Andy Williams, known in pro wrestling as The Butcher, was already thinking about staying with AEW beyond his in-ring career.
Shortly before the September 12 episode of Collision, which was dedicated to Williams’ memory, Tony Khan revealed that Williams had been in talks with the company in recent weeks about a possible backstage role.
According to Khan, The Butcher knew he couldn’t wrestle forever and had pitched ideas for AEW’s promotional efforts and other ways to contribute. In August, Williams met with AEW staff in meetings Khan himself arranged.
Steve Kaye, founder of Paragon Talent Group and Williams’ agent, confirmed the discussions, saying he was present for the meetings. Kaye also said he hopes AEW will eventually put some of Williams’ ideas to use.
The Butcher will never, ever be forgotten.
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 13, 2026
We love you, Andy. We miss you. We always will. And we will honor your life and legacy every single day.
"The dusk is so much clearer than the dawn had ever been."
We love you, Andy. pic.twitter.com/lxdQ8vxAwf
Williams had officially left AEW after his contract expired in June, ending a run with the company that began in 2019. He debuted alongside The Blade and The Bunny on the November 27, 2019, episode of Dynamite, attacking Cody Rhodes.
The Butcher passed away at the age of 48 after a medical emergency during an Enjoy Wrestling event in Pennsylvania on September 5.
AEW held a major tribute on Saturday’s Collision. Daniel Garcia won the Butcher Battle Royal, earning the right to donate $100,000 to a charity of his choice in Williams’ name. He chose MusiCares. Garcia and The Butcher were both from Buffalo, New York.