R.I.P. HACKSAW BUTCH REED

"HACKSAW" BUTCH REED

Bruce Reed, known to wrestling fans as Butch Reed passed away on Friday at the age of 66. Reed had suffered two massive heart attacks in 2021 prior to his death according to his Instagram page. Reed first gained notoriety playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. By 1978, his football career was over and Reed began wrestling for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), primarily in places like St. Louis, Florida, and Georgia. In the 1980's, wrestling was about territories and one of the best was Mid-South, owned by Bill Watts. Reed would enter the Mid-South territory in 1983.

When Butch Reed entered the Mid-South territory it was known for big, charismatic wrestlers that could fight in the ring or on the streets and Reed was a perfect fit. During his time in Mid-South, had classic feuds with legends like "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Magnum T.A., The Junkyard Dog, and Ric Flair. During his tenure, Reed would win the North American Title on three separate occasions cementing his position as a main event star. In 1986, Reed left Mid-South and went to the WWE. 

Ron Simmons and Butch Reed as Doom

In WWE, Reed never reached the heights that he did in Mid-South. He left the promotion in 1988 and went to World Championship Wrestling. In WCW, Reed won the tag-team championships in 1990 when he formed an intimidating tag-team with Ron Simmons known as Doom. By 1992, Reed left WCW and his run in big time wrestling was over. Reed would work independent shows until his retirement in 2013. 

Butch Reed was one of the toughest and most intimidating men to ever step foot in a wrestling ring. His success in wrestling blazed a trail for men like The Rock, Mark Henry, and Booker T to follow. Thank you Mr. Reed, your legacy will never be forgotten.

THE PROFESSOR