WWE fans were aghast when the brother-in-law of Mike Rotunda (known professionally as Irwin R. Schyster or IRS) revealed in an interview that the wrestler had entered hospice care at 67 years old. “It’s kinda tough right now,” Barry Rotunda told journalist Bill Apter in an Oct. 25 interview. “Mike is in hospice right now.”
But after the news made headlines, Rotunda’s daughter, Mika, spoke out to clarify his health status, sharing an open letter on Facebook to update fans. And it turns out that things were not quite as they seemed.
IRS Recovering From Heart Attack, But Making Strides in Recovery
Despite the previous statement, it seems that the WWE star is not actually in hospice care. Rather, he is in a rehabilitation center after suffering a “massive heart attack on September 20th.” According to the letter, Rotunda was in a coma for a week and spent several months in the hospital before his transfer to the rehab center. The letter requested privacy, while welcoming “continued prayers, good energy, and healing thoughts for his recovery.”
Not the Only Wrestling Icon Facing Health Issues
The news about Rotunda came just days after fans discovered that WWE Hall of Famer Abdullah the Butcher had been hospitalized with undisclosed “serious health issues.” Abdullah has previously faced health and financial issues throughout his life.
Read the Rotunda Family’s Full Letter
Our family would like to take a moment to clarify some information currently circulating online regarding my father, Mike Rotunda.
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.
It has already been a long road, and we know there is still a long road ahead—but our faith in God remains strong. 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.
With love and gratitude,
The Rotunda Family
