E107 | Butch Miller

Episode summary | Butch Miller

Butch Miller is one half of the iconic kiwi wrestling tag team - The Bushwhackers.

From humble beginnings in New Zealand, Butch started wrestling with his tag team partner Luke Williams in 1966 beginning a 35-year journey to the top of the wrestling world in the WWE.

They built a reputation as the feared ‘heel’ combination of the Sheephearders in the independent scene, often fighting their way to and from the ring, and participating in hardcore matches before the genre was created.

Then they spectacularly transitioned to the ‘babyface’ Bushwhackers gimmick with the help of Vince McMahon and enjoyed years of celebrity status becoming friends with Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Andre the Giant and were eventually inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.

We hear all about the trials and tribulations during their elevation to the top of the wrestling world with some unbelievable stories along the way.

Show notes | Butch Miller

2:04: How is Butch Miller’s health?

3:35: The influence of the World Wrestling Federation on 80s kiwi kids

6:12: Hulk Hogan and the heydays living in Florida

16:11: Meeting with Vince McMahon

23:23: Becoming The Bushwhackers and the rapid rise to fame

30:07: A glimpse behind the scenes

37:35: Royal Rumble 1991

39:33: “…and from New Zealand”

44:13: Recognition back home

45:56: The toughest guy in the WWF locker room

47:46: A special piece of history with The Rock

56:40: Andre the Giant

1:05:37: Fighting to get to the ring: Life before the WWE

1:12:47: Babyface or Heel?

1:1643: Life after wrestling with the WWE

1:23:14: The WWE Hall of Fame

1:27:17 Last words from Steven, Seamus, and Butch