Ex-WWE star not in hospice but has serious health issue

Mike Rotunda, otherwise known as IRS or Irwin R. Schyster, is not in hospice care after all. 

On Wednesday, the Rotunda family put out a statement clarifying what is going on with the WWE Hall of Famer, who was said to be under hospice care by his former tag team partner and brother-in-law Barry Windham over the weekend. 

“Our family would like to take a moment to clarify some information currently circulating online regarding my father, Mike Rotunda,” the family wrote in a statement posted to the Facebook page of Mika Rotunda, Mike’s daughter.

“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.”

Windham made the reported mistake when discussing Rotunda’s late son and fellow ex-WWE star, Windham Rotunda, known as Bray Wyatt, in an interview with Bill Apter on Saturday. 

“It’s kinda tough right now. Mike is in hospice right now,” Windham said of Rotunda, 67. “So, anyway, I love that family, but it’s so tragic.”

While Rotunda’s situation isn’t as dire as previously believed, his family acknowledged that there’s “a long road ahead” for the wrestling legend.

“It has already been a long road, and we know there is still a long road ahead—but our faith in God remains strong,” the statement continued. “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.”

Another former WWE star, Leilani Kai, took to social media on Tuesday with a photo of her and Rotunda, also writing that he had been placed in hospice.

“It breaks my heart to share that my friend Mike Rotunda has been placed under hospice care. 💔 This photo was from earlier this year — a moment I’ll treasure,” wrote Kai, real name Patty Seymour. “Please keep Mike and the Rotunda family in your prayers. We love you, Mike. ❤️ #WrestlingFamily.”