AEW Roster Page Will Permanently Include The Butcher

Much like Brodie Lee, Andy Williams, a.k.a. The Butcher, will remain permanently listed on the AEW roster page, as reported by Fightful Though he was technically a free agent as of April, Williams’ sudden death a few weeks ago led to an outpouring of love and a tribute show, and now rather than being listed as an alumnus, he will be considered forever part of the AEW family, officially.

Prior to his passing, Williams had been talking to Tony Khan about a possible backstage role. Khan had been interested in continuing those conversations, knowing that Butcher, at 48, didn’t have a long active in-ring career left. Agent Steve Kaye confirmed that these conversations did happen.

The Butcher and his regular partner, The Blade, were clearly expected to re-sign — Khan had insisted that both still be kept on the active roster page rather than as alumni, even before Williams’ passing. In February, Williams had expressed his frustration with not having more matches in AEW, while accepting that the size of the roster made it inevitable.

Butcher’s permanent posthumous slot on the roster presumably also allows for Butcher merchandise to continue as AEW-branded product, for as long as his estate may want it.