AEW will pay tribute tonight to the late Andy Williams, best known to rock and metal fans as the guitarist of Every Time I Die and Atomic Rule, during this evening’s broadcast of AEW Collision.
Williams, who became known as “The Butcher” during his professional wrestling career, died last weekend after collapsing following a match at an independent wrestling event in Pennsylvania. He was 39 years old.
While Williams built a following in the music world through his work with Every Time I Die, his second career inside the wrestling ring introduced him to an entirely different audience. He made his AEW debut in November 2019 and became a regular member of the promotion’s roster as part of The Butcher and The Blade, alongside Pepper Parks and The Bunny.
AEW is now dedicating tonight’s Collision broadcast to celebrating Williams’ life and the impact he made both inside and outside of the ring.
Among the most memorable moments of his AEW run came during the pandemic era, when The Butcher and The Blade battled The Young Bucks in a falls-count-anywhere match at Daily’s Place in July 2020.
Williams also holds a notable AEW record, having recorded 26 battle royale eliminations, the most in company history. He also won a 15-man battle royal at The House Always Wins in April 2021, AEW’s first non-televised live event.
For fans who knew Williams primarily through Every Time I Die, tonight’s tribute offers a chance to see another side of the musician. The intimidating presence he brought to the wrestling ring was a stark contrast to the kindness and warmth frequently highlighted by those who knew him personally.
How To Watch AEW Collision
- Date: 09/12/2026
- Start Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
- Location: MassMutual Center – Springfield, MA
- TV: TNT
- Streaming: HBO Max
Tonight’s broadcast will give AEW fans an opportunity to celebrate “The Butcher” Andy Williams, while rock and metal fans can see the wrestling world honor the man they knew from Every Time I Die and beyond.
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