The wrestling community is reaching out in a show of solidarity to a living legend. Mike Rotunda, 67, who captured hearts in the 1980s by conquering titles in the World Wrestling Federation (now the WWE) and World Championship Wrestling, has been placed in hospice care, as announced by his brother-in-law and former wrestling partner, Barry Windham. "It's a difficult time," Barry shared with wrestling journalist Bill Apter during an interview on October 25. "Mike is in hospice now."
Barry, who holds the distinction of being a two-time World Tag Team Champion alongside Mike, also shared the heartbreaking news of Mike's son, Windham Rotunda, known professionally as Bray Wyatt, who passed away from a heart attack in 2023 at the age of 36. He added, "I love that family, but it's just so tragic."
Echoing Barry's call for prayers, fellow WWE alum Leilani Kai shared her condolences after the WWE Hall of Famer's health update. "It breaks my heart to share that my friend Mike Rotunda has been placed under hospice care," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a picture of the two hugging. "This photo was from earlier this year — a moment I'll treasure." Leilani continued, "Please keep Mike and the Rotunda family in your prayers. We love you, Mike."
Mike, whose wrestling persona included multiple stage names throughout his career, is perhaps best remembered as Irwin R. Schyster or IRS. Under that moniker, he donned a white button-down shirt and suspenders, taunting opponents and fans as "tax cheats." As IRS, he partnered with wrestler Ted DiBiase and faced off against legends like the late Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake.
Earlier this year, Mike reminded fans that his alter ego was still very much alive and well. "I'm back on X and the books are still open," he wrote on X in February. "Some of you may have forgotten how this business really works...but I haven't. The numbers never lie. The debts are still outstanding. And trust me, I ALWAYS collect."
