Bushwhacker Luke Discusses Tag Team Partner Bushwhacker Butch's Death

The Legacy of The Bushwhackers Tag Team in Wrestling

The recent passing of WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Butch has wrestling fans looking back at the wildly popular tag team of the 1980s and 90s known as The Bushwhackers. With their trademark arm swinging march to the ring and whacky antics, Butch and his partner Bushwhacker Luke captivated audiences across wrestling territories and promotions for over 20 years.

Bushwhacker Butch's Death and Luke's Upcoming Interview

The wrestling world was saddened to hear of Butch's death in 2023 at age 69. His Bushwhacker teammate and longtime friend Luke will be speaking about Butch's passing and reminiscing about their time as a tag team on an upcoming episode of the podcast "Going Ringside."

Luke will likely share memories from their days in WWE wrestling the likes of the Hart Foundation, The Natural Disasters, and others as The Bushwhackers delighted crowds with their goofy mannerisms. He may also talk about their earlier years together working in Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico's WWC promotion in the 1970s and 80s.

The Bushwhackers' Journey Through Tag Team Wrestling

Butch and Luke first teamed up as The Sheepherders in NWA's New Zealand territory in 1965. They would later rename themselves The Kiwis and The Bushwhackers as they wrestled internationally throughout the 70s and caught the eye of WWE owner Vince McMahon.

The Bushwhackers debuted in WWE (then WWF) in 1988 quickly becoming a featured comedic babyface tag team. Their silly arm-swinging walk and affinity for licking audience members made them hugely popular especially amongst young fans.

Feuds with Rhythm & Blues and The Natural Disasters

Notable feuds The Bushwhackers had in WWE included one with the musical duo Rhythm & Blues (Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine). The rivalry featured Luke and Butch gleefully destroying their opponents' guitars during matches.

Another heated feud was with the massive tag team known as The Natural Disasters - Earthquake and Typhoon. Despite being outweighed by about 500 pounds, The Bushwhackers held their own with pluck and determination and never backed down.

The Bushwhackers' Wrestling Influence Over The Years

During their heyday in WWE The Bushwhackers were featured in wrestling magazines, had their own Saturday morning cartoon segment, and appeared as guest stars on TV shows. They were hugely influential in getting a whole new generation of fans excited about tag team wrestling.

Though they never captured WWE Tag Team gold, Luke and Butch continued to wrestle on the independent scene well into the 2000s before retiring. They made special appearances at WWE events over the years and Butch was honored with a Bushwhacker Battle Royal at a Raw after his death.

The Future of Bushwhacker Luke and The Bushwhackers' Legacy

While no official word yet on Luke's future plans, the 73-year-old WWE Hall of Famer may look to write a Bushwhackers memoir or start a podcast of his own to share stories from his many decades in wrestling.

As for the legacy of The Bushwhackers - they succeeded in bringing pure fun and entertainment to generations of wrestling fans. Decades later we still fondly remember their silly antics and the joy they brought to many as one of WWE's most memorable tag teams.

FAQs

When did The Bushwhackers first team up?

Butch and Luke first teamed up as The Sheepherders in 1965 while wrestling in NWA's New Zealand territory. Over the next 15 years they would work together as The Kiwis and The Bushwhackers across Australia, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico.

What was The Bushwhackers' signature move?

The Bushwhackers would march to the ring swinging their arms wildly side to side. They would also frequently lick fans' heads as they made their way to the ring.

Who did The Bushwhackers feud with in WWE?

Notable feuds included ones with the tag teams Rhythm & Blues (Honky Tonk Man & Greg Valentine) and The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon). Despite being outweighed, The Bushwhackers held their own in these rivalries.

Why were The Bushwhackers so popular?

Their silly but courageous antics brought great entertainment to fans. Youth especially loved their goofy mannerisms like arm swinging and licking heads. They made tag team wrestling fun for a whole new generation of fans.