Copyright Staten Island Advance
The family of former professional wrestler Mike Rotunda issued a statement on social media Wednesday clarifying his health status and confirming he is in a rehabilitation center recovering from a massive heart attack — not in hospice care as was incorrectly reported. According to the Rotunda family statement, Mike suffered the heart attack on September 20, which led to a week-long coma and more than a month of hospitalization. The family explained that the misinformation came from a comment by Rotunda’s brother-in-law Barry Windham, who misspoke while discussing the situation. “My father is not in hospice, but rather in a rehabilitation center,” the statement read. “By the grace of God, he has now transitioned to a rehabilitation center, where our family remains present, hopeful, and focused on his recovery.” The family acknowledged the challenging journey ahead but expressed confidence in Rotunda’s resilience. “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,” the statement continued. “If there’s one person I have faith in, it’s ‘Captain Mike.’” While requesting privacy during this difficult time, the family expressed gratitude for the support received from the wrestling community and local supporters, saying they “welcome continued prayers, good energy and healing thoughts for his recovery.” Rotunda, known to wrestling fans for his various personas including “Irwin R. Schyster” (IRS), has a wrestling legacy that continues through his sons who have competed as Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas.
