AEW Star Andy The Butcher Williams Dies at 48 After Medical Emergency
AEW star and Every Time I Die rhythm guitarist Andy The Butcher Williams has passed away at age 48 following a medical emergency during an independent wrestling event.
The professional wrestling and music communities are mourning the loss of Andy Williams, widely recognized by fans as The Butcher in All Elite Wrestling and as the rhythm guitarist for the metal band Every Time I Die. Williams passed away at the age of 48 following a medical emergency during an independent wrestling event.
Medical Emergency and Event Cancellation
According to authorities and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, cited by TMZ and reported across multiple outlets, Williams experienced a health crisis during a tag team match on Saturday. The match took place at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania, during an event hosted by Enjoy Wrestling.
Williams and his longtime tag team partner, Jesse Guilmette—known in the ring as The Blade—were wrestling against TME when the collapse occurred at the end of the match. Medical personnel on staff immediately rushed to the ring to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation before an ambulance transported Williams to the hospital.
Following the emergency, Enjoy Wrestling ended the show immediately, sending attendees home. The promotion later posted a tribute on social media featuring the message Butcher Forever
after the tragic news of his passing was confirmed.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mr. Smalls Theatre, Millvale, Pennsylvania |
| Promotion | Enjoy Wrestling |
| Match Participants | The Butcher and The Blade vs. TME |
| Confirming Authority | Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office |
A Dual Career in Wrestling and Music
Williams carved out two distinct, successful creative paths over his lifetime. Before entering the squared circle, he spent decades as the rhythm guitarist for Every Time I Die, playing with the metal band from 1998 until 2022.
He began his professional wrestling career in 2015 before joining All Elite Wrestling during the promotion's inaugural year. Alongside Guilmette and managed by Allie, also known as The Bunny, The Butcher and The Blade made their explosive debut on the November 27, 2019, episode of AEW Dynamite with a surprise post-match attack on Cody Rhodes.
The duo remained a prominent fixture of AEW programming for five years, feuding and competing against top tag teams such as the Lucha Bros, the Young Bucks, and the Blackpool Combat Club. Williams wrestled his final match for AEW in February 2025 against Gabe Kidd on AEW Collision. It was later revealed that The Butcher and the Blade had departed AEW at the end of their contracts in June 2026, however, both their profiles have remained listed on the company’s active roster page since then. The Butcher and the Blade continued to wrestle together on the independent circuit following their AEW exit, and challenged AEW stars Alec Price & Jordan Oliver for the GCW Tag Team Championships back in June during the promotion’s America’s Most Wanted event.
Tributes From Across the Wrestling World
As news of his passing spread, colleagues and peers shared emotional memories honoring Williams both as a performer and as a warm presence away from the spotlight.
Matt Hardy expressed his grief on Twitter, reflecting on their time working together in AEW:
"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."
Matt Hardy, Professional Wrestler, via Ringside News
Ben Bishop recalled brief yet impactful interactions with Williams, noting how they bonded over the humorous and unusual nature of the wrestling industry:
"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. ❤️"
Ben Bishop, Professional Wrestler, via Ringside News
Athena shared a personal side of her friendship with Williams, remembering their backstage conversations:
"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."
Athena, Professional Wrestler, via Ringside News
Parker Boudreaux also shared a brief tribute, stating, Rest in peace Andy Williams …😪💔
Next Steps
Local broadcasters like KDKA-TV have reached out to the company and will update this story as more details become available.
