The wrestling world is mourning Andy Williams following the death of the AEW star better known as The Butcher. After confirmation that Williams passed away at 48 years old, several wrestlers who knew him have shared tributes and memories of the man behind the character.
Matt Hardy took to Twitter and said he was both shocked and saddened by the news. Having worked with Williams in AEW, Hardy remembered him as much for the person he was backstage as his talents in wrestling and music.
“Saddened & shocked to hear about the passing of Andy Williams. Andy was a joy to work with – He was a kind, funny & deep individual who was an extremely talented musician & wrestler. My thoughts & prayers go out to all of Andy’s family, friends & fans. RIP brother.”
Ben Bishop was also hoping the initial reports about Williams had somehow been wrong. The two didn’t know each other particularly well, but Bishop remembered Williams being complimentary toward him and the conversations they shared about the strange world of professional wrestling.
“I was hoping this story was misreported. I only had a few interactions with Andy. But he was always complimentary. We laughed and joked about how silly the wrestling business can be. We spoke about hopefully sharing a ring one day and how fun it would be. In another life, my friend. Rest in Peace to a good one. ❤️”
Parker Boudreaux kept his reaction short as he joined those paying their respects: “Rest in peace Andy Williams …😪💔” Athena remembered a completely different side of Williams. Instead of matches or wrestling stories, one of the things she’ll miss is simply talking with him and exchanging food recipes.
“Just extremely awful news to wake up to. You were always so kind and I truly do miss talking and exchanging food recipes. Rip Butcher. My condolences to all friends and family.”
Williams died after suffering a medical emergency during an Enjoy Wrestling event at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania. He collapsed at the end of a tag team match involving The Blade and TME, with medical personnel immediately administering CPR before he was transported to the hospital. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed his death.
Williams spent years entertaining fans as The Butcher in AEW while also building a completely different career as the guitarist for Every Time I Die. The tributes pouring in now show just how many people knew him beyond either of those roles, whether it was through working together, joking about wrestling or simply swapping recipes backstage.
Our thoughts remain with Williams’ family, friends and everyone affected by his passing.
What are your favorite memories of Andy Williams, whether as The Butcher or through his music? Share your memories and tributes in the comments below.
