Information moves fast these days, often too fast. That seems to have been the case this week when Barry Windham was asked about his brother-in-law and former tag partner Mike Rotunda.
The 65-year-old Windham, just a few years removed from his own most recent health crisis, told Bill Apter that Rotunda was in hospice. While outcomes vary among those receiving hospice care, people opting to receive it have usually been given less than a year to live. The prayers Barry and fellow wrestling Leilani Kai
asked for were definitely sent, as fans’ hearts went out to the Rotundas with the death of Mike’s son Windham, aka Bray Wyatt, still fresh on our minds.
But thankfully things aren’t that dire for the man who famously wrestled as evil accountant Irwin R. Shyster. On Instagram, Rotunda’s daughter Mika shared a correction on behalf of her family (which also includes brother Taylor, aka Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy).
67-year-old Mike suffered a heart attack recently but he’s not in hospice. Mika’s Uncle Barry didn’t to spread worse news, but accidentally did:
Our family would like to take a moment to clarify some information currently circulating online regarding my father, Mike Rotunda.
Yes, my uncle Barry did make a comment mentioning that my father is in hospice care while answering a question about our late family member, whom we lost two years ago. We want to make it clear that he misspoke—not intentionally.
My father is not in hospice, but rather in a rehabilitation center. He suffered a massive heart attack on September 20th, was in a coma for a week, and spent over a month hospitalized. By the grace of God, he has now transitioned to a rehabilitation center, where our family remains present, hopeful, and focused on his recovery.
It has already been a long road, and we know there is still a long road ahead—but our faith in God remains strong. Anyone who knows my dad knows that it’s his strength, work ethic, and athleticism that have carried him through not just this, but every challenge life has thrown his way. If there’s one person I have faith in, it’s Captain Mike.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the wrestling world and our local communities. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we continue walking this journey together—but we warmly welcome continued prayers, good energy, and healing thoughts for his recovery.
With love and gratitude,
The Rotunda Family
Keep that energy and those ts & ps headed their way
