The mood inside AEW is still incredibly heavy following the death of Andy Williams, better known to wrestling fans as The Butcher. Tommaso Ciampa opened up about what the locker room is dealing with right now, making it clear that the emotion fans saw on television this week is very real behind the scenes as well.
Williams passed away at 48 after collapsing following his match at Enjoy Wrestling’s Five Years event in Millvale, Pennsylvania on September 5. He received immediate medical attention, including CPR and use of an AED, before being transported to Allegheny General Hospital.
The loss has hit AEW especially hard. During the September 9 Rebel Heart edition of Dynamite, AEW paid tribute to Williams following his death, adding another emotional layer to a week that has already been brutal for people who knew and worked with him.
Ciampa addressed that atmosphere during an appearance on the Battleground Podcast. The subject came up near the end of the interview when he was asked if there was anything he wanted to say to the fans watching and listening. Ciampa initially spoke about his excitement for AEW Collision in Springfield and the incredible reception he recently received in Boston. He then explained why this particular show carries much more weight for everyone in the company.
“Well, hell, man. Springfield’s, you know, 90 minutes from where I grew up. So, uh, they showed out in Boston, and that was one of the coolest entrances and and crowd receptions that I could have ever dreamt of. It was just freaking nuts. So, I’m hoping Springfield’s the same way. Uh very excited for collision. Very excited to do this one’s this is a special one for the entire company too. You know, we lost the butcher uh very tragically this week. We just came off Rebel Heart. It was very emotional Wednesday. It’s going to be extremely emotional Saturday.”
Ciampa then made it clear that this isn’t just about putting on another wrestling show. The people backstage are grieving, and he wants fans to show their support for the entire crew as they work through it together.
“Uh so just, you know, asking the fans to come out and and share your love and share your memories and just be loud and support not just me but like the whole crew. Everyone’s kind of going through it right now. So, this is one of them times where you want the whole wrestling community to do what they do best.”
His message from there was simple — this is one of those moments where the wrestling world needs to act like a family.
“Be a family. Show up for each other. Uh because man, that’s what the butcher would have wanted. That’s what Rebel wants. Uh it was it’s been an emotional week for everybody. So, show up, show love. We’ll see you in Springfield.”
Ciampa eventually turned his attention toward AEW’s upcoming stops in Chicago, Orlando and elsewhere, but he continued stressing how grateful he is to be part of the company during such an emotional time.
“And then going forward, Chicago, Orlando, every place else along the way. It’s the company AEW is very hot right now, man. It’s unbelievable. and I’m very happy to be a part of it. So, just keep showing up and we will continue to find a way to outdo ourselves.”
The Butcher’s death has taken what should have been another packed week of AEW television and turned it into something much heavier. Ciampa’s comments make it clear that the grief seen on Rebel Heart Dynamite didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling. The locker room is still hurting, and Collision is now set to become another emotional night for a roster trying to push forward after losing one of their own.
What do you think about the message to AEW fans following The Butcher’s death? How do you think the company should continue honoring Andy Williams? Let us know your thoughts and memories in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
