Williams passed away on September 6, 2026, following a medical emergency after a wrestling match at an Enjoy Wrestling event at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Williams had just competed alongside his longtime tag-team partner, Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette. Medical personnel immediately responded and administered CPR before Williams was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been publicly determined.
Born Andrew J. Williams on December 12, 1977, in Buffalo, New York, Williams took an unconventional path to professional wrestling. Unlike many wrestlers who begin training at a young age, Williams entered the wrestling world later in life. He made his professional debut in 2016 and eventually trained under respected wrestlers, including Josh Barnett.
It was in wrestling that Williams became known to millions of fans as The Butcher.
In 2017, he formed a formidable tag team with Jesse Guilmette, better known as The Blade. The duo developed a reputation as one of professional wrestling’s most intimidating tag teams, with their imposing size, hard-hitting style and unmistakable chemistry. Their partnership would ultimately take them to the biggest stage of Williams’ wrestling career.
When All Elite Wrestling (AEW) launched in 2019, The Butcher and The Blade became part of the promotion’s roster. Managed for a time by The Bunny, the trio became a memorable part of AEW’s early years. The Butcher and The Blade shared the ring with many of AEW’s biggest teams, including The Young Bucks and FTR, and Williams established himself as a powerful and reliable performer.
Williams’ AEW contract expired in June 2026, but his wrestling career was far from over. He continued appearing on the independent wrestling scene and remained active alongside The Blade. His final match came at the Enjoy Wrestling event in Pennsylvania.
But wrestling was only half of Andy Williams’ remarkable story.
Long before he became The Butcher, Williams was a musician. In 1998, he helped form the Buffalo-based hardcore/metalcore band Every Time I Die, becoming the band’s rhythm guitarist. The group would go on to become one of the most influential and respected acts in the metalcore scene. Williams remained with Every Time I Die for more than two decades, performing around the world and recording numerous albums with the band.
That dual career made Williams unusual even by the standards of professional wrestling. He was able to succeed in two demanding worlds that require tremendous dedication, endurance and creativity.
Those who knew Williams through wrestling and music have consistently described him as talented, respected and kind. AEW called him a “trailblazing musician” who successfully made the transition into professional wrestling and noted the respect he earned from his peers in both fields.
For wrestling fans, The Butcher will be remembered as the imposing figure who walked into the ring beside The Blade and made an immediate impression.
For music fans, Andy Williams will be remembered as the guitarist who helped build Every Time I Die from its Buffalo roots into an internationally recognized band.
And for the people who knew him personally, he will be remembered simply as Andy.
At only 48 years old, Williams’ passing represents a tremendous loss to both the professional wrestling and music communities. He leaves behind a legacy that crossed two very different forms of entertainment and demonstrated that it is never too late to reinvent yourself.
The Butcher may be gone, but Andy Williams’ music, matches, and memory will continue to live on.
Rest in peace, Andy “The Butcher” Williams.
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