A tearful tribute to Andy Williams (Atomic Rule, ex-Every Time I Die) was aired on tonight’s (September 09th) episode of AEW ‘Dynamite‘. Williams tragically passed away after suffering a medical emergency while wrestling at an independent event this past weekend. He was 48-years-old.
Williams began pursuing his professional wrestling dream in his mid-30s and wrestled for AEW for a number of years, appearing as The Butcher. With tonight’s episode of ‘Dynamite‘ already serving as a tribute to wrestler Rebel, who is battling terminal ALS, it was announced that this Saturday night’s (September 12th) episode of AEW ‘Collision‘ will serve as a proper tribute to Williams.
Announcer Excalibur was moved to tears in discussing the loss of Williams on tonight’s program, ending his tribute with a lyric from Every Time I Die‘s “Fear And Trembling“, “Though it may haunt us and break our hearts, Death cannot tear us apart.” You can watch his tribute below.
A public celebration of Williams‘ life was announced this morning for September 27th in Buffalo, NY. You can find details via this post.
Update: September 09th, 2026 07:43pm:
A ten-bell salute was also held for Williams:
Ten bell salute for Andy?????? pic.twitter.com/3gV5Tz7BxO
— Bullet With Malenstyn Wings (@SabresAfterDark) September 10, 2026
"We are worse off without Andy, but we are significantly better off for having had him at all."The world will miss "The Butcher" Andy Williams more than words can describe. pic.twitter.com/czGbLggbD8
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 10, 2026
