Bob Miller best noted by his ring name ‘Bushwhacker Butch’ has died. The New Zealand professional wrestler who was a member of pro wrestling’s most beloved tag teams, took to his last breaths on April 2, 2023, Sunday.
Bushwhacker Butch passed away at the age of 78. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones. Continue reading further to know the exact cause behind the sudden demise of the pro wrestler.
What was the cause behind the death of Bushwhacker Butch?
The unfortunate news of Bushwhacker Butch’s death was confirmed by his longtime friend and tag team partner Bushwhacker Luke aka Luke Williams on the social media platform Instagram on Monday.
At the time of his passing, Butch was 78 years old. Up until now, the cause behind the death of the Kiwi wrestler has not been disclosed publicly. However, last week, he was taken to a hospital in Los Angeles after making a few public appearances around WrestleMania 39.
Luke started by writing, “Late last night, I lost my friend, brother, and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob “Butch” Miller. My heart goes out to his wife Helen, his lovely daughters Sharon and Kirsten and all of his grandchildren.”
He further added, “From the early-1970s when we were young mates wrestling for John da Silva in New Zealand, my first impression of Bob “The Chest” Miller (as he was called in those days) was that he was a first-class redneck, and what bloody redneck he was! But he was also an all-around good guy and a great friend.”
Williams continued, “By the time we reached our mid-20s, we found ourselves traveling the world together, from New Zealand to Australia to Malaysia, Singapore and Japan, before “invading” the North American territories in Canada and the United States as The Sheepherders.”
A part of Luke’s lengthy Instagram statement read, “This past weekend in Los Angeles, Bob flew in from New Zealand to join me for Wrestlemania weekend and the related festivities, neither of us knowing it would be our last days together and his last days of life.”
He went on to say, “If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong. In life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller. I love you, Bob. Until I see you again, WOOOOAHH YEEEEAAHH!”
When did Bushwhacker Butch begin wrestling?
Bob Miller was born on October 21, 1944, in Auckland, New Zealand. During his initial days, he began wrestling for NWA New Zealand (later known as All-Star Pro Wrestling). He rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as one-half of the tag team The Bushwhackers in WWE.
For those of you who are unaware, let us share with you, Bushwhacker Butch and his longtime pal Bushwhacker Luke started wrestling in the year 1964. The two of them became Sheepherders from 1974-81 while working in various NWA-affiliated territories.
According to the New York Post, the duo was repackaged in the WWE (WWF at the time) as the kooky and lovable Bushwhackers. Later on, down the lane, they changed their previous violent style to comedy.
Soon after, the two of them became one of the most favorite acts of Vince McMahon. Their signature entrance was very popular among the fans. Over the years, the Bushwhackers won numerous regional tag team titles.
Luke further added, “As The Bushwhackers we appeared in the largest venues in the world, in front the biggest crowds professional wrestling had ever seen!” The duo was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the year 2015. In addition to this, they were also inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help with Butch’s funeral expenses. At the time of writing, $4,492 have been raised, however, the target set up on the GoFundMe page is $50,000.
A little bit about the personal life of Bushwhacker Butch
The WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Butch was a married man. The New Zealand native was hitched to his wife Hellen Miller. Throughout their marriage, the pair welcomed two daughters and their names are as follows: Sharon and Kirsten.
Tributes pour in for Bushwhacker Butch
As soon as the news of Bushwhacker Butch’s passing was shared by his longtime pal and tag team partner Luke Williams, many stars from the wrestling world came forward to pay tributes to the champ.
Tommy Dreamer tweeted, “Sorry to hear the news of @WWE HOFer Bushwacker Butch passing. I was a massive Sheepherders fan. I was blessed to work w/Butch & Luke in #ECW.”
Pro wrestler Frankie Kazarian wrote, “RIP Bushwhacker Butch. Godspeed sir. Thank you for everything, including the one match we had together. This is so sad. I ran into Luke at the hotel early on Thursday and chatted for a few. At one point later, I saw him requesting help as there was an emergency as I was leaving.”
The Iron Sheik chimed in, “BUSHWHACKER BUTCH I LOVE YOU FOREVER. RIP MY FRIEND YOU ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE.” Adam Pearce penned, “Godspeed, Bushwhacker Butch Miller. Rest well, sir.”
One social media user penned, “Absolutely heartbroken. I was so exited when o hear you both were reuniting in LA for WrestleCon. And when I arrived your table was set but you were not there. I knew something had to be wrong. The most sincere condolences to you and all of Butch’s family and friends. You both seem so kind and warm in addition to being great entertainers. All the best to you all.”
Another user continued, “Lots of love.. I watched you both wrestle in Denver colorado.on many house shows. You’ll always be a part of my childhood and one of my most favorite entertaining tag teams. My heart goes out to you this family friends and fans around the world.”
Our love and prayers go out to the entire family and close friends of Bushwhacker Butch during this tragic time. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of entertainment.
