The Butcher on His Current AEW Abscense & Being Hopeful To Make AEW In-Ring Return

The Butcher last wrestled for AEW in February of 2025 and has been absent from AEW programming since then. During his abscense, The Butcher’s tag team partner The Blade had been recovering from spinal fusion surgery he had underwent in early 2024. The Butcher and The Blade reunited as a team at an indie event this past December.

The Butcher recently reflected on Twitter about his current lengthy in-ring abscense in AEW and how he would love to get back in the ring either for a singles match or tag match with The Blade for the company.

“Last time I wrestled an @aew match was a year and 7 days ago. Would love to get back out there either with Blade or just myself. Best shape of my life and no dance partners.”

Last time I wrestled an @aew match was a year and 7 days ago. Would love to get back out there either with Blade or just myself. Best shape of my life and no dance partners.

— The Burning Cleaver Butch Williams (@andycomplains) February 26, 2026

In a response to a fan question on Twitter, The Butcher clarified that he does not have any hard feelings regarding his current abscense and gave his thoughts about his belief that AEW having an “insane” roster of talent to book for matches and shows has been a big reason for his in-ring abscense.

“Honestly, there’s so many great wrestlers right now. I’m sure it’s difficult to book a show with such an insane roster. It’s not hard feelings, i just feel i have a lot more in the tank.”

Honestly, there’s so many great wrestlers right now. I’m sure it’s difficult to book a show with such an insane roster. It’s not hard feelings, i just feel i have a lot more in the tank.

— The Burning Cleaver Butch Williams (@andycomplains) February 27, 2026