Barry Windham was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Four Horsemen (Picture: WWE)
WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham is in an intensive care unit after suffering a ‘massive heart attack’.
The 62-year-old wrestling legend, whose nephews are current SmackDown star Bray Wyatt and his brother Bo Dallas, went into cardiac arrest on Friday and was taken to hospital where he has undergone an emergency procedure in an attempt to save his life.
Bray and Bo’s sister Mika Rotunda, the daughter of Barry’s brother Mike Rotunda, shared the news via a GoFundMe page and admitted ‘the future is uncertain’.
In a lengthy post, she wrote: ‘With deep sadness I regret to inform that my uncle, WWE Hall of Famer, Barry Windham suffered a massive heart attack Friday evening.
‘While traveling through the Atlanta airport, his darkest fear became a horrific reality as he went into cardiac arrest. He is currently in the ICU and has undergone an emergency procedure to save his life.
‘As a family, we are impatiently waiting to hear that he will be okay. But as of now, the future is uncertain.’
Windham has an incredible legacy in the business (Picture: WWE)
Mika noted that many wrestlers ‘in his position’ also face tough times in the event of health woes, which hasn’t been helped by a career in the business.
‘For those who have formerly devoted their lives to their craft. Barry Windham, has an iconically, decorated resume as an American professional wrestler. He traveled all over the world for decades, entertaining people of all ages with his athleticism and undeniable charisma (sic),’ she continued.
‘After those countless years of wrestling matches, traveling and entertaining world wide, he experienced a number of taxing injuries and ended up undergoing multiple surgeries.
‘That led to other health complications. Barry hung his boots for the last time in the early 2000’s. Since then he has been limited with work due to his medical history as well as left without health insurance.’
She wrote that facing ‘these times is one of great stress and hardship’, while Barry is facing ‘extensive medical expenses’.
‘That is overwhelming to say the least,’ she added. ‘We are politely asking for any increment of financial assistance to help cover his medical expenses and bills and see him through this time.’
Within the first hour, over $2,600 has been raised, with Cody Rhodes and Sasha Banks’ separated donations totalling $1,500 alone.
Throughout his career, Barry became a decorated champion holding the NWA North American Heavyweight Title, WWF Tag Team Title, WCW World Television Championship and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, plus many more.
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A GoFundMe has been set up by his family.
