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    The Rock, John Cena, Wrestling World React to WWE Star Bray Wyatt's Death at 36

    Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVAugust 25, 2023

    Photo credit: WWE.com

    Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena were among the many pro wrestling superstars and luminaries to remember and honor Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, following his death Thursday at the age of 36.

    WWE head of creative Triple H announced the news of Wyatt's death Thursday, leading to an outpouring of love and support from others in the sports entertainment industry:

    Triple H @TripleH

    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…

    Perhaps the most notable name to contribute was The Rock, who is not only one of the top legends in WWE history, but one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood.

    The Rock provided some heartfelt words regarding Wyatt on X, formerly known as Twitter, in addition to another pro wrestling legend in Terry Funk, who died Wednesday at the age of 79:

    Dwayne Johnson @TheRock

    Im 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 <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwe</a> universe.<br>Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… <a href="https://t.co/i9zlbJIOL3">pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3</a>

    The Rock had a memorable encounter with Wyatt and The Wyatt Family at WrestleMania 32 in 2016 when they interrupted his promo.

    Johnson and Wyatt had an entertaining promo battle of their own, and The Rock proceeded to beat Wyatt Family member Erick Rowan in an impromptu match.

    Fittingly, Cena was also involved in that segment, as he helped The Rock fight off the Wyatts. That marked one of the many times Cena and Wyatt worked together on the Grandest Stage of Them All.

    Wyatt was one of Cena's greatest on-screen rivals. Cena recognized that fact in his post, noting that Bray "brought the best" out of him:

    John Cena @JohnCena

    Devastated by the news of the passing of Windham Rotunda. My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought the best out of me in so many ways. I'm forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for all those he reached around the world. RIP.

    Cena defeated Wyatt at WrestleMania 30 in what was the biggest match of Wyatt's career to that point, as he had debuted on the main roster less than one year earlier.

    More recently, Cena and Wyatt met in one of the most unique contests in WrestleMania history, facing off in a Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania 36 in 2020.

    Both Cena and Wyatt showed off their acting chops and delivered a never-before-seen performance, and it was Wyatt who ended up in the win column.

    In addition to The Rock, Cena and Triple H, several other current and former WWE Superstars made their feelings known regarding Wyatt over the past two days as well, including Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Bayley, Saraya, Alexa Bliss, The Miz and Matt Hardy:

    Kevinn @FightOwensFight

    One of the most creative, unique minds I ever met in this industry. <br>One of the first to welcome new guys with open arms. <br>One of the kindest. <br>One of the good ones…<br><br>We will miss you, Windham.<br><br>We love you.

    Sami Zayn @SamiZayn

    I have a hard time accepting death. Denial is strong. I am just shocked and I really can't believe it. <br>RIP Windham Rotunda, I'm grateful to have shared some good times with you.

    Bayley @itsBayleyWWE

    Between your laugh and being able to witness your greatness every time you performed, you are truly irreplaceable. <br><br>I'm in disbelief just like everyone else. My heart goes out Windham's whole family &amp; everyone who knows &amp; loves him. <br><br>🎶 You've got the whole world in your hand

    SARAYA @Saraya

    I can't believe I'm typing this. But RIP Windham. I knew you day 1 of moving to America, you were the biggest sweetheart and were loved by everyone who met you. I'm in shock.. sending all my love to the Rotunda family. <br><br>❤️ <a href="https://t.co/GYSJCsLMil">pic.twitter.com/GYSJCsLMil</a>

    Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera @AlexaBliss_WWE

    I'm just in shock. Extremely heart broken And at a loss for words. What I can say is what an amazing human being Windham is. An Amazing &amp; kind friend. one of the most creative minds to ever walk this earth. Windham, you've brought so much joy and happiness to everyone around you.… <a href="https://t.co/QELzyKKkNI">pic.twitter.com/QELzyKKkNI</a>

    The Miz @mikethemiz

    The world lost a good one today. Bray Wyatt's story telling ability along with his unique creativity in the ring was a force that kept your eyes glued to the television screen. Windham Rotunda's fun-loving, free spirit paired with his infectious laugh is what I will truly miss… <a href="https://t.co/tV3NJCeVpY">pic.twitter.com/tV3NJCeVpY</a>

    MATT HARDY @MATTHARDYBRAND

    Absolutely shattered to learn that my friend, Windham Rotunda, has passed away. It's devastating to think he left us at only 36 years young. My condolences go out to his family, wife &amp; children. I'm so sorry, my compeer. Miss you already. <a href="https://t.co/AVNuOTjdsx">pic.twitter.com/AVNuOTjdsx</a>

    Wyatt will go down as not only one of the most creative minds in WWE history, but in the entire existence of the pro wrestling business.

    Then one-time WWE champion and two-time universal champion left an indelible mark on the industry and clearly meant so much to so many involved.