Luke Williams, New Zealand-American wrestler

The Enduring Legacy of Brian Wickens: From Brawling Sheepherder to Beloved Bushwhacker

Brian Wickens, born on January 8, 1947, stands as a legendary figure in the annals of professional wrestling, particularly renowned for his distinctive career as one half of one of the sport's most memorable tag teams. A proud native of New Zealand, Wickens captivated audiences globally through various personas that showcased his versatility, from a hardened brawler to a beloved comedic character. His extensive career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on numerous promotions across the globe.

The Iconic Bushwhackers Era: A Worldwide Phenomenon

Wickens is perhaps most widely recognized for his highly entertaining run in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE, under the beloved ring name Bushwhacker Luke. Here, he formed the iconic duo The Bushwhackers alongside his long-time tag team partner, Bushwhacker Butch (real name Bruce Miller). Debuting in the WWF in 1988, The Bushwhackers quickly became fan favorites with their unique, zany antics, which included a signature arm-licking gesture, an enthusiastic march to the ring, and a penchant for comedic chaos. While they did not capture the WWF Tag Team Championship, their immense popularity and unique style solidified their status as a staple of the Golden Era of professional wrestling, contributing significantly to the division's entertainment value and drawing power.

From "The Kiwis" to "The Sheepherders": A Grueling Road to Stardom

Prior to their transformation into the lighthearted Bushwhackers, Brian Wickens wrestled extensively under the more serious and rugged ring name Luke Williams. In this capacity, he and Butch carved out a reputation as one of the toughest and most aggressive tag teams in the business. Their journey saw them dominate various territories under different monikers:

Their pre-WWF career saw them compete in prominent regional promotions, laying the groundwork for their future success:

A Legacy Forged in Gold: Championship Accolades

During their time as Luke Williams and Butch Miller, often as "The Sheepherders," the duo proved their dominance by capturing numerous championships across various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories and other promotions. These titles underscored their formidable presence and technical prowess before they adopted their more comedic personas. Their notable tag team championships include:

Distinguished Inductions: Hall of Fame Recognition

The enduring impact and significant contributions of Brian Wickens and Bruce Miller to professional wrestling have been formally recognized through prestigious inductions into two distinct Halls of Fame:

These dual inductions underscore Brian Wickens' profound and lasting influence on professional wrestling, whether as the hard-nosed Luke Williams or the endearing Bushwhacker Luke, cementing his place as a true legend of the squared circle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brian Wickens (Bushwhacker Luke)

Who is Brian Wickens?
Brian Wickens, born January 8, 1947, is a New Zealand professional wrestler best known by his ring name Bushwhacker Luke. He gained widespread fame as one half of the comedic tag team The Bushwhackers in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
What were The Bushwhackers famous for in the WWF?
The Bushwhackers, consisting of Bushwhacker Luke and Bushwhacker Butch, were renowned for their eccentric and humorous antics, including their signature arm-licking, unique marching entrance, and overall goofy behavior that made them incredibly popular fan favorites throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Did Luke Williams have other ring names or tag teams before The Bushwhackers?
Yes, before becoming Bushwhacker Luke, Brian Wickens wrestled as Luke Williams. With his partner Butch Miller, they were known as "The Kiwis" and, most famously, "The Sheepherders." As The Sheepherders, they were a much more serious, brawling, and often violent tag team, contrasting sharply with their later comedic personas.
What championships did The Bushwhackers/Sheepherders win?
As Luke Williams and Butch Miller (primarily as The Sheepherders), they held numerous tag team championships in various promotions, including the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship, NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship, NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship, and the UWF World Tag Team Championship.
When were Brian Wickens and Butch Miller inducted into Halls of Fame?
Brian Wickens (as Bushwhacker Luke) and Bruce Miller (as Bushwhacker Butch) were jointly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020, recognizing their significant contributions to professional wrestling.