Introduction
Mike Rotunda is a name that resonates deeply in the world of professional wrestling. Best known for his “IRS” gimmick during his time with WWE (formerly WWF) and his earlier tag-team work with Barry Windham, Rotunda built a rich legacy in the squared circle. However, as of late October 2025, he finds himself facing a serious health challenge — he has entered hospice care at the age of 67. At the same time, his family’s story is marked by both triumphs and tragedy, most notably the death of his son Bray Wyatt in 2023.
1. Career Highlights: IRS & The U.S. Express
Early Career & Tag Team Success
Mike Rotunda began making waves in the wrestling world in the 1980s. Together with Barry Windham, he formed the tag team known as The U.S. Express which captured attention for its athleticism and charisma. Their partnership and results established Rotunda as a credible force in the tag-team division.
The IRS Persona
Perhaps Rotunda’s most iconic identity is that of Irwin R. Schyster (IRS) — a gimmick he developed in the early 1990s in WWE. Dressed in a white shirt, tie and suspenders, IRS would berate opponents for “not paying their taxes” and deliver harsh financial metaphors as part of the act.
Under this persona, he achieved notable tag-team success. For instance, in WWE he formed team “Money Inc.” with Ted DiBiase and held the WWF Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions.
Induction into the WWE Hall of Fame
In recognition of his contributions, Rotunda (as part of the U.S. Express) was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2024. This cemented his place among wrestling’s celebrated figures.
2. Illness & Current Hospice Status
What We Know
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On 28 October 2025, reports surfaced that Mike Rotunda, aged 67, has been placed in hospice care.
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His longtime tag-team partner and brother-in-law Barry Windham confirmed: “It’s kind of tough right now… Mike is in hospice right now.”
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The exact nature of his illness has not been publicly disclosed.
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Hospice care often indicates that a person is receiving comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment.
What It Means
While the lack of detailed public information makes it challenging to provide specifics, the move to hospice suggests a serious health situation. Given his age and physical history (as a professional athlete), one might infer a chronic or progressive medical condition, but this remains speculation.
Reactions & Support
The wrestling community has rallied around him and his family. Messages of support, prayer requests, and well-wishes have circulated, reflecting both respect for Rotunda’s legacy and empathy for his current struggle.
3. Family & Legacy: Bray Wyatt, Bo Dallas and the Rotunda Dynasty
The Rotunda Family Tree
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Mike Rotunda is married to Stephanie Windham (daughter of wrestling legend Blackjack Mulligan).
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Their children:
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Windham Rotunda (better known as Bray Wyatt) – deceased (d. August 24 2023 at age 36)
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Taylor Rotunda (better known as Bo Dallas / Uncle Howdy) – active wrestler.
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Daughter Mika Rotunda.
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The Loss of Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) tragically passed away in August 2023 at age 36 due to a heart attack. His passing deeply impacted the family, and his legacy continues within WWE and the broader wrestling world.
How the Legacy Lives On
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Bo Dallas carries on part of the family name in WWE, and the “Wyatt” brand (including The Wyatt Sicks stable) honours the lineage.
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The Rotunda family — through multiple generations — has been intertwined with wrestling history, making Mike’s current health situation not just personal but of wider significance within the wrestling community.
4. Why This Matters for WWE & Wrestling Fans
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Mike Rotunda was part of a transitional era: from 1980s territory wrestling to the national expansion of WWE. His career bridges eras.
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His “IRS” character is one of the more memorable gimmicks of the 1990s — representing the theatrical, over-the-top style that many fans fondly recall.
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As father of Bray Wyatt, his family story is part of current wrestling narratives. Fans who followed “The Fiend” and other Bray era content will view this as an important moment.
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The hospice announcement reminds the wrestling community of the health risks and personal toll that a lifetime in pro-wrestling can entail — prompting discussions about wellness, medical support, and life after the ring. Mike Rotunda hospice care.
5. What We Don’t Know
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The exact medical condition which led to hospice care has not been disclosed publicly.
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The expected lifespan or prognosis under hospice has not been specified — as is normal with such private situations.
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Future WWE appearances, involvement or tribute plans are not yet detailed.
6. FAQs
Q1: Who is Mike Rotunda?
A: Mike Rotunda is a former professional wrestler who gained fame under his IRS (Irwin R. Schyster) persona in WWE and was part of the U.S. Express tag team with Barry Windham.
Q2: Why is he called IRS?
A: The gimmick “Irwin R. Schyster” (IRS) portrayed a tax-collector style character — he dressed in business attire (tie and suspenders), mocked opponents for cheating taxes, and integrated the tax-theme into his character.
Q3: Why is his family significant in wrestling?
A: His son Windham Rotunda wrestled as Bray Wyatt, a major figure in WWE who passed away in 2023. His other son Taylor is Bo Dallas. The family is multi-generational in wrestling, including the Windham and Mulligan lines.
Q4: What does it mean that he’s in hospice?
A: Being placed in hospice care generally means the focus has shifted from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life, often for patients with a serious or terminal illness. The precise timeframe or condition is not always publicly disclosed.
Q5: What’s next for his legacy?
A: While exact plans haven’t been disclosed, fans may expect tributes, appearances, or acknowledgment via WWE or other platforms — especially given the connection to Bray Wyatt’s legacy and the Rotunda family’s prominence. Mike Rotunda hospice care.
Conclusion
Mike Rotunda’s story is one of success, reinvention and family legacy. From the early tag-team days of the U.S. Express to his iconic IRS persona, he established a place in wrestling history. Now entering hospice care at 67, his health journey brings together the personal and professional threads of a career that touched many. For fans of WWE, wrestling history, or the Rotunda family, this moment is bittersweet — a chance to reflect on accomplishments, pay respect, and hope for comfort and peace.
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