Butch Reed Then and Now

Butch Reed Then

Butch Reed, born on July 11, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, is known for his multifaceted career as both a college football player and a professional wrestler. 

He attended the University of Central Missouri, where his athletic prowess on the football field was evident. 

Reed’s college football career showcased his skills and dedication, paving the way for his entry into professional sports.

In 1976, Reed took a significant step towards his professional sports career by signing as a rookie free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs, an NFL team. 

He was brought on board as a linebacker, a position that requires both physical strength and strategic acumen. 

Despite his potential and the promising start, Reed’s time with the Chiefs was short-lived. 

He was cut from the team before the season began, marking the end of his brief stint in professional football.

Although Reed’s career in football did not reach the heights he might have hoped for, his journey did not end there. 

He later transitioned into professional wrestling, where he achieved considerable success and recognition, demonstrating his versatility and resilience in the world of sports.

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Butch Reed Wrestling Career

Butch Reed’s wrestling career, spanning from his debut in 1978 to his retirement in 2013, is marked by significant achievements and memorable feuds across various promotions. 

Trained by Ronnie Etchison, Reed initially performed under the ring name Bruce Reed and adopted the “Hacksaw” nickname, a persona that would become central to his career. 

He made a notable impact early on by winning the NWA Central States Tag Team Championship in 1980 alongside Jerry Roberts, although they lost the titles to The Kelly Twins in January 1981.

Reed’s prominence grew with his success in various wrestling territories. 

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In 1982, he and Sweet Brown Sugar captured the Florida version of the NWA North American Tag Team Championship by defeating Dory Funk, Jr. and David Von Erich. 

This period saw Reed wrestling mainly for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in territories such as St. Louis, Florida Championship Wrestling, and Georgia Championship Wrestling. 

Notably, on April 7, 1982, Reed participated in what is now considered the first 5-star match by Dave Meltzer, challenging Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in Miami, Florida.

In 1983, Reed joined Bill Watts’ Mid-South Wrestling, where he achieved considerable success. 

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As “Hacksaw” Butch Reed, he aligned himself with the Junkyard Dog but soon found himself in a heated feud with “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan over the “Hacksaw” moniker. 

Their rivalry included a dramatic feud and a series of high-profile matches. 

Reed’s heel turn came when Duggan was chosen as the Junkyard Dog’s tag team partner, leading to Reed attacking the Junkyard Dog and subsequently feuding with him. 

Reed won the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship on July 16, 1983, and defended it against various challengers, including the Junkyard Dog and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

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Reed’s time in Mid-South Wrestling also included a notable run as a double champion, holding both the North American Heavyweight Championship and the Mid-South Tag Team Championship. 

His feud with Terry Taylor and later with the Junkyard Dog continued to be highlights of his career in this period. 

However, a series of changes and shifts in storylines, including a brief and unsuccessful stint with the American Wrestling Association, eventually led Reed to leave Mid-South Wrestling.

Reed’s career took another turn when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1986, rebranding himself as “The Natural” Butch Reed. 

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His run in the WWF included notable feuds with Tito Santana and Ricky Steamboat, and a memorable appearance at WrestleMania III, where he defeated Koko B. Ware. 

Reed also participated in the inaugural Royal Rumble match and faced Randy Savage in the first round of the WrestleMania IV championship tournament. 

Despite his promising start, Reed’s time with the WWF ended after WrestleMania IV.

Following his departure from the WWF, Reed made a brief return to Jim Crockett Promotions as “Hacksaw” Butch Reed. 

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This period included a notable feud with The Junkyard Dog and a brief stint as a masked wrestler in the tag team Doom, alongside Ron Simmons. 

Doom captured the WCW World Tag Team Championship and engaged in significant rivalries, but Reed’s time with the team ended when he turned on Simmons in early 1991.

Reed’s late career saw him move through various promotions, including the United States Wrestling Association (USWA), the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), and Harley Race’s WLW promotion. 

His final wrestling matches came in the mid-2000s, including appearances with Mid States Wrestling and the “Legends of Wrestling” tour. 

Reed’s last match took place on May 18, 2013, marking the end of a distinguished and impactful wrestling career.

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Butch Reed Wrestling Competition

• NWA Central States
  • NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (with Jerry Roberts)
• Florida Championship Wrestling
  • NWA North American Tag Team Championship (with Sweet Brown Sugar)
• Mid-South Wrestling
  • Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship
  • Mid-South Tag Team Championship (with Jim Neidhart)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
  • WrestleMania III (defeated Koko B. Ware)
  • Royal Rumble (first eliminated)
  • WrestleMania IV (eliminated in the first round of the championship tournament)
• Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP)
  • Doom (tag team with Ron Simmons)
  • WCW Tag Team Championship (as Doom, with Ron Simmons)
• United States Wrestling Association (USWA)
  • USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship
  • Global Wrestling Federation (GWF)
  • GWF North American Championship
• Harley Race’s WLW (World League Wrestling)
  • WLW Heavyweight Title
• Mid States Wrestling
  • Mid-States Wrestling Heavyweight Championship
• NWA Legends Fanfest
  • Participated in various events and matches

Butch Reed Now

Butch Reed, a notable professional wrestler, passed away on February 5, 2021, at the age of 66. 

His death was attributed to complications arising from two heart attacks he suffered in January of that year. 

These heart attacks were significant in their impact on his health, leading to his unfortunate passing.

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According to a post from Reed’s official Instagram account, he had experienced a series of severe health issues culminating in his death. 

While the immediate cause was complications from the heart attacks, his relatives also reported that Reed had tested positive for COVID-19 around January 12. 

This diagnosis added an additional layer of complexity to his health situation, as COVID-19 can exacerbate underlying conditions and significantly impact cardiovascular health.

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The interplay between his heart issues and COVID-19 likely contributed to the severity of his condition. 

The pandemic has highlighted the critical link between respiratory illnesses and heart health, particularly in older adults. 

Reed’s passing was a poignant reminder of the pandemic’s far-reaching effects, not only on those who contract the virus but also on their overall health management.

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Reed’s death marked the end of a distinguished career in professional wrestling. 

His contributions to the sport, from his early days as Bruce Reed to his time as “The Natural” Butch Reed, left a lasting impact on the wrestling community. 

His passing was widely mourned by fans and colleagues alike, who remembered him for his charismatic presence and significant achievements in the ring.

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