The Biggest Loss Of All
Many may not recognize this face, but I assure you that he was quite popular. In his world of sports entertainment (also known as Pro Wrestling), he was recognized by several names, but most popularly, and recently, Bray Wyatt. It was announced Thursday, that he had died unexpectedly at the age of a too-young 36.
I will admit that it has been quite some time since I have followed any professional wrestling. And headlines over the years, it was not uncommon to hear of wrestling superstars that I did know passing at a young age, though at least making it into their late 40’s. Of course, there have been the tragedies and accidents.
But it was upon learning Wyatt’s real name, that all of a sudden I took interest into his story. Wyatt is of pro wrestling legacy, a third generation pro wrestler, which means, from the days that I did watch pro wrestling. Born Windham Rotundo, Wyatt was the son of Mike Rotundo who wrestled under several different personas, and was the nephew of Barry Windham. His grandfather was the monstrous sized Black Jack Mulligan. I saw many of their matches growing up. Wyatt had many different characters as well, and at one time, integrating some together as a multiple personality as another wrestler, Mick Foley does. Wyatt would change from a good guy, to a heel named “the Fiend,” who clearly was a dark character.
He was a very popular and successful wrestler, winning several titles, earning the wide respect among those in the business. Though an active wrestler for more than a decade, he had been absent for a lengthy amount of time and had been planning to return. He had been battling Covid and its awful side effects. But before he could do that, he suffered a tragic, fatal heart attack, at the age of 36. Heart attacks as it is are not uncommon for pro wrestlers, but the age this occurred was just devastating for so many. In fact, Wyatt recently relayed a story of his uncle, Barry Windham, nearly dying from a massive heart attack.
Wyatt was engaged to JoJo Offerman, a ring announcer with the same company. The biggest sadness however, he had two young daughters, not even teenagers, now without a father.
As is common, his former pro wrestlers, many friends, pay tribute when one of their own falls, with the chiming of a ten “bell” ringing salute during a moment of silence. Many of his fellow wrestlers now, are being seen in videos of interviews on their thoughts of Wyatt’s passing. Several of those involved yet today, wrestled his father and uncle. And while they spoke of his iconic abilities and fantastic career, some unable to hold back their tears, they all mention the biggest loss, is to Wyatt’s two young daughters, now without a father.
For the first time, I could relate to this young wrestler that I had never watched, now wishing that I had. With the various health issues I face, the one thing I never wanted to do, was break the hearts of my two daughters, who have now entered adulthood. While they both had friends who tragically lost a parent, I never wanted my daughters to experience that loss. No matter what I faced, or continue to face, they are my driving force to live.
Wyatt’s passing is indeed tragic, as are the circumstances behind it. And though there are hurtful rumors and unhinged accusations spreading around the internet, they are untrue. Wyatt had Covid earlier in the year, ended up struggling with the complications, which as well known, may have had an impact on his lungs and heart, eventually leading to this tragic end.
Paul's Heart 