda and Windham.

In the video, Levesque discussed Windham and Rotunda’s roles at the inaugural WrestleMania, where they defended the then-World Wrestling Federation Tag Team Championships against The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff. Levesque acknowledged their significant contributions to WWE’s success before informing them of their induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

“It’s been a great journey, you know,” said a teary-eyed Rotunda. “I mean, watching WWE grow, so it’s pretty damn cool to be part of it in any aspect.”

In the early 1980s, Rotunda and Windham, the respective father and uncle of deceased WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, were one of wrestling’s hottest acts. The duo was especially popular in Florida, where they first debuted before steamrolling their way into WWE as the U.S. Express in 1984.

Under the tutelage of legendary manager Capt. Lou Albano, Rotunda and Windham won the company’s historic tag team titles on two occasions. They first dethroned the team of Dick Murdoch and Adrian Adonis. Windham and Rotunda claimed the titles a second-time months after they dropped them to the Sheik and Volkoff at Madison Square Garden during the inaugural WrestleMania.

The brother-in-law combo will join Paul Heyman and Bull Nakano as part of the 2024 Hall of Fame class. For Windham, this marks his second induction, having been previously honored in 2012 as part of the Four Horsemen stable.

The induction ceremony will take place after the April 5 SmackDown at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, just before night one of WrestleMania at Lincoln Financial Field.

Source: SB Nation