Tragedy befalls the Windham-Rotunda family, as two-time WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham confirmed to Bill Apter that his brother-in-law, Mike Rotunda, is in hospice. This news comes during a time when the family should be celebrating. The Wyatt Sicks are currently the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Plus, BrayWyatt’s vision has come to life as a theme park attraction with the highly successful haunted house, The Horrors of Wyatt Sicks, at Universal Studios. Now, Bo Dallas and the late Bray Wyatt’s dad, WWE Hall of Famer IRS, is receiving end-of-life care.
Barry Windham Confirms Mike Rotunda Is Receiving Hospice Care
The last few years have been an emotional journey for the Rotunda-Windham family. Just three years ago, the wrestling family endured the loss of Windham Rotunda, known to the WWE Universe as Bray Wyatt, the son of Mike Rotunda.
The fireflies came together to shine some light onto the family. Mike Rotunda and Bray Wyatt’s uncle, Barry Windham, were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s 2024 class. Together, Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda were known as the U.S. Express.
The U.S. Express captured the NWA United States Tag Team Championships on four occasions and the WWF Tag Team Championships on two occasions. They teamed together at the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985, losing the Tag Titles to fellow WWE Hall of Famers, The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff.
Forty years after that event, Mike Rotunda developed a life-threatening illness. While we can’t confirm what Mike Rotunda is battling, his brother-in-law and Hall of Famer partner, Barry Windham, confirmed that he is receiving hospice treatment.
Barry Windham Gives Update on Bray Wyatt’s Dad, Mike Rotunda
Bill Apter recently caught up with former PWI Rookie of the Year, Barry Windham. The long-time wrestling journalist noted that he never had an opportunity to ask Barry Windham his thoughts and memories about his nephew, Bray Wyatt.
Barry’s expression changed quickly, as he provided a shocking update about Bray Wyatt’s father:
“Uh, it’s kind of tough right now. You know, Mike (Rotunda) is in hospice right now. So, anyway, this…That family, I love that family, but you know, just is so tragic.”
Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda were last seen on WWE TV this past May. The U.S. Express were shown on camera sitting in the crowd during Saturday Night’s Main Event from Tampa.
Barry Windham Remembers Bray Wyatt
Barry Windham’s voice cracked after he confirmed that Mike Rotunda is receiving hospice care. Bill Apter pivoted slightly, asking Barry Windham what Bray Wyatt’s best quality was.
The former NWA World Champion remained emotional, stating:
“He was just a good boy. He was such a good person. Never got in trouble at all his whole life.”
Bill Apter divulged to Barry Windham that Bray Wyatt and he used to chat for hours about Rober De Niro. The wrestling journalist insisted the former WWE Champion was a huge Robert De Niro fan, and that he introduced Bray Wyatt to many De Niro films that he’d never seen before.
It’s clear that cinematics influenced Bray Wyatt, The Fiend, and his Firefly Funhouse universe. His life partner, Jojo Offerman, recently posted about the experience, beaming with pride over seeing Bray’s creations come to life.
Barry Windham Asks for Prayers for Mike Rotunda
The WWE Hall of Famer continued to reminisce about his decades-long friendship with Mike Rotunda. He discussed how they met in Toronto in 1982, and how they hit it off immediately. Barry said that Mike went overseas to Germany, and they’d meet up years later in Florida.
The second-generation star explained that they picked right up where they left off, just like old friends. He noted that this kind of friendship is very rare in pro wrestling.
Barry has had his own share of health issues in the past. The legend had a heart attack in 2022, which saw Barry Winham very close to death. Bill Apter asked Barry Windham if he had any final words for the fans.
Barry wrapped up his interview with Bill Apter by saying:
“Well, it’s been uh it’s been a great ride, and I would like for you all to pray for Mike.”
Bill Apter thanked Barry for his time before reiterating that we should send prayers for Mike Rotunda. The veteran interviewer closed it out by saying, “We miss you, Bray.”
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