The wrestling world continues to mourn former AEW star Andy “The Butcher” Williams, who. died unexpectedly earlier this month after receiving emergency medical treatment. The loss hit AEW CEO Tony Khan particularly hard, as Williams had worked under him for years and recently met with him about possibly expanding their professional relationship. On a personal level, Khan and several AEW figures also considered Williams a role model.
“When Andy passed, it’s very difficult for a lot of people in AEW,” Khan said during the AEW All Out media call, audibly emotional. “I think a lot of people really liked Andy here. He is a very very popular guy behind the scenes for many reasons. He’s a very talented person, very humble, very kind, big heart, just a really good guy. I wanted to make sure we did a show in his memory that was true to his stature and how everyone felt about him. So proud of everyone in AEW that came together that day and everyone involved for Andy, we will miss him dearly.
As mentioned, AEW hosted a special September 12 edition of AEW Collision, paying special tribute to the late wrestler and musician. Buffalo native Daniel Garcia won a royal in the main event, donating $100,000 to a charity of his choice in Williams’ name.
In the wrestling bubble, Williams appeared as an AEW original alongside his tag team partner The Butcher in AEW. In music, fans knew him as a founding member of Every Time I Die and later Atomic Rule. According to Khan, Williams made a move to unite those two worlds under the AEW banner just last month.
Khan details his backstage meeting with Andy Williams
“Andy was very interested in working in the office, and he had really good ideas,” Khan said. “So I was meeting with Andy and AEW officials last month to talk about his thoughts on how he can contribute to the promotion. Andy had ideas that he could do music shows in partnership with AEW and build some events outside of the wrestling show that would cover the wrestling show and maybe bring some people from the music community about wrestling. I thought it was really compelling what Andy was saying, and I was interested in that.”
At the time of Williams’ death on September 5, Khan noted that the idea of bridging music with wrestling was a work in progress. Where he and other AEW officials are now is unclear.
Williams departed AEW as a wrestler earlier this year after his contract expired. His last AEW match saw him face Gabe Kidd on the February 22, 2025 edition of Collision. On the night of his death, Williams was wrestling alongside The Butcher in a tag team match at Enjoy Wrestling when he suddenly collapsed. He was later admitted to a local hospital in Pennsylvania.
Williams’ colleagues in both wrestling and music flooded social media with heartfelt tributes and condolences after the sad news broke.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit AEW with ah/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
