WWE honored the lives of Bray Wyatt and Terry Funk with a moving tribute ahead of their Friday Night SmackDown show after both wrestling icons passed away this week.
Former WWE Champion Wyatt, real name Windham Lawrence Rotunda, has died at the age of 36 after reportedly suffering a heart attack. Triple H announced the tragic news on Thursday.
In light of the fiend’s death, John Cena delivered an emotional tribute to his on-screen rival, admitting, “Windham brought out the best in me in so many ways.”
His death came just a day after hardcore wrestling legend Funk died at the age of 79 and sparked tributes on social media from the likes of Ric Flair, Mick Foley and Dustin Rhodes.
“We just lost a legend,” Foley wrote. “There will never be another like him.”
WWE paid tribute to Terry Funk (left) and Bray Wyatt (right) after the couple passed away this week
SmackDown announcer Michael Cole presented WWE’s tribute to the wrestling icons
The likes of Triple H observed a minute’s silence and the sport’s traditional 10-bell salute
Ahead of Friday night’s SmackDown, WWE honored both Wyatt and Funk with a minute’s silence and the traditional 10-bell salute.
Commentator Michael Cole said, “Tonight on Friday Night Smackdown we will honor her legacy and celebrate her life.” “The lives of two incredible men who touched us all with their passion, creativity and spirit.”
The likes of Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Bobby Lashley and Erick Rowan – who previously appeared as the third member of the WWE Wyatt Family before being fired from the organization – bowed their heads at the thought of the couple.
SmackDown also held a separate tribute solely for Wyatt, who previously reigned as tag team champion under the Freebird rule along with Luke Harper and Randy Orton.
After showing a montage of his best moments in WWE, cameras panned to an empty wooden chair he is known to be sitting in before fans erupted into a poignant rendition of his theme song, “He’s got the Whole World in his Hands.”
Wyatt’s death was first revealed in a post on aka Bray Wyatt – Died Unexpectedly Today.
“Our thoughts are with his family and we ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time.”
The three-time WWE World Champion, who leaves fiancé JoJo Offerman behind, has not competed since defeating LA Knight in a Mountain Dew pitch black match at the Royal Rumble in January.
He was reportedly poised to make a comeback after being allowed back into the ring.
Wyatt had not been seen in WWE since the Royal Rumble in January in a match against LA Knight
Reports earlier in the month suggested he was on the verge of a comeback following health issues
Triple H broke the news of Wyatt’s tragic death on social media Thursday night
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hosted the three-time WWE Champion’s tributes online
Although he had been re-established medical clearance to wrestle, WWE had taken precautions to ensure that his medical condition remained stable over the long term following the illness, which was believed to be both occupationally and life-threatening.
According to the report, the Florida-born star’s prospects had improved significantly and the company was making creative plans for the former WWE Champion.
September was set for a possible return, but nothing was officially set in stone.
According to reports from Fightful.com, Wyatt passed away after suffering a heart attack after struggling with health problems caused by Covid-19 earlier in the year.
Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp posted on X: “I have been granted permission to reveal that Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) contracted COVID earlier in the year which made his heart problems worse.” There has been much positive progress towards a return and his recovery.
“Unfortunately, he suffered a heart attack today and passed away.”
Hollywood movie star-turned-WWE Legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson led the tribute to Wyatt Thursday with an online post, “The news of Bray Wyatt’s death breaks my heart.” I always had great respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. I loved his presence, his promos, his work in the ring and his connection to the @wwe universe.
“Very unique, cool and rare character that’s hard to create in our crazy world of pro wrestling.’ Still processing the loss of the goat, Terry Funk yesterday and now Bray today.’
Funk, widely credited as the father of hardcore wrestling, died a day earlier at the age of 79
Fellow wrestling star Ric Flair (left) announced the news of his death online on Wednesday
“My love, light, strength and mana to the Rotunda family and the Funk family at this difficult, heartbreaking time.”
Funk, meanwhile, made his wrestling debut in 1965 and officially returned nearly 53 years later.
Ric Flair broke the news of his death on social media this week, posting, “In my entire life I’ve never met a man who worked harder.”
“Terry Funk was a great wrestler, entertainer, incredibly fearless and a great friend!”
“Rest In Peace my friend Terry Funk, I know that in the world of professional wrestling no one will ever replace you!”