Andy Williams, the guitarist-turned-pro wrestler known in the ring as The Butcher, collapsed after a match in Millvale, Pennsylvania, and later died at the age of 48. The death, confirmed overnight by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner to TMZ, has left both the metal and wrestling communities mourning while investigators have not yet released a cause.
Promoter Enjoy Wrestling said event physicians began CPR on Williams immediately and continued care until emergency services arrived. The incident occurred during the promotion’s FIVE YEARS anniversary show, where Williams had returned to the ring for what became his final match.
From stage to squared circle
Williams first gained recognition as a founding member and guitarist of the metal band Every Time I Die, a group he played with from its formation in 1998 through the band’s hiatus in 2022. The band built a devoted following and recorded tracks that remain widely streamed on music platforms.
Before his music career took off Williams trained in professional wrestling, then re-entered the sport in the 2010s and found a new audience in All Elite Wrestling. Performing as The Butcher, he was part of a popular trio with tag partner The Blade (Jesse Guilmette) and valet The Bunny (Laura Dennis, also known as Allie).
The trio became a recurring presence in AEW’s tag division from 2019 through 2024. After The Blade suffered a serious back injury, Williams continued to appear as a singles competitor into early 2025, with his last AEW match recorded in February of that year on AEW Collision.
Final matches and ongoing activity
Although Williams was not active on AEW television later in his contract — which sources indicate expired in early 2026 — he remained on the independent circuit. Wrestling databases note multiple appearances in recent months, including three matches in August.
At the Millvale event Williams teamed once more with The Blade against TME. Enjoy Wrestling posted a brief tribute after his death, writing simply: “Butcher Forever.”
- Age: 48
- Music role: Guitarist and founding member of Every Time I Die (1998–2022 hiatus)
- Wrestling persona: The Butcher
- Notable partners: The Blade (Jesse Guilmette) and The Bunny (Laura Dennis / Allie)
- Last match: Millvale, Pennsylvania — Enjoy Wrestling FIVE YEARS anniversary show
- Cause of death: Not yet released by medical authorities
Williams’ dual careers bridged two passionate fan bases: underground and mainstream metal listeners, and a growing wrestling audience drawn to character-driven, theatrical performers. For fans and colleagues left with questions, the lack of a released cause will likely prolong uncertainty while memorials and tributes appear across social media and at independent events.
Officials have not announced an autopsy result or further details. Enjoy Wrestling and local authorities remain the primary sources of information about the incident; further updates are expected as the medical examiner continues its review.
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