Pro Wrestler Andy ‘The Butcher’ Williams Dead at 48 After Collapsing at the End of Match

“The Butcher and The Blade have left All Elite Wrestling,” a Fightful Select statement read. “We are told the duo’s contracts were recently up and AEW opted to not offer an extension. [They] are effectively free agents and able to perform and sign anywhere.”

The pair signed with AEW in 2019, eventually taking a brief break from joint matches in 2024 after Guilmette needed surgery to repair two bulging discs in his lower back.

“AEW f***ing took care of my surgery, they took care of my physical therapy,” Guilmette said on the “Talk N’ Shop” podcast in 2025. “Like, they’ve been taking care of me for over a year now. I’m really, really grateful for that job.”

Until his partner’s recovery, Williams made occasional wrestling appearances as a single competitor.

In addition to his pro wrestling pursuits, Williams cofounded and played rhythm guitar in the heavy metal band Every Time I Die. The group disbanded in 2021 before Williams began playing music with Atomic Rule.

After learning about Williams’ initial health scare, former bandmate Jordan Buckley offered his support.

“If you’re a prayer please please pray for Andy tonight,” Buckley, 44, tweeted on Saturday, adding, “*the praying type.”

Buckley has not further addressed Williams’ death, with others in the wrestling community also offering their condolences.

“Andy Williams was a musician and wrestler. He was one of the best people I ever met,” AEW’s Josh Alexander wrote via X. “Everytime we spoke I left the conversation better for it. I’ll remember Andy for what he was. A dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face. Rest in Peace brother.”