WWE stars have been brought to tears over Bray Wyatt’s death after he was honored in an emotional tribute on Friday Night SmackDown.
The WWE star died on Thursday at the age of 36 in a tragedy that devastated the entire wrestling community.
GettyBray Wyatt died at age 36 on Thursday[/caption]
WWEWWE opened Friday Night Smackdown with a heartbreaking tribute to the beloved wrestler[/caption]
WWECody Rhodes, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows, and AJ Styles were seen in the video standing on the stage overcome with emotions and tearing up[/caption]
WWETears were visible on several wrestlers’ faces as photos of Wyatt were shown in a touching video[/caption]
Tears streamed down the faces of his fellow WWE wrestlers as a heartbreaking video showed clips of Wyatt with his family and in the ring.
The video started with the beloved wrestler’s iconic walkout with his lantern.
It went on to feature a series of touching clips showcasing Wyatt’s storied career and images of his children and fiancée, Jojo Offerman.
WWE stars Cody Rhodes, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows, and AJ Styles were seen on stage overcome with emotion.
The wrestler died from a heart attack, according to Fightful, but the star’s family has not yet released a cause of death.
Fightful reporter Sean Ross Sapp posted on X: “I was given permission to reveal that earlier this year Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) got COVID that exacerbated a heart issues.
“There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery. Unfortunately, today, he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”
Wyatt was a WWE Champion and a company staple for his creativity and promo skills.
He came from a family of wrestlers and was the grandson of Blackjack Mulligan and the son of Mike Rotunda, better known as Irwin R. Schyster – IRS.
Wyatt’s brother, Taylor Rotunda, also competed in the WWE under the stage name Bo Dallas.
Wyatt’s death was met with an outpour of sadness and tributes across social media.
WWE STARS MOURN
WWE superstar Zelina Vega honored Wyatt at her match on Friday with “Bray” written on her arm.
A day earlier, wrestling icon and WWE star Dwayne The Rock Johnson mourned Wyatt in a heartfelt message.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Matt Hardy, a six-time WWE tag-team champion, shared a message on Instagram mourning Wyatt.
“Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away,” he wrote.
“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.”
FANS LEFT HEARTBROKEN
Wyatt’s fans flooded social media with tributes to the wrestler on Thursday, and they shared their thoughts of Friday’s tribute as well.
One fan wrote: “As soon as the video ended, I started crying immediately, man :(.”
Another person said: “I legitimately teared up.”
A third fan said: “Hearing the crowd sing ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands’ gave me chills.”
Finally, a fourth person wrote: “Such a beautiful tribute.
“He seemed like a decent human being who loved his family and friends, and he was an absolute creative genius in the wrestling business.”
Friday’s SmackDown episode also honored Terry Funk, who died this week at the age of 79.
The star’s cause of death has not yet been made public.
WWEZelina Vega honored Wyatt during her match by writing his name on her arm[/caption]
WWEWyatt’s tribute featured a series of touching clips and iconic memories from his career[/caption]