AEW wasted no time honoring Andy Williams, better known to wrestling fans as “The Butcher,” as the September 12 episode of AEW Collision opened with a 10-bell salute in his memory. Williams’ photo was displayed alongside a massive floral tribute and guitar as the Springfield crowd stood for the emotional moment.
Williams died at the age of 48 after collapsing following his match at Enjoy Wrestling’s Five Years event in Millvale, Pennsylvania, on September 5. Doctors at the venue immediately began treating him, and CPR was administered before he was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital.
Police later revealed that Williams became unresponsive at the venue and stopped breathing shortly before EMS arrived. Life-saving efforts continued on the way to the hospital, where Williams was pronounced dead at approximately 9:43 p.m. The official cause and manner of death remain pending.
AEW had already paid tribute to Williams following confirmation of his death, but Collision marked another major tribute to the former AEW star. Williams wrestled for the company from 2019 through 2025 while also being known around the world as the guitarist for Every Time I Die. The company is also honoring Williams later in the show with The Butcher Battle Royale. The winner will have $100,000 donated to a charity of their choice in Williams’ name.
AEW made sure Williams’ memory was the first thing fans saw when Collision hit the air, giving The Butcher a traditional 10-bell salute before the night’s wrestling got underway.
