Wrestler Donates $100K to Music Charity Honoring Late Friend

A professional wrestler just turned a memorial match into a powerful act of remembrance that will help struggling musicians for years to come.

Daniel Garcia won a special battle royal wrestling match Saturday night on AEW Collision, a show dedicated to honoring his late friend Andy "The Butcher" Williams. The prize was unusual: wrestling company AEW would donate $100,000 to any charity the winner chose.

Garcia didn't hesitate. He immediately selected MusiCares, an organization that provides financial assistance to people working in the music industry.

"Andy loved helping people. He loved music and he loved professional wrestling," Garcia said in a video after the match. The choice reflected Williams' own passion for supporting fellow artists.

Williams lived a remarkable dual life. He spent more than 20 years as the guitarist for Every Time I Die, touring and recording with the band until it dissolved in 2022. He later joined Atomic Rule while also building a career in professional wrestling, where fans knew him as "The Butcher."

Garcia, also from Buffalo, considered Williams an older brother. Williams even gave Garcia his wrestling nickname "Red Death," cementing their bond across both the music and wrestling worlds.

Why This Inspires

MusiCares provides exactly the kind of support Williams believed in. The organization offers mental health resources, addiction recovery assistance, healthcare support, and help with basic living needs for musicians and music industry workers. They also provide financial wellness guidance and disaster relief when catastrophe strikes.

These services matter deeply in an industry where artists often struggle financially while creating the music that enriches millions of lives. Garcia said he hopes the donation will "help artists and push music and people forward."

The wrestling community rallied around Williams' memory through this special event. By turning grief into generosity, Garcia ensured his friend's legacy will continue helping others long after the final bell rang.

One hundred thousand dollars will provide crucial support to countless musicians facing hardship, all because two friends shared a love of music, wrestling, and helping people in need.