AEW remembered Andy “The Butcher” Williams with an emotional tribute during the opening moments of the September 9 episode of AEW Dynamite. The special Rebel Heart benefit show began with the live crowd and commentary team honoring the beloved wrestler and musician, who passed away on September 5 at the age of 48.
The former AEW star collapsed during a match at an independent wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania, and was later pronounced dead.
AEW pays tribute to Andy ‘The Butcher’ Williams on Dynamite
AEW commentary team remembered Andy Williams. Tony Schiavone spoke about the creative work and his personality outside the ring.
“Andy was a friend to all of us. He was a great musician and he was a great human being. He is certainly going to be missed,” Schiavone said.
Taz then shared his own memories of Williams, whom he called “Big Butch.” His comments showed how much warmth Williams brought to his interactions with people backstage and throughout the wrestling business.
“Just loved everywhere. Great musicians and great pro wrestlers, not just here from AEW, Andy was Big Butch as I called him. He just made you feel great every time you talked to him. There’s not enough to say about him,” Taz said.
Excalibur got emotional while recalling how the saying about not judging a book by its cover perfectly described Williams. The Butcher could have a violent presence inside the ring, but Excalibur said that even one conversation with him showed how thoughtful and supportive he was.
“The adage don’t just a book by its cover perfectly suited Andy Williams. On the surface, he seemed like a hulking and violent brute but one interaction, one conversation with him would quickly reveal that he was anything but. Andy was the most thoughtful, creative, warm, and supportive person that you could ever wish for. He saw the potential in everyone around him and would encourage you to achieve me. He was somebody that deservedly could have had a massive ego, but instead used his energy to boost those around him and make the world a better place. We are worse off without Andy, but we are significantly better off for having had him at all. Though it may haunt us and break our hearts, death can not tear us apart,” Excalibur said.
Williams’ career stood out because he built a name for himself in two different entertainment industries.
Long before becoming The Butcher, he was best known as a founding guitarist of the Buffalo, New York-based metalcore band Every Time I Die. Pro wrestling became another passion Williams eventually pursued seriously. He signed with AEW in 2019 and became a familiar face in the promotion’s tag team division.
May his soul rest in peace!
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