Rhiannon Ingle
WWE legend, Bushwhacker Butch, has died aged 78 years old on Sunday (2 April).
The Kiwi wrestling icon - whose real name was Bob Miller - ruled the ring for decades alongside Bushwhacker Luke, and the two became famously known as The Bushwhackers.
Miller first entered the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2015 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum back in 2020.
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Miller was subsequently hospitalized and a GoFundMe was set up to help pay for these medical bills but the precise issue has not yet been confirmed.
Miller's wrestling partner, Luke, confirmed the news on both Instagram and Facebook yesterday (3 April) and shared a heartfelt tribute to his late ring partner, whom he had been in a duo act with for more than 50 years on the road.
He wrote: "Late last night, I lost my friend, brother and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob 'Butch' Miller.'
"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!"
Luke went on to call Robert an 'an all-around good guy' and 'a great friend'.
"If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong," he concluded, "in life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller.
"I love you, Bob. Until I see you again."
He added that his heart goes out to Butch's wife, Helen, and their 'lovely daughters', Sharon and Kirsten, as well as his grandchildren.
The WWE Hall of Famer touched many hearts, with a whole bunch of other tributes pouring in online.
All Elite Wrestling tweeted: "AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Butch Miller. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans."
WWE has also released an official statement about the star's recent passing.
They tweeted: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Robert 'Bushwhacker Butch' Miller has passed away."
"WWE extends its condolences to Miller’s family, friends and fans."
Fellow wrestling stars have also come forward to share their tributes to Miller.
The Iron Sheikh tweeted: "BUSHWHACKER BUTCH I LOVE YOU FOREVER. RIP MY FRIEND YOU ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE!"
"Godspeed, Bushwhacker Butch Miller. Rest well, sir," professional wrestler Adam Pearce, added.