AEW opened Saturday’s Collision with a ten-bell salute and personal remembrances of Andy “The Butcher” Williams.
The live broadcast from the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, began with showing a floral wreath surrounding a photograph of Williams in the ring.
A guitar stood alongside it, representing the two careers that defined much of his life.
As images of Williams appeared across the arena screens, the crowd chanted “Butcher.”
Tony Schiavone then addressed the audience.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a very special edition of AEW Collision. Tonight, we will celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to all of us in AEW, The Butcher, Andy Williams.
Schiavone asked the crowd to stand before the traditional ten-bell salute was sounded.
We love you, Andy. pic.twitter.com/AgXustnZYW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 13, 2026
AEW then aired a video package featuring memories from Brody King, Colt Cabana, Justin Roberts, Penelope Ford, Jeff Jarrett and Kip Sabian.
King, who described Williams as one of his closest friends over the past decade, remembered the two sitting together in the crowd at PWG shows before either imagined they would one day share locker rooms with the wrestlers they were watching.
Andy Williams was an incredible musician, a passionate pro wrestler, but most of all, Andy was a great friend.
Cabana recalled becoming closer with Williams during AEW’s pandemic-era shows, when much of the roster spent extended periods together in Jacksonville.
Roberts spoke about the contrast between Williams’ intimidating wrestling persona and the kindness he showed away from the ring.
He was an angel who thought it would be a funny contrast to choose the skin of The Butcher and come down and help as many people as possible.
Ford said she felt fortunate to have been able to call Williams a friend, while Jarrett reflected on the lasting impression he made.
“Very few leave a mark to me like Andy did,” Jarrett said. “Be just a little bit more like Andy each and every day.”
Sabian became emotional while recalling Williams as someone he turned to during difficult periods of his life.
The last thing Andy said to me was, “I miss you,” and Andy, I will always miss you. I love you.
Williams died last weekend at the age of 48 after suffering a medical emergency at an Enjoy Wrestling event in Pennsylvania.
