Mike ‘IRS’ Rotunda was surprised that Bray Wyatt will not be inducted as part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024, while he will be inducted instead.
In a recent appearance on the “Wrestle Binge” podcast, Rotunda spoke about his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction and his son not being inducted. He said,
“I was surprised because my son, you know, with Windham passing, I thought they were going to immediately put Windham into the Hall of Fame, which he will be at some point.
“I think WWE reassessed his stuff and thought it was too soon to go there and then the reactions and stress on us. We got a call from WWE. They said, ‘Hunter wants to do a Zoom call.’ We were thinking they were going to tell us what’s going to happen at WrestleMania and Hunter said, ‘You guys are going to get inducted, you and Barry. You were part of the first-ever WrestleMania.’”
Rotunda will be inducted alongside Barry Windham as the US Express. Other inductees include Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, Muhammad Ali, and Thunderbolt Patterson.
Wyatt passed away in August of last year at the age of 36. On WWEShop.com, proceeds from Wyatt-themed merchandise have been benefitting his family.
The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has been announced, and there is one notable absence that has surprised many fans and insiders. Bray Wyatt, the beloved professional wrestler who tragically passed away last year, will not be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Instead, his father, Mike ‘IRS’ Rotunda, will be honored with an induction alongside Barry Windham as the US Express.
In a recent interview on the “Wrestle Binge” podcast, Rotunda expressed his surprise at his son’s exclusion from this year’s Hall of Fame class. He believed that after Wyatt’s untimely death, WWE would immediately recognize his contributions and induct him into the prestigious Hall of Fame. However, it seems that WWE has decided to reassess the situation and deemed it too soon to honor Wyatt in this manner.
Rotunda revealed that he and his family received a call from WWE, requesting a Zoom call with Triple H (Hunter Hearst Helmsley), WWE’s Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development. Expecting to discuss plans for WrestleMania, they were instead informed that Rotunda and Windham would be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024. This decision was made because Rotunda and Windham were part of the first-ever WrestleMania, which holds significant historical importance in the world of professional wrestling.
While Rotunda expressed his gratitude for the recognition and honor bestowed upon him and Windham, he also acknowledged that he believes his son will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He mentioned that WWE likely considered the emotional reactions and stress that would come with Wyatt’s induction so soon after his passing. It is clear that WWE wants to handle Wyatt’s induction with care and ensure that it is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Bray Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, was a beloved figure in the wrestling world. Known for his unique character portrayals, including “The Fiend” and “The Wyatt Family,” he captivated audiences with his charisma and in-ring abilities. His sudden passing at the age of 36 in August 2023 shocked the wrestling community and left fans mourning the loss of a talented performer.
In the wake of Wyatt’s passing, WWE has been supporting his family through the sale of Wyatt-themed merchandise on WWEShop.com. The proceeds from these sales go directly to his family, providing them with financial assistance during this difficult time.
While it may be disappointing to some fans that Bray Wyatt will not be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, it is important to remember that WWE is likely taking their time to ensure a proper tribute to his legacy. The Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor, and it is crucial that Wyatt’s induction is handled with the respect and reverence it deserves.
As the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is celebrated, fans can look forward to honoring the contributions of Mike ‘IRS’ Rotunda and Barry Windham, as well as other deserving inductees such as Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, Muhammad Ali, and Thunderbolt Patterson. The Hall of Fame ceremony promises to be a memorable event, paying tribute to the rich history and unforgettable moments in professional wrestling.