Bushwhacker Butch Wiki, Obituary Age, Wife, Kids, Height & Net Worth

Saying Goodbye to Bushwhacker Butch: WWE Hall of Legend Dies at 78

Robert Miller, aka Bushwhacker Butch (death age: 78 years; October 21, 1944, to April 2, 2023), was a professional wrestler who entertained his fans for decades. He won numerous championships, including NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship, WWC World Tag Team Championship, and CWA International Tag Team Championship.

He rose to fame with his tag team partner Bushwhacker Luke as The Bushwhackers in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The duo’s trademark style of marching to the ring with their arms swinging and licking their opponents’ foreheads captured the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide. In September 2001, Miller suffered a severe neck injury that landed him in the hospital.

During his stay, he also faced a close call with sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an infection. But Miller fought bravely and survived the ordeal. Following his retirement, he began working as the commissioner for the New Zealand Wide Pro Wrestling (NZWPW).

On April 2, 2023, Butch’s fans were heartbroken after the news that he passed away in Los Angeles. Luke confirmed the word by sharing Butch’s photo on Instagram. A woman named Jacqueline Rosa set up a GoFundMe page with a target to raise $50,000 to bear the medical bills; so far, people have donated over $4k.

How Bushwhacker Butch Became a Wrestler?

On October 21, 1944, Bushwhacker Butch (age 78) took birth to a Christian family in Auckland, New Zealand.

Sources revealed that he was only 20 when he became a regional celebrity because of his participation in NWA. A year later, he and his friend Luke Williams, aka Bushwhacker Luke, came to America.

The duo first worked in Canada’s Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling; they recorded their first title in 1974 when the bear Bill Cody and Bob Pringle. After Stampede Wrestling, this Kiwi duo was in International Wrestling Enterprise for a while and returned to New Zealand in 1975.

Bushwhacker Butch’s Career

Luke and Butch were a dynamic duo in professional wrestling, and their signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during its national expansion gave them unprecedented exposure.

The team became known as “The Bushwhackers,” and their change from a violent style to a comedic one was an instant hit with fans. The Bushwhackers quickly became known for their hilarious antics, which included their infamous arm motions and their signature move of licking opponents’ foreheads.

Their debut on December 26, 1988, against The Bolsheviks marked the beginning of a legendary run in the WWF.

Throughout their time in the WWF, The Bushwhackers remained a solid mid-card team, engaging in feuds with other popular teams like The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, Rhythm and Blues, The Natural Disasters, The Beverly Brothers, and The Headshrinkers.

Many of these feuds were comedy-oriented, with their opponents expressing disgust for the duo’s wild and wacky ways. In addition to their wrestling matches, Butch (and Luke) participated in a series of hilarious vignettes that often featured Gene Okerlund as their foil. These vignettes, which were frequently shown on Coliseum Home Video releases, served as a “link” between matches and helped to cement The Bushwhackers’ status as beloved comedic performers.

The Bushwhackers remained with the WWF until 1996 when they were a lower-card team frequently tasked with jobbing to newer groups such as Well Dunn, The Blu Brothers, and The Bodydonnas.

Near the end of their run, the team was even accompanied to the ring by a giant kangaroo mascot. Butch Miller’s contributions to the world of wrestling through his partnership with Luke Williams and their legendary run as The Bushwhackers will never be forgotten.

His impact on the industry will continue to inspire generations of wrestling fans and performers for years.

Bushwhacker Butch’s Married Life

Butch Miller’s journey in the wrestling world was nothing short of incredible. After retiring from wrestling due to a severe neck injury, Miller moved back to his homeland of New Zealand from Florida in 2003. He settled in the serene town of Paraparaumu Beach, where he spent many happy years with his wife, Helen.

However, in 2016, Miller and his wife moved to Ōtaki Beach, seeking a change of scenery. Despite being away from the spotlight, Miller’s health issues troubled him. In 2002, he spent time in the ICU, and in 2010, he returned for another stint.

Miller’s longtime tag team partner Luke Williams kept the details of his health issues private, but it was clear that the wrestler was battling health challenges. Sadly, on April 2, 2023, Miller passed away in a hospital in Los Angeles, California, at 78.

Bushwhacker Butch Q&A

Ques: When did Bushwhacker Butch take birth?

Ans: October 21, 1994.

Ques: Where was Bushwhacker Butch born?

Ans: Auckland, New Zealand.

Ques: What is the name of Bushwhacker Butch’s wife?

Ans: Helen.

Ques: Who are Bushwhacker Butch’s daughters?

Ans: Sharon and Kirsten.