Bushwhacker Butch

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Robert “Butch Miller” (21 October 1944 – 2 April 2023) was a New Zealand professional wrestler best known as Bushwhacker Butch. He teamed with Luke Williams to form The Bushwhackers in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Earlier in his career, he wrestled as Butch Miller in many promotions, including as part of The Kiwis and The Sheepherders.

Birth and career start
- Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Miller began wrestling in 1964 for NWA New Zealand.
- In 1965 he moved to North America with Luke Williams. They wrestled in Stampede Wrestling in Canada as The Kiwis (Butch as Nick Carter, Luke as Sweet William) and later became The Sheepherders in several promotions across the U.S. and abroad.

Tag team success
- As The Kiwis and then The Sheepherders, Miller and Williams won multiple tag team titles, including in Stampede, Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, WWC in Puerto Rico, and UWF.
- The duo also wrestled in Japan and Australia and had notable feuds with various teams over the years.

WWF era
- In 1988 they joined the WWF and reinvented themselves as The Bushwhackers, a lively, comedic tag team known for their antics, licking everyone and coming to the ring with a fun, goofy style.
- The Bushwhackers became popular mid-card stars and stayed with the WWF until 1996, sometimes accompanied by a kangaroo mascot in later years.

Later years and retirement
- After leaving WWF, Miller and Williams made appearances on the independent circuit and in special events, including WWC and WrestleMania appearances.
- Miller retired from wrestling on 8 September 2001 after a neck injury and moved back to New Zealand. He worked as a wrestling promoter and wrote for fans, living in Paraparaumu Beach.

Personal life and legacy
- Miller had two daughters, Sharon and Kirstin. He returned to New Zealand, where he remained involved in the local wrestling scene.
- The Bushwhackers were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 and into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2022, they released their autobiography, The Bushwhackers: Blood, Sweat & Cheers.

Miller passed away in Los Angeles, California, on 2 April 2023 at the age of 78, while in town for WrestleMania festivities. He is remembered for his impact as part of The Bushwhackers and his long, colorful career in professional wrestling.