AEW kicked off Wednesday’s Dynamite with a tribute to Andy “The Butcher” Williams. The show aired live from Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia, on September 9.
The broadcast opened with a black-and-white “In Memoriam” graphic showing the years 1977-2026.
Later in the show, Excalibur spoke about Williams and became emotional recalling his personality outside the ring.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover. It perfectly suited Andy Williams. On the surface, he seemed like a hulking, violent brute, but one interaction, one, one conversation with him would quickly reveal that he was anything but. Andy was the most thoughtful, creative, warm, supportive person you could ever wish for. He saw the potential in everyone around him and would encourage you to achieve more. 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.”
Williams joined AEW in 2019 and teamed with The Blade as The Butcher and The Blade. The duo made their AEW debut on the November 27 episode of Dynamite that year, attacking Cody Rhodes alongside The Bunny.
He wrestled his last match for AEW on the February 22, 2025, episode of Collision, against Gabe Kidd. His contract with the company expired in June 2026, ending a run of more than six years.
Williams died at the age of 48 after suffering a medical emergency at Enjoy Wrestling’s Five Years event on September 5 at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania.