AEW paid tribute to the late Andy Williams during tonight’s (September 12th) episode of ‘Collision‘. The show aired numerous video packages featuring tributes to Williams, who previously wrestled for the company under the moniker of The Butcher
In them, fellow wrestlers and AEW employees shared tributes to the beloved late wrestler/musician. You can find a number of those tributes below. A ten-bell salute was also held for Williams, while the The Butcher Battle Royale was held for a $100k prize to be donated towards a charity in Williams‘ name. Andy‘s friends and fans on the roster also sported AW armbands, and made gestures and salutes to his iconic ring entrance and mannerisms. A heartfelt tribute to him was also staged with a very fitting soundtrack.
Williams‘ longtime tag partner Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette provided a statement to AEW for the broadcast. Williams‘ tragic September 05th passing came about during the conclusion of a tag team wrestling match Williams and Guilmette were partaking in for an independent promotion in Pittsburgh, PA. Williams is said to have suffered a medical emergency and collapsed, which saw him rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Guilmette‘s statement was read on tonight’s broadcast by AEW announcer Tony Schiavone [transcribed by theprp.com]:
“Andy was the most talented person that I ever met. But I think we all can agree that he was an even better friend. Andy loved pro wrestling. And he loved the fans. Thank you to everybody for the support. And thank you to everybody at AEW for tonight’s event honoring Andy Williams. We love you Andy.”
Of course, long before he was a professional wrestler, Williams became a beloved figure in the world of metalcore and hardcore with his role as a guitarist for Every Time I Die, and more recently, Atomic Rule. His positive personality and big heart behind the scenes also earned him countless friends and fans.
A public memorial event honoring his life will be held at the Buffalo Riverworks on September 27th, with musical performances and more planned. Benefit shirts for charities he was passionate about are available now via andywilliamsforever.com.
