WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham shared a somber update on the health status of his long-time tag team partner, brother-in-law, and the father of Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas, Mike Rotunda, during a recent interview with Bill Apter.
Rotunda, known to WWE fans for his iconic portrayals of Irwin R. Shyster (I.R.S.) and Michael Wallstreet, is also a WWE Hall of Famer, inducted alongside Windham as part of The U.S. Express in 2024.
The conversation between Windham and Apter initially focused on Windham’s own legendary career and influences. However, the tone shifted when Apter brought up the tragic passing of Windham Rotunda, famously known as Bray Wyatt, who was Mike Rotunda’s son and Barry Windham’s nephew.
While reflecting on Bray Wyatt, Windham became emotional before revealing the difficult news concerning Mike Rotunda. “It’s kind of tough right now,” Windham shared. “You know, Mike is in hospice right now.” Windham conveyed his deep connection to the family, simply stating, “I love that family”.
When Apter asked about Bray Wyatt’s best quality, Windham fondly remembered his nephew: “He was just a good boy. He was such a good person. Never got in trouble at all his whole life”.
Emotional Announcement
Windham also reminisced about his enduring friendship with Mike Rotunda, which began long before they teamed together in WWE. He recalled meeting Rotunda in Toronto back in 1982, before Rotunda even started his formal training.
“I mean, just like we were old friends when we first met,” Windham said. “So when he showed up in Florida, you know, we hit it off right off the bat, you know, like old pals forever”. He even shared the simple, yet impactful, advice Rotunda once gave him: “Slow down”.
As the interview concluded, Apter asked Windham for a message to the fans. Windham directed the focus back to his friend. “Well, it’s been a great ride, and I would like for you all to pray for Mike,” he requested. Apter added his support, saying, “Pray for Mike Rotunda. We love you, Mike”.
Mike Rotunda’s contributions to professional wrestling span decades, including multiple reigns as WWE Tag Team Champion, both with Barry Windham in The U.S. Express and later with Ted DiBiase as Money Inc. (as I.R.S.). He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024. His sons, Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) and Taylor Rotunda (Bo Dallas), both followed him into WWE, achieving significant success. There have been no further public updates on Mike Rotunda’s condition since Windham’s interview.
