WWE champion Bray Wyatt has died at the age of 36.

The World Wrestling Entertainment performer, who is regarded as one of the most innovative in professional wrestling, died on Thursday.

Wyatt’s real name was Windham Rotunda.

His death was announced by Triple H, a WWE legend and the company’s chief content officer, on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Triple H, whose real name is Paul Levesque, wrote: “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.”

An article on the WWE website called Wyatt’s death “unexpected”.

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WWE said: “Known for his captivating performances and incredible in-ring presence, Wyatt was a defining superstar of his generation.”

His WWE accomplishments include multiple championship reigns and high-profile feuds with John Cena, the Undertaker, Randy Orton and, in one memorable WrestleMania moment, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Following the 2017 WWE champion’s death, Johnson shared a tribute 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,” he wrote. “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.”

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Wyatt made his WWE debut on the company’s ‘Raw’ programme in 2013. He was initially the leader of the Wyatt Family, a cultish group that also included Luke Harper (who died in 2020 aged 41) and Erick Rowan.

His last televised performance was at the 2023 Royal Rumble earlier this year.

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