AEW star The Butcher dies at 48 after collapsing during tag team match

Former All Elite Wrestling wrestler Andy Williams, best known by his ring name “The Butcher,” has died at the age of 48 after experiencing a medical emergency during a wrestling match in Pennsylvania.

Williams died on Saturday night after collapsing during a tag team match at Mr. Small’s Theater in Millvale, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident occurred during an Enjoy Wrestling event, which was cancelled following the medical emergency.

Williams was competing alongside his longtime tag team partner, The Blade, when he collapsed near the end of the match. According to Enjoy Wrestling, medical professionals immediately responded and performed CPR before an ambulance transported Williams to a hospital.

The organisation later confirmed that the event had been cancelled and thanked those who assisted Williams following the incident.

All Elite Wrestling also issued a statement mourning Williams’ death. The company described him as a respected figure who successfully transitioned from music to professional wrestling.

“Andy Williams, aka The Butcher,” was known for his time in AEW, where he competed alongside The Blade as part of a prominent tag team. Before entering professional wrestling, Williams was also a musician and played rhythm guitar for the heavy metal band Every Time I Die.

His career included appearances across the independent wrestling scene before he joined AEW, where he became recognised for his distinctive look and in-ring persona.

Williams’ death marks a loss for both the professional wrestling and music communities. He was 48.