WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham revealed some unsettling information about the health of his brother-in-law and long-time tag team partner, Mike Rotunda, who is also a WWE Hall of Famer. Windham provided the information in a recent interview with Bill Apter, a well-known wrestling journalist. Wrestling fans are familiar with Rotunda from his iconic roles as Michael Wallstreet, the businessman, and Irwin R. Shyster (I.R.S.), the tax collector.
Windham opened the conversation by talking about a number of topics related to his own remarkable career, including important figures like Dusty Rhodes, Eddie Graham, and Don Muraco. But when Apter brought up the untimely death of Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) in August 2023, the discussion took a depressing turn. Since Bray Wyatt was the nephew of Barry Windham and the son of Mike Rotunda, the loss was very poignant for both men.
Windham broke down in tears as he thought about Bray Wyatt and then broke the news about Mike Rotunda’s current health condition. Windham reluctantly revealed, “It’s kind of tough right now” (H/T to WrestlingNews.co). “Mike is currently in hospice care, you know.”
Windham said, “I love that family,” underscoring his close relationship with the Rotundas. Windham gave an affectionate explanation of Bray Wyatt’s best trait when Apter enquired about it: “He was just a good boy.” He was such a kind guy. He was never in trouble in his entire life.
The lengthy relationship between Windham and Rotunda was also brought up in the discussion. Even before Rotunda began his wrestling training in Germany, Windham remembered meeting him in Toronto in 1982. Windham recalled, “I mean, just like we were old friends when we first met.”
“You know, we clicked immediately when he arrived in Florida, like old friends for life.” Even the advise Rotunda once told him—”slow down”—was echoed by him. Apter asked Windham if he had any final words for his career’s supporters as the conversation came to an end.
Windham used the occasion to turn attention to his friend and ex-partner and make a sincere plea. Windham urged the supporters to pray for Mike, saying, “Well, it’s been a great ride.” “Pray for Mike Rotunda,” Apter concluded, echoing the sentiment. Mike, you are loved.
The wrestling community is still grieving the loss of Mike Rotunda’s son, Bray Wyatt, at the time of the news. WWE still recognises Wyatt’s creative legacy, and parts of it may have influenced the current ‘Uncle Howdy’ plotline, which re-debuted earlier this year and stars Wyatt’s real-life brother Bo Dallas (Taylor Rotunda).