Erick Rowan Makes First Public Comments Since Bray Wyatt’s Death

WWE

It has now been over a week since WWE star Bray Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, tragically passed away at the age of 36.

Many wrestling stars have shared their memories of Bray, paying tribute to the former WWE Universal Champion.

Last week’s episode of SmackDown served as a tribute for both Bray and WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk, who passed just 24 hours prior to Wyatt.

WWE flew in several names for the show, including former WWE star Erick Rowan (Erick Redbeard), who was very close to Wyatt, with their relationship of course stemming from their time in the Wyatt Family in WWE.

Today, Rowan made his first public comments on the passing of his Wyatt.

In an Instagram post, he wrote:

Writing this down makes my soul foggy and my heart ache.

Over 12 years ago from the island of FCW we would talk of our mutual love of horror movies and music before embarking on this crazy journey that brought us around the world with Jon (Luke Harper/Brodie Lee).

In the process something happened, this family we portrayed weekly in the wrestling world became a real life bond. We spent more time together over the next few years than we would our own families. Strengthening our bond as we dealt with life trials and tribulations together.

Eventually this family grew with the introduction of Adam (Braun Strowman). As did our love for one another.

Life is sometimes unfair, I want to pick up the phone and talk to my brothers. For when I think of Windham It makes me think of Jon then the reality of the crazy truth that they are no longer with us. Though I know they are always listening and smiling.

With their sudden passings I can not state enough how much they loved their families. My heart hurts for their kids, for Jojo for Amanda for their brothers and sisters or anyone lucky enough to call them a friend. I love you both so much.

This is only Goodbye for Now, I will see you down the road.

Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, passed away aged 36 on Thursday, August 24.

WWE recently released a 35-minute video of several stars talking about the death of Wyatt and the impact that the real-life Windham Rotunda had upon them. You can watch that video below this article.

The Friday, August 25 episode of SmackDown featured multiple tributes to Wyatt, and after the show, several WWE stars got matching tattoos of Wyatt’s logo.

The Monday, August 28 Raw followed suit, as the video package that was played on SmackDown was shown on Raw too, with Wyatt’s entrance music being played in the arena and a spotlight being shone on a rocking chair on the stage.

Seth Rollins, who emotionally paid tribute to Wyatt at a house show over the weekend, also went the extra mile on Raw.

He started his in-ring promo by saying Yowie-Wowie, a catchphrase of Wyatt during The Fiend era, and there was another reference as well.

Rollins’ WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt was modified to have a Rollins logo on one sideplate, and a Fiend mask logo on the other.

As the show went off the air, Lynch held up her “Bray” armband and broke down in tears, and after the show she shared a heartwarming story about Wyatt with the audience.

The aforementioned video package was also played during the following night’s NXT, with commentators Vic Joseph and Booker T noticeably joining in with the crowd in holding up their “fireflies” in Wyatt’s memory.

WWE has added the following note to the item descriptions for Wyatt merch on the WWE Shop website:

In the wake of Bray Wyatt’s death, WWE will donate all net proceeds to support JoJo Offerman and his children.

You can find said merch at this link.

On Thursday, August 24, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported:

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.

Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the family, friends, and everyone affected by the passing of Windham Rotunda.

• passes away
• erick rowan
• Bray Wyatt
• wwe

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