AEW has issued a statement on the death of Andy Williams, better known as The Butcher. The former AEW wrestler was 48.
Williams died Saturday night after suffering a medical emergency during Enjoy Wrestling’s Five Years event at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania. He was teaming with his longtime partner The Blade in a match against TME.
Enjoy Wrestling said Williams collapsed at the end of the match. Doctors at the venue began treating him immediately and performed CPR until an ambulance arrived. The rest of the show was canceled and Williams was rushed to the hospital.
TMZ later reported that the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Williams’ death on Saturday night. Authorities haven’t announced a cause of death.
AEW posted its tribute to Williams on Sunday on social media and on its website.
“All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher. A trailblazing musician with ETID and Atomic Rule, Williams made a successful transition into the world of professional wrestling and was incredibly respected by his peers both in and out of the ring. Our condolences go out to Williams’ family, friends and fans.”
All Elite Wrestling @AEW Follow 
3:40 PM · Sep 6, 2026Williams debuted in AEW on November 27, 2019, when The Butcher and The Blade appeared alongside The Bunny and attacked Cody Rhodes on Dynamite. The team’s first match for the company came two weeks later, against Rhodes and QT Marshall.
The Butcher and The Blade became a regular tag team on AEW television during Williams’ run with the company. He also continued to wrestle on the independent scene while keeping his music projects going.
Williams’ death drew tributes from across pro wrestling and music.