All Elite Wrestling lost one of its former stars over the weekend as Andy Williams, known to wrestling fans as “The Butcher,” passed away at age 48.
Williams entered wrestling as a second career after already being a successful guitarist with the metalcore band Every Time I Die.
He broke into AEW in the early years of the promotion as part of the tag team “The Butcher and The Blade” with partner Jesse Guilmette. The team debuted in November 2019 after several years as one of the top teams on the independent circuit. After The Blade was sidelined with injury, Williams competed as a singles wrestler for both AEW and sister company Ring of Honor. Reports said their AEW contracts ended earlier this summer.
Williams passed after performing at an Enjoy Wrestling show in Pennsylvania. And on Wednesday night’s episode of Dynamite, the show paid tribute to The Butcher. Play-by-play announcer Excalibur became visibly emotional reading a statement about how special he was not just as a wrestler, but as a person.
“We are worse off without Andy, but we are significantly better off for having had him at all.”
The world will miss “The Butcher” Andy Williams more than words can describe. pic.twitter.com/czGbLggbD8
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 10, 2026
“The adage don’t judge a book by its cover perfectly suited Andy Williams. On the surface, he seemed like a hulking, violent brute. But one interaction, one conversation with him, would quickly reveal that he was anything but. Andy was the most thoughtful, creative, warm, supportive person you could ever wish for. He saw the potential in everyone around him and would encourage you to achieve more. He was somebody that deservedly could have had a massive ego, but instead he used his energy to boost those around him and make the world a better place. We’re worse off without having Andy, but we’re significantly better off for having had him at all. Though it may haunt us and break our hearts, death cannot tear us apart,” Excalibur said.
Dynamite was already set to be an emotional evening in honor of Tanea Brooks, who portrayed wrestler and manager Rebel. She was diagnosed with ALS, and the program was named “Rebel Heart” with her in attendance.
The great thing about pro wrestling is that it creates larger-than-life characters. And with his tattoos, monocle, and intimidating old-school style, The Butcher was certainly that. But with all the tributes from both the music and wrestling worlds, it’s clear that Andy Williams’ impact went far beyond what he accomplished in the squared circle or on the stage.
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