Bushwhacker Butch, 78, died, and his tag team partner delivered a sorrowful farewell.
Butch, real name Bob Miller, started wrestling in New Zealand in 1964 but became famous in the 1980s after joining the World Wrestling Federation with his tag team partner Luke, real name Brian Wickens.
Luke told TMZ that Butch was hospitalised due to “a pharmaceutical situation” after arriving in Los Angeles to watch Wrestlemania.
Several have paid tribute to the WWE Hall of Famer, who died on Monday afternoon.
Luke posted on Facebook.
Bob “Butch” Miller, my buddy, brother, and tag team partner of over 50 years, died this night. “My heart goes out to his wife Helen, his gorgeous daughters Sharon and Kirsten, and all of his grandchildren,” he said.
Luke called Butch “an all-around terrific man and a fantastic friend” and recalled their wrestling adventures.
He concluded: “We did it all, saw it all, and accomplished it all together. Bob travelled in from New Zealand to visit me for Wrestlemania weekend in Los Angeles, unaware that it would be his last.
“My life story would state I’m an only kid, but it’s false. Bob Miller was my brother. I love Bob.”
Professional wrestler Frankie Kazarian also remembered Butch on social media. RIP Bushwhacker Butch. Godspeed, gentleman. Thanks for everything, especially our match. Too sad. Luke and I chatted early Thursday at the hotel. Later, I observed him begging help for an emergency as I left.”
WWE tweeted, “WWE is heartbroken to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Robert ‘Bushwhacker Butch’ Miller has died away. WWE condoles with Miller’s family, friends, and fans.”
A GoFundMe page for Butch’s funeral is generating money.
The page has raised $4000 of its $50,000 goal.
We think of Butch’s family and friends.