Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette has shared an emotional look back at his longtime tag team partner Andy “The Butcher” Williams following Williams’ sudden passing at 48. The tribute gives fans a glimpse of the bond behind one of wrestling’s most recognizable duos.
Guilmette posted a throwback photo on Instagram showing himself and Williams together both inside the ring. The images capture their imposing presentation as The Butcher and The Blade.
Before establishing himself as a professional wrestler, Williams was the guitarist for the metalcore band Every Time I Die, remaining with the group from its formation in 1998 until its 2022 dissolution.
Jesse Guilmette pays tribute to Andy Williams with a moving throwback photo
Guilmette and Williams formed The Butcher and The Blade in 2017 after Williams resumed his wrestling career. Their partnership eventually led them to All Elite Wrestling in 2019, where they became part of the Butcher, Blade and Bunny act alongside The Bunny.
The duo became known for their hard-hitting style and old-school presentation. Their AEW run continued through 2024, while Williams later competed independently after becoming less active with the promotion.
Williams’ final match came on Sept. 5, 2026, when he teamed with Guilmette at an Enjoy Wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Williams suffered a medical emergency during the event and later died. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death, though a cause was not released.
Two days ago, Guilmette also shared a graphic announcing a memorial gathering for Williams. The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 27, at Buffalo Riverworks from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., with attendees encouraged to share their favorite stories and memories of Williams.
Tickets are free to reserve, and the gathering offers another opportunity for those who knew Williams to celebrate his life.
From the wrestling ring to the concert stage, Williams left behind two distinct legacies. For Guilmette, though, the memories clearly go beyond the titles and tag team — this was a partnership built on brotherhood.
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