Discover the career path of Bushwhacker Butch, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Robert Miller, known as Bushwhacker Butch, was a New Zealand professional wrestler famous for his WWF tenure as one half of The Bushwhackers, teaming with Bushwhacker Luke. Outside of WWF, under the name Butch Miller, he achieved recognition in promotions like NWA New Zealand, Stampede Wrestling, and the Universal Wrestling Federation, often partnering with Luke under different team names like The Kiwis and The Sheepherders. His career spanned various wrestling circuits, solidifying his presence in professional wrestling history.
1964: Starts Wrestling Career
In 1964, Butch Miller started his wrestling career for NWA New Zealand.
Share
1965: Brought to America
In 1965, Miller, along with Luke Williams, was brought to America by Steve Rickard to work in NWA Hawaii.
Share
January 1974: Stampede International Tag Team Championship
On January 1974, The Kiwis, Butch Miller and Luke Williams, won their first recorded title by defeating Bob Pringle and Bill Cody for the Stampede International Tag Team Championship.
Share
1975: Return to New Zealand Television
In 1975, Butch returned to New Zealand for the first wrestling television tapings, On the Mat.
Share
1979: Reunion and NWA Pacific Northwest
In 1979, Butch reunited with Luke working for NWA Pacific Northwest as well as the Canadian-based International All-Star Wrestling as the Kiwi Sheepherders.
Share
February 1980: NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship
On February 1980, The Sheepherders became double champions by winning the NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship.
Share
May 1980: Loss of NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship
In May 1980, Rick Martel and Roddy Piper defeated the Sheepherders for the NWA Canadian tag titles.
Share
August 1980: Departure from the Northwest region
By August 1980, the Sheepherders were effectively run out of the Northwest region after losing the NWA Pacific Northwest tag titles.
Share
1983: Feud with The Fabulous Ones
In 1983, Butch and Luke were feuding with The Fabulous Ones in the SWCW
Share
1983: Returns to SWCW
In 1983, Butch returned from Australia to reunite with his old tag-team partner, Luke Williams in Southwest Championship Wrestling (SWCW).
Share
September 1984: SWCW Abandons Tag Team Titles
In September 1984, the SWCW abandoned the tag team titles.
Share
January 1985: WWC North American Tag Team Championship Win
On January 1985, The Sheepherders defeated The Invaders for the WWC North American Tag Team Championship in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Share
March 1986: UWF Tag Team Championship Win
On March 1986, Luke and Butch cemented their status in the UWF by defeating Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams for the UWF Tag Team Championship.
Share
1987: CWA/AWA International Tag Team Championship
In 1987, The Sheepherders returned to the CWA. On 10 January, they won the CWA/AWA International Tag Team Championship but quickly lost it back to Badd Company.
Share
December 1988: WWF Debut
On December 1988, The Bushwhackers made their debut on a WWF house show facing The Bolsheviks.
Share
1996: Lower-Card Status in WWF
By 1996, The Bushwhackers were a lower-card team in the WWF, often jobbing to newer teams.
Share
1999: Heroes of Wrestling Appearance
In 1999, Luke and Butch participated in the Heroes of Wrestling pay-per-view as the Men from Down Under, defeating The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff.
Share
2000: Wrestled in the UK
In 2000, Luke and Butch wrestled in the UK, mainly for All Star Wrestling.
Share
April 2001: WrestleMania X7 Gimmick Battle Royal
On April 2001, Luke and Butch participated in the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania X7.
Share
September 2001: Retirement from wrestling
In September 2001, Bushwhacker Butch retired from wrestling.
Share
September 2001: Neck Injury and Retirement
In September 2001, Miller was rushed to the hospital after suffering a neck injury. Miller retired after the incident and moved back to New Zealand where he became a commissioner for NZWPW.
Share
2015: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In 2015, Butch and Luke were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Share
2015: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In 2015, The Bushwhackers were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Share
February 2018: Final Tour of New Zealand
In February 2018, the Bushwhackers reunited for one last tour of their native New Zealand.
Share
2020: Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction
In 2020, the duo was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.
Share