Medical experts rushed to administer CPR to former AEW wrestler The Butcher, real name Andy Williams, after he collapsed on stage during an Enjoy Wrestling show
A former AEW wrestler has been rushed to hospital after collapsing during the main event of a show, with the remainder of the event cancelled.
Andy Williams, who is known as The Butcher in ring and previously wrestled for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor, collapsed during the main event of Enjoy Wrestling’s Five-Year Anniversary show on Saturday night.
The 48-year-old received CPR after he fell multiple times on stage at the show in Millvale, Pennsylvania. The collapse occurred while he and his tag partner The Blade – Jesse Guilmette – were going head to head with TME for the tag team championship.
During the match, Williams’ legs buckled, and he fell to the floor, according to witnesses. His partner The Blade called for assistance and attempted to try and pull Williams up, but he fell once and again and lost consciousness. Eyewitness Rich Fann stated: “It was towards the end of the match.”
Fann added: “He seemed to be in a bit of dire straits, they went to a finish, and he was a little wobbly. Andy then went down, and Blade helped him up a bit and then tried to get folks to help. Once they saw, both the crew, the paramedics, and the crowd worked in unison. Cleared a path, paid attention to the calls on the mic, and then got him chest compressions, ice, and then the AED. Then they boarded and got him out of there.”
He was taken by ambulance to Allegheny General Hospital, Fightful reports. The rest of the wrestling show was cancelled following Williams’ collapse, leading Enjoy Wrestling to issue a statement.
The statement read: ”Andy collapsed at the end of his match this evening. Our doctors on staff tended to him immediately, administering CPR until the ambulance arrived. We sent everyone home and are at the hospital now waiting for more information. Thanks to everyone who helped and has reached out.”
Alongside his wrestling career, Williams also co-founded the band Every Time I Die and was their founding guitarist. Williams played with the band until they disbanded back in 2021 after their final show.
The 48-year-old’s ex-bandmate Jordan Buckley penned a heartfelt message for Williams on social media and posted: “If you’re the praying type please please pray for Andy tonight.”
Other wrestling fans have shared their thoughts and prayers for Williams on social media. One fan penned: “Sending strength & love!” Another stated: “So grateful for having a strong medical staff on hand.”
A third commented: “Sending lots of love to all of you guys. Andy is one of my favorites. Sad to hear about this, and I hope everything turns out well.”