Ring of Honor paid a heartfelt tribute to Andy “The Butcher” Williams at its September 8 taping, as police released further details surrounding his death.

The show at WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, opened with a 10-bell salute in memory of Williams. A tribute graphic was displayed on the video screen, while Tony Khan shared words of remembrance.

Williams died aged 48 after competing at Enjoy Wrestling’s September 5 event in Pennsylvania. His passing has brought together fans and colleagues from both wrestling and music, where he was also known for his work with hardcore band Every Time I Die.

An early addition to the AEW roster, Williams competed in both AEW and ROH, becoming a familiar face alongside his tag team partner in Butcher & Blade. He remained with AEW until his contract expired earlier this summer.

AEW also plans to honour Williams during Wednesday’s Rebel Heart edition of Dynamite in Athens, Georgia.

The Millvale Borough Police Department issued a statement to POST Wrestling outlining its response to the medical emergency at Mr. Smalls Theatre. Williams had teamed with The Blade against TME, Duke Davis and Ganon Jones Jr., at the Enjoy Wrestling event.

Officers reported no visible signs of trauma or indications of foul play. Although on-site medics believed Williams had suffered a cardiac event, the official cause and manner of death remain pending the medical examiner’s findings.

The police statement reads:

“At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Saturday September 5th, 2026, Millvale Borough Police officers were dispatched to Mr. Smalls Theatre for a report of a male wrestler who had struck his head on a ring post during a wrestling event.”

“Upon arrival, officers located Andy Williams unresponsive and being attended to by two physicians who were at the venue with the wrestling organization. Shortly before the arrival of Ross/West View EMS, Williams stopped breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied.”

“Upon the arrival of Ross/West View EMS, life-saving measures were continued. Williams was transported by EMS to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:43 p.m.”

“There were no visible signs of trauma and no indications of foul play observed by investigating officers.”

“The official cause and manner of death remains pending. An autopsy has been performed by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the final determination will be made pending the results of the examination and any associated testing.”

“The Millvale Borough Police Department extends its condolences to Mr. Williams’ family, friends, colleagues, and the many members of the wrestling and music communities affected by his passing.”

“No further information regarding the cause of death will be released until the appropriate medical examiner’s findings are available.”

Scoop #2: Tony Khan is out

Has some kind words about “The Butcher” Andy Williams

Show starts with a 10 Bell Salute pic.twitter.com/7SjpoKtQy7

, Jacob Cohen (@MrJacobCohen) September 8, 2026