Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson led the tributes following the death of WWE legend Bray Wyatt aged 36.
Wrestling boss Triple H confirmed Wyatt’s unexpected passing on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday and shared his condolences with his grieving family.
He wrote on the micro-blogging site: “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.”
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…
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 24, 2023
In light of Wyatt’s shock death, tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow stars of wrestling on social media.
Johnson, who found fame on WWE as the People’s Champion, explained how “heartbroken” he is to learn of Wyatt’s death and is still processing the loss of fellow WWE legend Terry Funk.
He shared on X: “I’m 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.”
Fellow WWE star Bliss posted that she was in a state of shock over the loss, writing: “Just in shock. Really at a loss for words at the moment.”
Matthew Hardy, who was a tag team champion with Wyatt, real name Windham Lawrence Rotunda, said he was “absolutely shattered” by his friend’s death.
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.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3
He wrote: “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.”
Chelsea Green branded Wyatt a “creative genius” as she remembered him on the social media site.
She shared: “What a horrible loss for his family, his friends, and the entire wrestling world. He was a creative genius and I will forever be influenced by his work.”
Ettore ‘Big E’ Ewen wrote how influential Wyatt had been in his career after he signed with WWE in 2009.
He remembered on X: “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.”
What a horrible loss for his family, his friends, and the entire wrestling world. He was a creative genius and I will forever be influenced by his work.
— CHELSEA GREEN (@ImChelseaGreen) August 24, 2023
🖤 https://t.co/r5tyUQHijd
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.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) August 24, 2023
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.
— SARAYA (@Saraya) August 24, 2023
❤️ pic.twitter.com/GYSJCsLMil
While Saraya Bevis described the late wrestler the “biggest sweetheart” as she recalled knowing Wyatt from the first day that she moved to America.
“I can’t believe I’m typing this,” she tweeted. “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.”
Wyatt returned to WWE last year, having previously been let go, and formed a partnership with his real life brother and fellow wrestler Bo Dallas, known as Uncle Howdy.
The WWE star had two daughters with his ex-wife Samantha, who he was married to from 2012 to 2017. Last year, he got engaged to WWE announcer Jojo, with whom he welcomed a son in 2019.
