CM Punk Reflects on the Losses of Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee: “It Still Stings”

CM Punk recently joined the “No Contest Wrestling” podcast, where he opened up about the tragic deaths of his fellow wrestlers Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee.

The former WWE Champion reflected on the emotional toll these untimely losses had on the wrestling community, particularly because both men passed away so young and left behind young children.

During the interview, Punk expressed his sorrow over how common early deaths are in professional wrestling. He explained, “I feel wrestling is notorious for that, right? Like, we are constantly losing wrestlers and it always seems to be way too early… When Bray died… Brodie — Luke Harper — when he died, I remember where I was, when I was told, and I remember like, you get hit with that thunderbolt where you’re just like, ‘Oh?’ And you got to sit down and you’re just like, ‘What? Like he’s young…’”

Punk continued, “I think Bray and Brodie were the two ones because they’re so young, and they got little babies, and it’s just like one of those things that it just stings. Just talking about it now, it still stings, and it’s truly like unfair.”

Brodie Lees Death: December 2020

Brodie Lee, also known as Luke Harper during his WWE run, tragically passed away on December 26, 2020, at the age of 41. His cause of death was due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung condition. His passing shocked the wrestling world, as the AEW star had been off television for months, and few knew about the severity of his illness. Lee was known for his incredible talent and dedication to the business, and his death left a profound void in the industry.

Bray Wyatt’s Death: August 2023

Bray Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, passed away on August 24, 2023, at just 36 years old. Wyatt’s death was the result of a heart attack, which was later revealed to be related to pre-existing heart conditions exacerbated by a severe COVID-19 infection earlier in the year. His death came as a massive shock to his peers and fans, as he had recently been working on his return to WWE. Known for his innovative character work and creativity, Wyatt’s sudden passing left the wrestling world heartbroken.

Both Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt were beloved by fans and colleagues alike, and their deaths are reminders of the fragility of life, even in a world filled with larger-than-life personalities.

How do you think the losses of Bray Wyatt and Brodie Lee have impacted the wrestling industry? Share your thoughts and memories of these stars in the comments below.