September 9 was an emotional taping of AEW's flagship show Dynamite. Not only was it the Rebel Heart show -- a show benefitting ALS research in honor of Tanea "Rebel" Brooks -- but it was the first episode of Dynamite since the passing of Andy Williams.
Williams was best known as guitarist for Buffalo-based metalcore band Every Time I Die, but he also transformed himself into one of the company's most intimidating wrestlers as the Butcher, often teaming with the Blade in a punishing tag team. He passed away September 5, more than seven years after first joining the company.
Williams was a universally liked figure in an industry often dominated by divisive figures. On Wednesday, announcers Tony Schiavone, Excalibur and Taz told the world as much
in a heartfelt tribute.
❤️ #AEWDynamite
— TDE Wrestling (@tdewrestling.com) 2026-09-10T00:34:51.426Z
"There was nobody quite like Andy," began Excalibur -- an understatement, given his talent, bushy mustache, monocle and massive, tattooed body.
"Andy was a friend to all of us. He was a great musician and he was a great human being," continued Schiavone. "He is certainly going to be missed."
"Just loved everywhere," added Taz. "I mean, from great musicians to great pro wrestlers, not just here in AEW. Andy was Big Butch, as I called him. He was just the man. He just made you feel great every time you talked to him."
Williams was 48 years old.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Watch AEW's loving tribute to Andy "The Butcher" Williams on Dynamite
