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Who is Mike Rotunda? Everything Fans Should Know About Bray Wyatt’s Father
Mike Rotunda enjoyed a long and storied wrestling career throughout many wrestling organizations.
We’re sure it’s been quite an emotional past few weeks for Mike Rotunda following the announcement of the Peacock documentary Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal all about his late son and WWE legend, Windham Rotunda.
As announced earlier in March, WWE Superstar Mike Rotunda will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame during WrestleMania weekend alongside his U.S. Express tag team partner, Barry Windham. That’s quite an honor in itself, and if you ask us, it’s recognition that is not only deserved but overdue.
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However, news surrounding the Rotunda family keeps coming – the WWE Universe’s jaws dropped on March 18 when the first trailer for the upcoming Peacock documentary was released.
News of the upcoming documentary covering the life and times of Bray Wyatt is significant because, well, Bray is the real-life son of Mike. Despite his acclaim in WWE, some may not know, or simply welcome a refresher, on the major points of Mike Rotunda's career.
What is Mike Rotunda Most Famous For?
We can’t talk about the wrestling career of Mike Rotunda without bringing up one of the most iconic characters in history – Irwin R. Schyster, also known to the WWE Universe as IRS. Notably aligned with the Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase, for most of his WWE career, IRS was a tough, no-nonsense wrestler inside the ring and an accountant by day – a crooked one at that! Don’t believe us? See for yourself:
WWE in the early 90s was filled with over-the-top, colorful characters like IRS, and we must give credit where credit is due: Mike Rotunda nailed the role. A villainous accountant was a WWE Superstar that every fan loved to hate.
Interestingly enough, Rotunda competed n WWE from 1984 to 1986, a stretch of time that would ultimately earn him a Hall of Fame nod. This is where his tag team alliance with Barry Windham led to the duo winning the WWE Tag Team Titles on two occasions. Like many WWE Superstars of his day, Rotunda left the promotion later in 1986 to test his worth in other wrestling organizations.
What Other Wrestling Companies Did Mike Rotunda Compete For?
Mike Rotunda competed in WCW in the late 90s (he was actually a member of the New World Order for much of his run there as Michael Wallstreet) and had a short stint in various promotions across Japan before his retirement in 2004. Most old-school fans will remember him as the former NWA World Television Champion – someone who went toe-to-toe with wrestlers like Sting, Jimmy Garvin, and Rick Steiner. Just look at the crowd reaction from the National Wrestling Alliance’s Starrcade ‘98 event – they couldn’t get enough of Rotunda losing the Television Championship:
Throughout his 20-plus year career, Rotunda was the ultimate professional – while he never rose to the top of any wrestling organization as a world champion, he found a niche in which he thrived. By all accounts, he’s among the most well-liked and well-respected Superstars who competed in the 80s and 90s.
Does Mike Rotunda Have Other WWE Superstar Children?
Besides the late Bray Wyatt, Rotunda is also the real-life father of another polarizing former WWE Superstar: none other than Bo Dallas! Yes, that Bo Dallas – the man who memorably defeated Big E for the NXT Championship more than a decade ago.
The Rotundas have wrestling in their blood – and fans would struggle to think of a better father to guide Bray and Bo throughout their careers.
Many likely can’t wait to experience Rotunda’s Hall of Fame speech. Those in the know are expecting plenty of reminiscing, maybe a throwback IRS impression or two, and, of course – a heartfelt tribute to his son, Windham, who captivated the spirit of the WWE Universe like no other Superstar has as Bray Wyatt.
Prepare yourselves to get a little misty-eyed.
You can tune in to Peacock to watch WrestleMania on April 6 and 7. In the meantime, catch up on all things WWE Universe on Peacock.
