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The Bushwhackers were a professional wrestling tag team who competed first as the New Zealand Kiwis and then as The Sheepherders during their 36-year career as a tag team. They wrestled in the World Wrestling Federation, Jim Crockett Promotions, and on the independent territorial wrestling circuits. The Bushwhackers consisted of Butch Miller and Luke Williams while the Sheepherders also included Jonathan Boyd and Rip Morgan as members at times. Williams and Miller were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2015, and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020.

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History

[edit]

The Kiwis (1966–1975)

[edit]

Luke Williams and Butch Miller started wrestling as The Kiwis for NWA New Zealand (later known as All-Star Pro Wrestling) in 1966, where they achieved a great deal of regional success.[1] After working Australasia and the Eastern Circuit (Singapore, Malaysia, Japan), the duo was booked in North America in "Grand Prix" (Quebec, The Maritimes, Ontario, Vermont), a promotion owned by the Vachon family and Edouard Carpentier, in 1972 by fellow New Zealander Steve Rickard.[2]

Williams and Miller worked in Canada for various promotions, most notably Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling, billed as The Kiwis (Miller was known as "Nick Carter" and Williams was known as "Sweet William"). The Kiwis began their first recorded title reign by defeating Bob Pringle and Bill Cody for the Stampede International Tag Team Championship on 6 January 1974.[3] The Kiwis lost the title to Tokyo Joe and the Great Saki, only to regain it a short time later.[3] The Kiwis lost the title for good to Stan Kowalski and Duke Savage and were unsuccessful in subsequent rematches.[3] In 1974, they worked in Japan for International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE). They returned to their home country of New Zealand in late 1975 for the first wrestling television tapings On the Mat. In 1976, Williams returned to Japan for IWE. Both men were inactive from wrestling for a few years.

The New Zealand Sheepherders/Los Pastores (1978–1981)

[edit]

They returned to wrestling and reunited in New Zealand in late 1978. They made a stop for All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1979. Returning to North America in late 1979, they worked for 50th State Big Time Wrestling. Later the same year, they moved to Oregon to work for Don Owen's Pacific Northwest Wrestling, working from Northern California to Vancouver, where they had a year-long feud with Roddy Piper and Rick Martel in 1980. This was when their name changed to The New Zealand Sheepherders.

Their next stop was NWA Crockett Promotions in Charlotte, North Carolina. They won the Mid-Atlantic Tag Team titles on their third weekend in the territory from Buzz Sawyer and Matt Borne. They later lost the belts to Rocky Johnson and Dewey Robertson.

The Sheepherders then worked for the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in 1981 as Los Pastores. A short time into their run with WWC, they defeated Carlos Colon and Invader I for the WWC North American Tag Team Championship, defending it for over a month until being defeated by Los Medicos.[3] Los Pastores regained the belts on 22 May and held them until coming up short against Jack and Jerry Brisco on 8 August 1981.

The New Sheepherders (1981–1985)

[edit]

After the team left WWC, Miller decided he wanted to move closer to home to be with family and returned to Australia and New Zealand to wrestle. Williams remained in the United States, reforming the team with "Lord" Jonathan Boyd. The duo of Williams and Boyd quickly gained a reputation as one of the most violent, hard-hitting teams in the business.[1] In late 1981 in South Eastern Championship Wrestling, the team of Robert Fuller and Jos LeDuc had split up after LeDuc turned on Fuller during a match. LeDuc brought in the Sheepherders to be a part of his Commonwealth Connection stable to fight against Fuller and his family. In December 1981, the Sheepherders won the NWA Southeast Tag Team Championship, which had been vacated when Fuller and LeDuc split and defended the title against Fuller and various partners. On 11 September 1982, the Sheepherders lost to Fuller and Jimmy Golden and were "run out" of the territory.[1]

Boyd (top) and Luke (bottom) as The New Sheepherders in SWCW, 1983

Boyd and Williams next appeared in the Memphis, TN-based promotion Continental Wrestling Association run by Jerry Jarrett and Jerry Lawler. Making their debut in October 1982,[4] the team quickly became involved in a feud with Jacques Rougeau and Terry Taylor, clashing weekly with them at the Mid-South Coliseum,[5][6] with the Sheepherders brawling their way to victory. Taylor and Rougeau redeemed themselves in the end by defeating the Sheepherders in a "coal miner's glove" match.[7] The Sheepherders returned to the ring later that same night and defeated the territory's main stars Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee.[8]

The next feud of Boyd and Williams was with The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane and Steve Keirn). The contrast between the "pretty boy"-styled, technically polished Fabulous Ones and the ugly, brawling savage Sheepherders made them effective opponents and repeatedly drew big crowds wherever they fought.[1] The series of matches started out fairly evenly, with the Fabulous Ones and the Sheepherders splitting the wins.[9][10] Later, bouts often ended without a definite winner. In late 1982, the Sheepherders won the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship from The Fabulous Ones.[3] Between late December 1982 and mid-February 1983, the title switched hands between the teams four times, with The Fabulous Ones ending up champions in the end.[3] On 28 March 1983, the Sheepherders wrestled their last match in the Mid-South Coliseum before leaving the CWA.[11]

Boyd and Williams resurfaced in Southwest Championship Wrestling (SWCW) only weeks later. Their first targets were the reigning Southwest Tag Team Champions The Grapplers (Len Denton and Tony Anthony). In May 1983, the Sheepherders captured the title when The Grapplers' manager Don Carson turned on them mid-match to ensure the Sheepherders' victory.[1] The Sheepherders' run with the gold was short-lived; in June, Boyd legitimately broke his leg in a car accident, causing SWCW to name Bobby Jaggers as his replacement. After Williams and Jaggers lost a non-title match to Bob Sweetan and Sweet Brown Sugar, Williams turned on Jaggers and the title was vacated.[3] While Boyd was out with the broken leg, Williams was reunited with his old tag-team partner Butch Miller.[1]

Williams and Miller stayed with SWCW through the rest of 1983, and into 1984, when the team came head to head with the Fabulous Ones once again, feuding over the SWCW World Tag Team Championship. The Fabulous Ones had supposedly won the title in Australia, though it is generally believed the tournament they won to be crowned was actually a fabrication made up by SWCW.[3] The Sheepherders dethroned The Fabulous Ones on 4 March and held the titles until they were retired by SWCW in September 1984.[3] Miller and Williams then returned to Puerto Rico and the WWC, this time competing as The Sheepherders (Los Pastores). On 6 January 1985 they defeated Invader I and Invader III for the WWC North American Tag Team Championship in Bayamon, PR.[3] They lost and then regained the titles from Invaders I & III in March, and then held on to the gold until August, when the Invaders won it back.[3]

Jonathan Boyd and Rip Morgan (1985–1986)

[edit]

While the Sheepherders were in Puerto Rico, another Sheepherders team was spreading destruction all over the CWA in Memphis. For the first time, a Sheepherder team existed without Luke Williams as a member, as Jonathan Boyd teamed up with Rip Morgan (former flag bearer for the Sheepherders & nephew to Butch Miller) under the name The Kiwi Sheepherders. Boyd and Morgan defeated their recurring nemeses, the Fabulous Ones, for the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship on 17 June 1985. In the storyline, the team was soon stripped of the titles due to their excessive cheating, but had the titles returned to them when they threatened to sue CWA management.[3] The Fabulous Ones took them by beating them four times in a row between 5 September and 12 October.[3]

The Kiwi Sheepherders then began feuding with another team: The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers). In the winter of 1985, the Kiwi Sheepherders and the Fantastics traded wins back and forth[12][13] with no side gaining a clear advantage in the feud. In January 1986, the Kiwi Sheepherders defeated the team of Koko Ware and Rick Casey[14] as well as team of Tojo Yamamoto and Dirty Rhodes[15] to reach the finals of a tournament to crown new Southern Tag Team Champions, but they fell in the finals to the Fantastics.[16] The feud culminated as the two teams clashed in a "No DQ Loser Leaves Town" match on 20 January 1986. The Kiwi Sheepherders lost and left Memphis, while the Fantastics rode a new wave of popularity gained from the feud.[1]

The Originals (1986–1988)

[edit]

When Williams and Miller returned to mainland USA and Bill Watts' UWF, they defeated Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams for the UWF Tag Team Championship on 16 March 1986, but fell to The Fantastics on 30 March in Tulsa, OK.[3] The Sheepherders continued for the UWF on and off over the next couple of years, taking time out to participate in the first-ever Jim Crockett Memorial Tag Team Cup, in which they beat Hector and Chavo Guerrero Sr. in the first round and The Rock 'n' Roll Express in the second round. In the third round, they clashed with the Fantastics in a match that ended in a double DQ.[17] Back in the UWF for its big "Mid South Superdome Show", The Sheepherders clashed with The Fantastics once more; this time Williams and Miller lost in a "New Zealand Boot camp" match to the UWF Tag champions.[18]

After being unable to beat the Fantastics in several rematches, The Sheepherders returned to Puerto Rico during the summer of 1986 and beat the Rock’N’Roll RPMs (Mike Davis and Tommy Lane) for the WWC World Tag Team Championship on 3 August. They defended the titles for about six weeks before losing them to the RPMs on 21 September.[3] When this short run with the WWC ended, Williams and Miller traveled to Florida where they worked for Championship Wrestling from Florida. On 7 October, The Sheepherders ended The Fabulous Ones' first reign with the NWA Florida United States Tag Team Championship, but Lane and Keirn got the better of them on 30 November, regaining the belts.[3]

The Sheepherders then returned to the CWA Memphis territory. On 10 January, they beat Badd Company (Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond) for the CWA/AWA International Tag Team Championship but lost it to Badd Company as fast as they had won it.[3] After the quick feud with Badd Company, The Sheepherders once again feuded with the Fabulous Ones. Keirn and Lane dominated the matches[19] and once again "ran off" the Sheepherders.[20]

After leaving Memphis, The Sheepherders were invited to participate in New Japan Pro-Wrestling's "IWGP Tag Team Title League 1987". The round-robin tournament took place from 23 February to 20 March. They only had a brief stay with New Japan, opting to return to Puerto Rico and the WWC. Here they started a feud with Chris and Mark Youngblood.[1] The feud saw Williams and Miller win the WWC World Tag Team Championship on 4 April, and then defend it until the Youngbloods regained the titles on 10 May in a steel cage match.[3]

After their spring run with the WWC, The Sheepherders returned to Florida and instantly became challengers for Mike Graham and Steve Keirn's NWA Florida Tag Team Championship. On 26 June 1987, they won the championship.[3] A month later, The Sheepherders defended their Florida Tag Team title at The Great American Bash from the Miami Orange Bowl, brawling to a double disqualification with Jimmy and Ron Garvin.[21] Their run with the title came to an end on 29 August at the hands of Graham and Keirn.[3]

After losing the Florida titles, Williams and Miller returned to the UWF and began a second run as the UWF World Tag Team Championship after defeating the Lightning Express (Brad Armstrong and Tim Horner) on 16 October. The Sheepherders held the belts until the UWF was purchased by Jim Crockett and merged into Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), to form the forerunner of World Championship Wrestling (WCW). After this merger, The Sheepherders worked for JCP, participating in the third Jim Crockett, Sr. Memorial Tag Team Tournament Cup.[22] At Clash of the Champions II, they faced off against the NWA United States Tag Team Champions, The Fantastics, in a losing effort. At Clash of the Champions III, they lost to Steve Williams and Nikita Koloff, despite the interference of Rip Morgan on their behalf. Just as it looked like the Sheepherders were about to face the Fantastics in the finals of a tournament to crown new United States Tag Team champions, Luke Williams and Butch Miller signed with Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation (WWF).[1]

The Bushwhackers (1988–1996)

[edit]

1988–1990

[edit]

In December 1988, Williams and Miller debuted with the WWF in the midst of its aggressive national expansion. The team's name was changed to The Bushwhackers and developed a more comedic style. The comedy act involved licking (each other, fans, and even their opponents), as well as using their existing distinctive march, swinging their flexed arms.[1] The Bushwhackers made their debut on a matinee house show on December 26, 1988, facing The Bolsheviks.[23]

Only a few days into their run with the WWF, the Bushwhackers had their first match with The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov and Nikolai Volkoff).[24] In February, the Bushwhackers began a feud with The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, the first feud to really feature the Bushwhackers on WWF television.[25] The two teams took their conflict to WrestleMania V where the Bushwhackers were victorious.[26] The teams clashed again on the Saturday Night's Main Event XXIII, and once again the Bushwhackers were victorious.[27] The Bushwhackers defeated the Rougeaus twice more, first at the 1989 Survivor Series[28] and again at the 1990 Royal Rumble.[29]

The Bushwhackers quickly became one of the most popular duos with children[citation needed], chiefly due to the wildly comedic nature of their antics (including their trademark "Bushwhacker walk"), their pastoral musical theme, and their friendly interaction with the audience. This was a stark contrast to their long pre-WWF career as one of the most violent tag teams in wrestling. By 1990, the Bushwhackers were feuding with the newly established team Rhythm and Blues (The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine). The Bushwhackers' WrestleMania VI appearance came at the expense of Rhythm and Blues as they showed up during a segment, attacking Honky Tonk Man and Valentine.[30] Later on, the team would be used to help establish newcomers The Orient Express (Pat Tanaka and Akio Sato).[31] The feud with the Orient Express culminated at Survivor Series 1990 where Williams and Miller teamed up with Nikolai Volkoff and Tito Santana to form "The Alliance" and take on Sgt. Slaughter, Boris Zhukov and the Orient Express team dubbed "The Mercenaries".[32]

1991–1992

[edit]

The Bushwhackers received a shot at the WWF World Tag Team Title on the 27 April Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX against The Nasty Boys, but were defeated.[33] In a televised 6-man tag-team match the Bushwhackers teamed with Tugboat against Earthquake and the Nasty Boys, Tugboat turned on his partners after a few minutes of action and joined Earthquake in attacking the two New Zealanders.[34] After the heel turn Tugboat changed his name to Typhoon and together they became known as The Natural Disasters.[35] The Bushwhackers were easily defeated at SummerSlam 1991 by the team.[36]

Their next feud was with the Beverly Brothers (Blake and Beau). The two teams first clashed at the 1991 Survivor Series where they were on opposite sides in a 4 on 4 elimination match. On the night the Beverly Brothers got the upper hand and eliminated both Williams and Miller.[37] The Beverly Brothers' manager The Genius kept interfering in the matches so the Bushwhackers brought in a manager of their own, Jamison.[38] Despite the addition of Jamison, the Beverly Brothers defeated the Bushwhackers at Royal Rumble 1992.[39] The Bushwhackers did gain some small measure of revenge on the Beverly Brothers when they defeated the team in a "dark match" at WrestleMania VIII.[40] Luke and Butch continued their feud with the Beverlys throughout the spring and summer of 1992, generally coming out victorious in these encounters.

On the 23 August 1992 "SummerSlam Spectacular" show that preceded the PPV in the United Kingdom, the Bushwhackers received a title shot against WWF Tag-Tam Champions Money Incorporated. However, in this match, which aired on the USA Network, they fell short as Irwin R. Schyster pinned Butch following interference by Jimmy Hart. Their next PPV appearance came at SummerSlam '92, where they tag-teamed with Jim Duggan in a dark match that was subsequently aired on Prime Time Wrestling, and defeated The Mountie and The Nasty Boys. They were slated to team with The Natural Disasters against Money Inc. and The Beverly Brothers at the 1992 Survivor Series; however on the 7 November edition of WWF Superstars they agreed to let former Jimmy Hart charges The Nasty Boys take their place after the duo turned on their manager. The Bushwhackers concluded the year by resuming their long-running feud with the Beverly Brothers on house shows, this time teaming with Tiger Jackson against Beau, Blake, and Little Louie in six-man matches.[41]

1993–1996

[edit]

The Bushwhackers opened 1993 with another opportunity against WWF Tag-Team Champions Money Inc. Once again they were defeated, this time on a 25 January taping of WWF Superstars in San Jose, California. Beginning in February they began a new feud with the newly signed team the Headshrinkers (Fatu and Samu),[42] and were used to "put over" the team. Following a winless stretch against Fatu and Samu, the Bushwhackers restarted their now over year old rivalry with the Beverly Brothers. As in late 1992, these were comedy matches alongside dwarf Tiger Jackson against the Beverly Brothers and Little Louie.[43] On 22 March 1993 the Bushwhackers appeared on Monday Night RAW, defeating Damien Demento and The Repo Man. This would be Luke and Butch's first RAW appearance; meanwhile, it would be the final WWF appearance for Repo Man (Barry Darsow).

In August, the Bushwhackers made a quick trip to Puerto Rico to appear at the WWC 20th Anniversary show on 8 August where they defeated the team of Mr. Hughes and The Warlord.[44] When the team returned to the US, Williams and Miller gave the new WWF duo The Quebecers their first defeat when Butch pinned Jacques Rougeau on the 23 August 1993 edition of All American Wrestling. In the fall of 1993 they transitioned to a feud with another new team, this time facing Well Dunn in a house show series. In November 1993 they helped Doink the Clown in the clown's feud with Bam Bam Bigelow. Williams and Miller, as well as Mo and Mabel, all appeared at Survivor Series 1993 wearing the trademark green wig and face paint associated with Doink the Clown. The Bushwhackers and Men on a Mission defeated Bigelow, Bastion Booger and the Headshrinkers.[45][46]

In March 1994, the Bushwhackers started feuding with SMW Tag-Team Champions The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard and Jimmy Del Ray). Williams and Miller were undefeated against the Bodies until WrestleMania X, where they lost a dark match.[47] In April they began a house show series with WWF Tag-Team Champions The Quebecers, but unlike the previous year the team was winless against Rougeau and Oullette. In the summer of 1994 they reversed fortunes and were undefeated against the preliminary tag-team The Executioners (Dwayne Gill and Barry Hardy). They finished the year defeating Well Dunn in numerous house show encounters, although at this point their opponents were little more than preliminary opposition. However, now five years into their tenure into the company, and their prospects for a world championship run had seemed to close.[48]

The WWF was entering a "New Generation" era in 1995, and the Bushwhackers were now one of the last legacy acts. Still quite popular with the fanbase, they began the year with a successful series of encounters on the house show circuit against The Heavenly Bodies. Both Luke and Butch appeared in the 1995 Royal Rumble as separate participants. They continued to wrestle throughout the spring, defeating the Bodies and Well Dunn and remaining undefeated against preliminary opposition on television. However, their appearances became far more sporadic in the second half of 1995 following WWF touring cutbacks. They would wrestle only five more times that year, losing to WWF Tag-Team Champions Owen Hart and Yokozuna and the newly arrived Blu Twins.[49][50] They would work for United States Wrestling Association in Memphis, Tennessee, that fall.

In March 1996, the Bushwhackers returned to the WWF after a six-month hiatus to participate in a tournament to crown new tag team champions. The Bushwhackers were beaten in the first round by eventual winners The Bodydonnas (Skip and Zip).[51] When the Bushwhackers returned in 1996, they displayed traditional Australian stereotypes, including being accompanied to the ring by a giant kangaroo mascot.[52] On 14 September, the Bushwhackers made their last appearance while under contract with the WWF, defeating Justin Bradshaw and Uncle Zebakiah at a house show.[53]

After the WWF

[edit]

After leaving the WWF, the team made special appearances in the independent circuit, including a return to WWC for its 24th Anniversary show, where they were billed as the Sheepherders and took on old rivals, Invaders I & II.[54] They also appeared at Terry Funk's WrestleFest in Amarillo to celebrate "50 years of Funk" where they lost to old rivals Mark and Chris Youngblood.[55] In 1998, they made a couple of appearances in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) under the names Luke and Butch Dudley as "cousins" of The Dudley Brothers. In 1999, the Bushwhackers participated in Heroes of Wrestling, where Williams and Miller took on and defeated former WWF Tag Team Champions, The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff.[56]

Williams and Miller made one of their last appearances as active wrestlers on 1 April 2001 when they participated in the WrestleMania X-Seven "Gimmick Battle Royal" which The Iron Sheik won.[57] Luke was eliminated by Jim Cornette and Butch eliminated The Goon then got eliminated by Doink the Clown.[58] On June 15 the team returned to Memphis one last time, fighting The Moondogs to a double disqualification on a special "Mid-South Clash of the Legends" show.[59] During this period, they toured the UK with All Star Wrestling, often appearing in six-man tag matches teamed with Frank Casey, who had been wrestling for several years as the "British Bushwhacker" – a 'tribute' to Williams and Miller.

Their last match as a team was on September 8, 2001, in Farmville, Virginia, losing to Carnage and Mr. Big Stuff.[60] Miller would retired from wrestling in 2001 after a neck injury and Williams retired in 2002.

Williams came out of retirement in 2007 where he worked for Ring Of Honor, appearances in New Zealand, Ultimate Championship Wrestling in Nova Scotia, Canada, and the independent circuit. As of 2022 he occasionally still wrestles for independent shows in the United States at 75 years old.

On 23 February 2015, it was announced by WWE that The Bushwhackers would be 2015 inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame.[61] On 28 March 2015, they both attended the event to accept their induction.

On 2 April 2023, Miller died at 78.[62]

Other media

[edit]

The Bushwhackers appeared as themselves in a 1994 episode of the sitcom Family Matters, wrestling against Carl Winslow and Steve Urkel, who are forced to fill in for and wrestle as The Psycho Twins. They also appeared in the 1998 "How Many Times" music video for the Insane Clown Posse.[63] The Bushwhackers released their autobiography "The Bushwhackers: Blood, Sweat & Cheers", along with writer John E. Crowther, on September 27, 2022.[64]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Miller and Williams

[edit]

Boyd and Williams

[edit]

Boyd and Rip Morgan

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Bushwhackers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Bushwhackers were a composed of natives Luke Williams and Butch Miller (real name Robert Miller), renowned for their eccentric, comedy-oriented personas and unorthodox in-ring antics during their tenure in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now ) from 1988 to 1996. Originally debuting together in 1965 as the New Zealand Kiwis in in , the duo later adopted the Sheepherders gimmick in 1974, portraying ruthless, brawling heels across promotions like NWA territories and , where they captured multiple titles and developed a reputation for hardcore, no-holds-barred matches. Upon joining WWF in 1988, they transformed into the bushwhacking, fan-engaging babyfaces known as The Bushwhackers, complete with sheepdog-like mannerisms such as marching in place, licking opponents and spectators, and wild entrances that delighted audiences at events including multiple WrestleManias. Despite never winning the WWF World Tag Team Championship, The Bushwhackers became enduring fan favorites for their lighthearted disruption of the era's more serious storylines, feuding with teams like The Hart Foundation, Rhythm & Blues, and The Natural Disasters while appearing in numerous matches on WWF television, including high-profile bouts at Royal Rumble 1990 and SummerSlam 1991. Their career spanned more than three decades, with intermittent reunions post-1996 in independent circuits and special WWE appearances, culminating in their induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 as one of the promotion's most memorable acts. Tragically, Butch Miller passed away on April 2, 2023, at the age of 78 in Los Angeles following a brief illness during a trip to attend WrestleMania 39, leaving Williams as the surviving member.

Background

Formation and Original Members

The tag team that would become known as The Bushwhackers originated in with the partnership of Luke Williams and Butch Miller in the mid-1960s. Williams, whose real name is Brian Wickens, was born on January 8, 1947, in , New Zealand, and entered around 1965 after initial involvement in the local scene. Miller, born Robert Miller on October 21, 1944, in , New Zealand, debuted in 1964, having similarly started in the country's circles. Both men hailed from rural areas of New Zealand, where the agricultural lifestyle, including sheep herding, would later inform elements of their wrestling personas. Williams and Miller met through the New Zealand wrestling community in 1966 and debuted professionally together that year under the name The New Zealand Kiwis for the National Wrestling Alliance's New Zealand promotion, later rebranded as . Their early training occurred under local promoters, notably , who dominated the New Zealand wrestling landscape and produced the television program On the Mat from 1975 onward, providing a platform for emerging talent like the duo. This foundational period established their teamwork before they adopted more specialized identities abroad. The original duo occasionally expanded to include other New Zealand wrestlers, such as , born in 1944 and who joined as a partner to Williams in 1981 during Miller's brief absence, forming variations like the Kiwi Sheepherders. , real name Mike Morgan and born August 20, 1957, in , served as an occasional teammate, particularly in international outings, drawing on his own Kiwi heritage to maintain the team's nationalistic roots. These associations laid the groundwork for the team's evolution, though Williams and Miller remained the consistent core.

Gimmick Evolution

The Bushwhackers' gimmick originated in the 1960s as the New Zealand Kiwis, where Luke Williams and Butch were presented as serious, hard-hitting wrestlers embodying the tough, no-nonsense of their homeland, drawing on 's rugged . This early persona focused on straightforward brawling and athletic prowess, reflecting the duo's roots in regional New Zealand promotions before venturing internationally. By 1978, upon establishing themselves in North American territories, the team transitioned to the Sheepherders gimmick, amplifying their foreign status with a wild, rural New Zealander archetype centered on aggressive brawling and disruptive tactics designed to unsettle American crowds. The persona incorporated elements, leveraging stereotypes of New Zealand's agricultural landscape to enhance their exotic, menacing appeal, while emphasizing brutal, rule-breaking matches that built their reputation as one of wrestling's most violent duos. This shift adapted their serious style to U.S. audiences' expectations for international heels, portraying them as unpredictable outback marauders rather than refined competitors. In 1988, upon signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the Sheepherders underwent a significant rebrand to the Bushwhackers, transforming from ruthless villains into lovable, comedic face characters to align with the promotion's family-oriented product. WWF officials, including , deemed the Sheepherders name insufficiently marketable and instead encouraged a babyface role, introducing antics like marching entrances, tongue-licking interactions with fans, and humor to make them endearing oddballs. This evolution was influenced by the wrestlers' real-life farm experiences, which informed the bushman theme, and catered to American viewers' desire for lighthearted, exotic entertainers over hardcore aggressors. The change softened their prior violent edge, prioritizing crowd-pleasing comedy while retaining core elements of their Kiwi heritage.

Early Career

As the New Zealand Kiwis (1966–1975)

Luke Williams and Butch Miller, both of whom had debuted as singles wrestlers in during the early , first teamed up in 1966 to form the tag team known as the New Zealand Kiwis for the NWA New Zealand promotion under Steve Rickard's banner. Their drew on patriotic themes celebrating their Kiwi heritage, complete with New Zealand flags and traditional attire, which resonated with local audiences in a scene dominated by imported international talent. The Kiwis quickly established themselves in the domestic circuit through a style characterized by hard-hitting brawls combined with solid technical grappling, often facing off against local singles stars like John da Silva and Pat O'Toole in high-profile handicap or mixed matches that showcased their teamwork and resilience. They achieved notable success as dependable performers capable of drawing crowds in an era when wrestling was a staple of television entertainment via shows like On the Mat. Despite their growing popularity, the team faced significant early challenges, including limited national exposure due to the insular nature of New Zealand's wrestling landscape and ongoing financial difficulties stemming from modest gate receipts and travel costs across regional venues. Tours throughout helped build their reputation as reliable heels, known for provocative antics that riled crowds and elevated undercard bouts into must-see spectacles, though the economic constraints often forced them to supplement income with odd jobs outside the ring. In 1975, following nearly a decade of consistent work, the Kiwis temporarily split to pursue separate singles opportunities amid personal and professional shifts, marking the end of their initial run and setting the foundation for broader international pursuits.

Initial International Tours (1975–1978)

Following their domestic success as the New Zealand Kiwis, Luke Williams and Butch Miller embarked on their first major international tours in 1975, venturing individually and as a team to expand beyond circuits. Luke Williams primarily toured and the during this period, competing in regional promotions. Meanwhile, Butch Miller focused on Pacific territories, where the duo continued to team amid grueling travel schedules that tested their endurance. The pair teamed up as the Kiwis during this period, having earlier appeared in for International Wrestling Enterprise events in 1974 and in with from 1972 to 1974, where they won the Stampede International Tag Team Championship on January 6, 1974, by defeating Bob Pringle and Bill Cody. These outings highlighted emerging elements of their rugged brawling approach, particularly in Canadian territories like , where Williams later recalled learning to "fight and brawl to survive" against hardened opponents, laying the groundwork for their later hardcore reputation. Throughout these tours, they faced near-misses with securing long-term contracts in major NWA-affiliated promotions, often due to their unpolished style clashing with established territories, though brief runs in Australian circuits helped build momentum. Personal challenges abounded, including the physical strain of extended flights and adapting to inconsistent ring sizes—ranging from oversized outdoor setups in the Pacific to compact arenas—as well as varying rules on submissions and weapons that forced quick adjustments. Williams recounted the exhaustion of these journeys, noting how "" they felt navigating foreign crowds and logistics without reliable support.

The Sheepherders Era

Debut and Original Run (1978–1981)

The Sheepherders, comprised of Luke Williams and Butch Miller, debuted in the United States in , under promoter Don Owen's in 1979, quickly gaining notoriety for their brutal, no-holds-barred style as a tag team. Their matches often ended in disqualifications due to chaotic brawls involving foreign objects and post-match attacks, setting the tone for their hardcore reputation in the NWA territories. This immediate impact helped them capture the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship four times between July 1979 and July 1980, including a reign beginning on November 9, 1979, while feuding intensely with local favorites like and . Following their Portland success, the duo expanded into other key territories, dominating Mid-South Wrestling from around 1979 onward with their aggressive tactics against established stars, contributing to the promotion's emphasis on hard-hitting action under . They also ran prominently in and during 1980–1981, where their unyielding violence drew crowds but frequently resulted in fines from promoters for blading, using chairs, and excessive brutality beyond match rules. In these regions, their style—characterized by biting opponents and unrelenting assaults—solidified them as despised heels, often requiring police escorts to avoid fan backlash. The Sheepherders' gimmick evolved to incorporate sheepherder elements, including props like sheepdog references to enhance their wild, untamed persona, though it primarily revolved around raw physicality and psychological intimidation through gore and chaos. Their matches in these territories exemplified territorial wrestling's gritty appeal, with representative examples including bloody encounters with Piper and Martel that highlighted their dominance but also the dangers of their approach. By 1981, the original run concluded with a temporary disbandment after Luke Williams sustained an injury during a tour, forcing him out and leading Butch Miller to briefly team with others while the core duo paused. This split marked the end of their initial U.S. territorial surge, though it paved the way for future iterations.

Variations and Expansions (1981–1986)

In 1981, Luke Williams and Butch Miller reunited as the Sheepherders in Puerto Rico's (WWC), adopting the name "Los Pastores" to localize their sheepherder gimmick with Spanish-language flair while retaining their signature rural attire and wild brawling style. Managed by commentator , the duo quickly captured the WWC World Tag Team Championship by defeating teams like and Invader I, holding the titles through intense matches that highlighted their hardcore approach, including bouts. The Sheepherders gimmick expanded in the mid-1980s through roster variations, beginning with Jonathan Boyd's integration in 1985. Boyd, a fellow New Zealander and former teammate, paired with in the () Southern territory, forming a version of the team that emphasized their Kiwi heritage. This lineup won the on June 17, 1985, by defeating the Fabulous Ones ( and ) in Memphis, establishing their dominance in key southern promotions through aggressive, no-holds-barred matches. By 1986, the team further evolved with joining Boyd as the "Kiwi Sheepherders" in the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), focusing on Memphis and territories. Morgan, previously the Sheepherders' flag bearer, helped the duo secure another reign in November 1986 after a victory, with notable defenses against local favorites that reinforced their reputation for chaotic, bloody encounters. This period marked a peak in territorial success, with the team cutting through competition in high-stakes bouts at venues like the . Managed by , the Sheepherders engaged in heated rivalries, including with the Rock 'n' Roll Express ( and Robert Gibson), where the teams clashed in a series of brutal tag that drew massive crowds and showcased the Sheepherders' use of weapons and underhanded tactics. These rivalries, often escalating to no-disqualification stipulations, solidified the team's territorial legacy before broader changes loomed. As 1986 progressed, the core duo of Williams and Miller began transitioning toward opportunities in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), participating in tryouts amid their UWF stint where they captured the UWF World Tag Team Championship from and Steve Williams in March. This shift signaled the end of their expansive territorial phase, paving the way for a national platform while the variant lineups with Boyd and Morgan continued briefly in regional promotions.

WWF Career

As the Originals (1986–1988)

During 1986 and 1987, Luke Williams and Butch Miller continued their careers as the Sheepherders in various North American promotions, including the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) and World Wrestling Council (WWC), where they captured tag team titles and built their reputation for hardcore matches. In late 1988, they signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) amid its national expansion. Due to the "Sheepherders" name being used by another team featuring Jonathan Boyd and Rip Morgan in U.S. territories, the duo rebranded as the comedic, babyface Bushwhackers for their WWF debut, forgoing a prolonged heel transition to fit the promotion's evolving entertainment style.

As the Bushwhackers (1988–1993)

In late 1988, the Sheepherders underwent a significant rebranding in the WWF, adopting the name The Bushwhackers and shifting to a lighthearted, fan-friendly babyface persona that contrasted their previous hard-edged style. They made their in-ring debut as the Bushwhackers on December 26, 1988, in a house show victory over The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov and Nikolai Volkoff), followed by their television debut on December 30, 1988, at Madison Square Garden, where they again defeated The Bolsheviks with their signature unorthodox tactics. The new gimmick emphasized comedic elements, including a distinctive marching entrance where they swung their arms wildly while approaching the ring, often licking fans along the ramp to the delight of audiences, which rapidly established them as popular midcard attractions in the tag team division. The Bushwhackers' entrances were accompanied by the instrumental track "Walkabout" by Jim Johnston, which evoked the rugged Australian outback with its didgeridoo-like sounds, despite the duo's actual New Zealand origins—a portrayal that aligned with their wild, eccentric bushman characters. Their matches frequently incorporated humorous spots, such as biting opponents' posteriors, no-selling attacks with exaggerated flailing, and interfering in rivals' segments; a notable example occurred at WrestleMania VI in April 1990, when they interrupted Rhythm & Blues (The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine)'s in-ring musical performance by posing as food vendors, leading to a chaotic brawl that highlighted their playful antagonism. This era marked their peak as beloved underdogs, entertaining crowds with slapstick comedy while competing in the competitive WWF tag team landscape. From 1989 to 1990, The Bushwhackers engaged in prominent feuds that showcased their rising popularity, beginning with a series of matches against The Brain Busters ( and ), including a television bout on April 24, 1989, at where Butch's diving headbutt secured a pinfall victory for his team. This rivalry extended into heated encounters with Rhythm & Blues, culminating in multiple pay-per-view and televised clashes, such as their November 4, 1990, Wrestling Challenge match, where the Bushwhackers' antics frustrated the more serious heels. Their comedic appeal reached a highlight at the 1991 on January 19, when Luke entered at number 15 and was immediately tossed over the top rope by The British Bulldog after just four seconds, yet continued marching across the ring apron in character, creating one of the event's most memorable and lighthearted moments. The team's momentum continued into 1991 with a high-profile feud against (Earthquake and ), facing them at on August 26, where served as their corner man, though the massive heels dominated for a quick win. By 1992 and 1993, The Bushwhackers shifted focus to The Headshrinkers (Fatu and Samu), engaging in brutal yet entertaining bouts that played on the contrast between the teams' styles, leading to a elimination match on November 24, 1993, where the Bushwhackers teamed with against The Headshrinkers, , and Bastion Booger in a clown-themed spectacle. Throughout this period, The Bushwhackers earned several opportunities as number-one contenders for the WWF Tag Team Championship, including a title match loss to on February 23, 1991, at a house show and another defeat to champions ( and IRS) on January 25, 1993, on Monday Night Raw, but they never captured the gold despite their consistent contention status and fan support.

Final Years and Departure (1994–1996)

As the mid-1990s progressed, The Bushwhackers' role in the WWF diminished amid the company's gradual shift toward edgier content and new talent acquisitions. In 1994, they maintained a mid-card presence through feuds with teams like , often competing in squash matches on television to showcase their comedic antics. However, their appearances became sporadic as WWF prioritized emerging storylines and personalities, reducing their television exposure to occasional spots on programs like Raw and Superstars while relying more on circuits. Following a six-month hiatus, The Bushwhackers returned in March 1996 to participate in the WWF , intended to crown new champions after the previous titleholders vacated the belts. They advanced to the quarter-finals but were defeated by Skip and Zip (with Sunny), who capitalized on a to secure the pinfall on Butch. This brief comeback marked their last significant on-screen push, culminating in a short-lived angle involving confrontations with the erratic , highlighting the mismatch between their lighthearted gimmick and the intensifying roster dynamics. By summer 1996, with limited creative direction and ongoing obligations, The Bushwhackers' contracts were terminated in September, attributed to their advancing ages (both in their late 40s), the influx of younger competitors, and Vince McMahon's assessment that their character had exhausted its appeal with audiences. Their final WWF s wrapped up shortly thereafter, closing a decade-long run that had transitioned from territorial brawlers to entertainers. Immediately following their release, the duo made sporadic appearances retaining the Bushwhackers personas, including tours in against local teams like .

Post-WWF Activities

Independent Circuit and Reunions (1996–2015)

Following their departure from the World Wrestling Federation in 1996, Luke Williams and Butch Miller, known as the Bushwhackers, transitioned to sporadic appearances on the independent wrestling circuit in the United States and Australia. Between 1997 and 2000, they participated in various regional promotions, including matches under the Australian Shootwrestling banner. These outings often featured their signature comedic style adapted for smaller crowds, emphasizing nostalgia over intense competition. A notable highlight came in 1999 when the duo competed in the pay-per-view event, billed as the "Men from Down Under" due to issues. They faced and defeated wrestling legends and in a match, pinning Volkoff after a series of comedic spots including their headbutts and marching routine. This appearance underscored their shift toward nostalgia-driven bookings, appealing to fans reminiscing about their WWF era. Throughout the 2000s, the Bushwhackers made regular guest spots at wrestling conventions and fan events across , where they interacted with attendees through autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and panel discussions. These engagements allowed them to maintain visibility without full-time touring, focusing on their humorous personas and career anecdotes. Williams, in particular, continued solo brawling matches on the indie scene into the early 2000s before retiring in 2002. Miller entered semi-retirement around 2001 following a injury that sidelined him from in-ring action, limiting his involvement to occasional non-wrestling appearances alongside Williams. Health challenges began emerging for Miller as early as 2002, including a stay in intensive care, which further curtailed joint bookings and prompted a greater reliance on nostalgia events rather than physical matches. In , Williams returned for independent bouts, such as a 2010 victory over James Shaw in Impact Pro Wrestling's Kiwi As Mate event in , marking a personal homecoming amid the duo's reduced team activity. This period highlighted their enduring fan appeal through selective, low-impact engagements while navigating physical limitations.

Hall of Fame and Recent Developments (2015–2025)

In 2015, The Bushwhackers were inducted into the as part of the class of 2015, recognizing their contributions to over four decades. The ceremony took place on March 28, 2015, at the in , the night before , where Luke Williams and Butch Miller were honored for their unique sheepherder gimmick and tag team antics that entertained audiences worldwide. During the event, the duo shared reflections on their career alongside WWE executive , and the induction featured lighthearted tributes from fellow wrestlers, including mimicking their signature arm-licking march to the delight of the crowd. Following their Hall of Fame induction, Luke Williams continued to make sporadic appearances on the independent wrestling circuit into the , showcasing his enduring stamina at an advanced age. For instance, in 2022, at 75 years old, he competed in multiple matches, including a victory over N8 Mattson at WCPBTW's The Great Fall Bash on October 15. Williams maintained this activity through 2023 and 2024, wrestling in events such as World Classic Professional Big Time Wrestling on September 30, 2023, and further bouts in 2025, including at DREAMWAVE Wrestling on October 11 and Pro Wrestling on June 14. Tragedy struck the team in 2023 when Butch Miller passed away on April 2 at the age of 78, following a brief illness after a medical episode at in . Miller's death marked the end of any possibility for full Bushwhackers reunions, as the duo had occasionally teamed up in prior years for nostalgic appearances. In recognition of their lasting impact on , The Bushwhackers were posthumously awarded the Tag Team Award by the at its 59th Annual Reunion on August 20, 2025, in . The honor, announced on April 29, 2025, celebrated their innovative characters and contributions to the industry, with Luke Williams accepting on behalf of the team during the banquet, introduced by . As of November 2025, Luke Williams, now 78, remains active on the circuit, continuing to perform and connect with fans despite the loss of his longtime partner.

Championships and Accomplishments

Tag Team Titles

The Sheepherders, in their various incarnations including the New Zealand Kiwis and later the Bushwhackers, achieved significant success in regional promotions across and beyond, capturing multiple championships that highlighted their aggressive style and longevity as a unit. Although they never won WWF's top gold during their tenure there, their territorial reigns underscored their reputation as hard-nosed competitors who dominated mid-card and upper-mid divisions in the NWA affiliates during the 1970s and 1980s. These titles often came through brutal matches involving brawling and foreign objects, reflecting the team's sheepherding gimmick rooted in farm life. Early in their career as the Kiwis, Luke Williams and Butch Miller (real name Robert Miller) established themselves by winning the Stampede International Tag Team Championship twice in 1974 while touring , first defeating Bob Pringle and Bill Cody on January 6 and later regaining it after a loss to the Royal Kangaroos. This success helped launch their international profile before transitioning to the Sheepherders persona in 1978. In the territory, they captured the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship three times in 1979 alone—on July 21 against & , September 29 against & , and November 9 against & —holding the belts for a combined period exceeding 200 days across reigns and solidifying their status in Don Owen's promotion. Their momentum continued into 1980 with the NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version), won on February 11 by defeating & and held for 98 days until dropping it to & on May 19. In , the duo claimed the NWA United States Tag Team Championship ( version) on October 7, 1986, defeating The Fabulous Ones ( & ) in Tampa and reigning for 54 days before losing to ( & Tommy Rogers). They followed this with the NWA Tag Team Championship on June 23, 1987, beating The Fabulous Ones ( & ) again and holding it for 67 days amid intense feuds. The Sheepherders' variations with partners like and extended their title runs in the Southern territories. As Luke Williams and , they won the on December 13, 1982, defeating The Fabulous Ones ( & ) in Memphis and holding it briefly before a rematch loss. and (billed as ) captured it twice more: first around September 1985 for 75 days against The Fabulous Ones ( & ), and again on June 22, 1985, for 28 days in another iteration of their regional dominance under the CWA banner. In 1986, the original duo of Williams and Miller added the CWA International Tag Team Championship (Memphis) on December 15 by defeating & , reigning until January 5, 1987. That same year, they briefly held the UWF World Tag Team Championship from March 16 to March 23 after upsetting Steve Williams & .
IncarnationTitlePromotionDate WonOpponents DefeatedReign LengthNotes
New Zealand KiwisStampede International Tag Team ChampionshipJanuary 6, 1974Bob Pringle & Bill CodyUnknown (first reign)Regained later in 1974 after loss to Royal Kangaroos.
Kiwi SheepherdersNWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (3rd reign)September 29, 1979 & 182 days (to March 29, 1980)Part of three reigns in 1979; lost to & .
SheepherdersNWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Vancouver)February 11, 1980 & 98 daysVacated after loss to & .
SheepherdersCWA (Memphis)December 13, 1982The Fabulous Ones ( & )Unknown (short reign)With Jonathan Boyd; intense feud with Fabulous Ones.
SheepherdersNWA United States Tag Team Championship (Florida)CWF (Florida)October 7, 1986The Fabulous Ones ( & )54 daysLost to The Fantastics.
SheepherdersCWF (Florida)June 23, 1987The Fabulous Ones ( & )67 daysHighlighted brawling style in Florida territory.
Sheepherders (4th reign)CWA (Memphis)September 1985The Fabulous Ones ( & )75 daysWith Jonathan Boyd & .
SheepherdersCWA International Tag Team ChampionshipCWA (Memphis)December 15, 1986 & 21 daysOriginal duo reunion reign.
SheepherdersUWF World Tag Team ChampionshipUniversal Wrestling FederationMarch 16, 1986Steve Williams & 7 daysLast UWF champions before NWA absorption.
These reigns, spanning over a decade, demonstrated the team's adaptability and impact in an era of territorial wrestling, where they often headlined cards with their unorthodox, violent approach before their comedic Bushwhackers run in WWF.

Other Recognitions

The Bushwhackers, consisting of Luke Williams and Butch Miller, were inducted into the in 2015, recognizing their contributions to as a comedic during the late 1980s and early 1990s. They were also enshrined in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2020, honoring their overall career spanning multiple personas and promotions. In 2025, the duo received the Cauliflower Alley Club's Tag Team Award posthumously for Miller, who passed away in 2023, acknowledging their enduring legacy as one of wrestling's most memorable pairs. Earlier in their careers, as the Sheepherders in the , they earned recognition through Pro Wrestling Illustrated's rankings, placing at No. 71 on the publication's list of the top 100 tag teams of the PWI Years in 2003. Their territorial prominence in the , particularly in NWA promotions, led to frequent inclusions in publications' lists of standout teams, such as features in retrospective rankings of the decade's top acts for their brawling intensity and rivalries. Fan-driven polls and discussions have also highlighted their comedic impact, often citing their signature march and antics as influential in entertaining audiences during the WWF era.

Legacy

Influence on Tag Team Wrestling

The Sheepherders' tenure as a tag team in the 1970s and 1980s established them as early innovators of , characterized by unrelenting brawls, excessive bleeding, and the use of improvised weapons such as flagpoles and . This style, which often provoked real fan hostility and riots, predated the mainstream popularity of extreme rules in promotions like ECW by over a decade, laying foundational elements for the violent, no-holds-barred matches that defined wrestling. Their approach to booking emphasized chaotic, high-stakes confrontations that blurred the line between performance and danger, influencing the evolution of hardcore duos by normalizing gore and crowd antagonism as core narrative tools. In 1998, the team made brief appearances in (ECW) billed as "Luke and Butch Dudley," presented as cousins from to the , extending the family's oversized gimmick in a couple of matches. Transitioning to the Bushwhackers persona in WWF from 1988 onward, the team innovated comedy within by foregrounding eccentric character work—such as their signature arm-swinging march to the ring and playful face-licking—over technical prowess, creating a for lighthearted, audience-engaging duos that prioritized entertainment value. This shift allowed them to thrive as fan-favorite heels and faces, demonstrating how gimmick-driven booking could sustain viability in a sports-entertainment format, even without championship pursuits. Their antics influenced subsequent comedy-oriented teams by illustrating the appeal of non-serious personas in drawing crowds, emphasizing relatability and humor as viable alternatives to power-based rivalries. The duo's remarkable longevity, with a combined career exceeding 60 years for key member Luke Williams and over three decades as a unit across multiple promotions, provided a template for veteran s navigating industry changes through adaptability and consistent performances. Their success in territories like NWA, , and WWF, alongside later indie reunions, exemplified cross-promotional resilience, showing how enduring partnerships could maintain relevance by evolving gimmicks while retaining core chemistry. This model encouraged later acts to balance reinvention with legacy preservation, proving that sustained runs were possible beyond peak athletic years. Despite these contributions, the Bushwhackers' heavy reliance on their comedic has drawn criticism from wrestling observers for limiting narrative depth and underutilizing their proven hardcore roots, resulting in a portrayal confined to midcard novelty rather than main-event contention. Analysts argue this overemphasis on whimsy overshadowed opportunities for more layered booking, such as hybrid feuds blending humor with violence, potentially capping their overall impact on evolution.

Cultural Impact and Tributes

The Bushwhackers, consisting of natives Luke Williams and the late Butch Miller, have served as a symbol of national pride for Kiwis and expatriates, representing the country's underdog spirit in global entertainment. Their success as the only New Zealand inducted into the in 2015 amplified this sentiment, with fans and media highlighting them as trailblazers who put New Zealand on the international map through their distinctive comedic persona. Fan tributes to the duo often manifest in enthusiastic homages at pop culture events, including recreations of their signature marching entrance and face-licking antics at wrestling-themed conventions, keeping their whimsical style alive among younger enthusiasts. Endorsements and merchandise tied to the Bushwhackers peaked in popularity during the , with WWF-licensed T-shirts, action figures, and trading cards becoming staples for young fans drawn to their humor. Following Butch Miller's death in April 2023 during weekend, memorial tributes poured in from the global wrestling , underscoring their enduring appeal. As of 2025, Luke Williams continues to honor the team's legacy through appearances at wrestling events and fan meet-and-greets. Despite their origins, the Bushwhackers achieved significant global reach, particularly in , where they were frequently billed as "from " and embraced as cult favorites for their over-the-top comedy, influencing subsequent international tag teams with elements.

Other Media

Television and Film Roles

During their tenure in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1988 to 1996, The Bushwhackers, portrayed by Luke Williams and Butch Miller, frequently appeared in comedic skits on WWF Superstars of Wrestling, showcasing their eccentric sheepherder gimmick through slapstick humor and audience interactions. These segments often highlighted their marching routine and playful antics, contributing to their role as fan-favorite entertainers rather than serious competitors. Notable among these were cooking segments where the duo humorously prepared meals for interviewer Gene Okerlund, emphasizing their bumbling, lighthearted personas in a departure from in-ring action. Holiday specials further amplified their whimsical appeal, including a 1992 appearance where they dressed as Santa Claus to deliver festive messages and interact with fans during WWF programming. An earlier 1988 Superstars episode featured them alongside Santa in a Christmas-themed vignette, reinforcing their family-friendly image. Beyond WWF programming, The Bushwhackers made cameo appearances on mainstream television in the 1990s. In 1994, they guest-starred as themselves on the ABC sitcom in the episode "Psycho Twins," where they participated in a wrestling storyline involving characters Carl Winslow and , blending their gimmick with the show's comedic narrative. This crossover highlighted their popularity as recognizable figures outside circles.

Books and Documentaries

The Bushwhackers' career is chronicled in their joint autobiography, The Bushwhackers: Blood, Sweat & Cheers, published in 2022 and co-authored by Luke Williams, Butch Miller, and John Crowther. This 372-page work details their 50-year journey from early days in as the Kiwis, through violent territorial feuds as the Sheepherders in the , to their comedic WWF run and reunions, emphasizing their global travels and innovations. The book highlights their reputation for brutal matches, including barbed-wire brawls and rivalries that defined independent wrestling. Following Butch Miller's death on April 2, 2023, at age 78, several tribute pieces emerged in wrestling media, though no full-length documentary was produced. WWE aired a brief on-air tribute during the April 7, 2023, episode of SmackDown, recapping their Hall of Fame legacy and partnership spanning over five decades. News outlets like 1News covered Miller's passing, noting his contributions to New Zealand wrestling and the duo's status as the only Kiwis inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. In December 2022, the NZ Herald published a feature article titled "The untold story of the Bushwhackers: The Kiwis who conquered ," exploring their rise from circuits to international , including lesser-known pre-WWF exploits. Recent developments from 2023 to 2025, including Miller's death and posthumous honors, have been addressed in wrestling journalism rather than new books. In April 2025, the announced that the Bushwhackers would receive its Award at the 59th Reunion, recognizing their enduring influence; coverage appeared in outlets like PWInsider and 411MANIA, with the award presented to Williams on behalf of the team in August 2025. This accolade fills gaps in older texts by affirming their legacy amid post-2023 tributes.

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  63. https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/19-02-2018/pro-wrestling-is-like-a-drug-saturday-night-with-the-bushwhackers-co
  64. http://www.nzpwi.co.nz/2004/08/butch-miller-interview/
  65. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/matt-heath-superstars-of-cricket-for-the-next-generation/M57CAYYDGBH6C6MXKJXY6GSIOA/
  66. https://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/the-wrestling-world-mourns-the-passing-of-bushwhacker-butch
  67. https://www.instagram.com/bushwhackerluke/
  68. https://chrisvanvliet.com/2021/02/16/the-bushwhackers-on-why-they-licked-peoples-faces-their-return-to-wrestling-wwe-hall-of-fame/
  69. https://www.nine.com.au/sport/combat-sports/wwe-news-2024-australia-new-zealand-wrestlers-history-full-list-in-pictures-20240222-p5fqfd.html
  70. https://www.wwe.com/videos/playlists/best-of-bushwhackers
  71. https://www.wwe.com/videos/the-bushwhackers-give-cooking-lessons
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ATXV4G53k
  73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEt4WaoObNo
  74. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0577221/
  75. https://www.amazon.com/Bushwhackers-Blood-Sweat-Cheers/dp/B0BHKYMTS5
  76. https://411mania.com/wrestling/details-revealed-for-the-bushwhackers-autobiography/
  77. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75278852-the-bushwhackers
  78. https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/04/kiwi-wrestling-legend-bushwhacker-butch-dies/
  79. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSLxFjFyiKI
  80. https://www.pwinsider.com/article/195554/the-bushwhackers-to-be-honored-by-cauliflower-alley-club.html
  81. https://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-bushwhackers-award-cauliflower-alley-club-ethan-page-comic-book/
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