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:

• "The Kiwis" (NWA New Zealand): Their initial tag team identity, reflecting their New Zealand heritage, where they established themselves as formidable competitors.
• "The Sheepherders" (Various Territories): This persona defined their more violent and brawling style that garnered them significant notoriety across North America. As The Sheepherders, Luke and Butch were known for their hardcore approach, often incorporating foreign objects and engaging in bloody, intense matches that contrasted sharply with their later comedic roles.

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

• Stampede Wrestling: A highly respected Canadian promotion known for its hard-hitting style and launching the careers of many legends.
• Pacific Northwest Wrestling: A major NWA territory based in Oregon, where they were a top act.
• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling: Part of Jim Crockett Promotions, one of the most significant NWA territories.
• Southwest Championship Wrestling: A Texas-based promotion known for its intense rivalries.
• Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF): Bill Watts' promotion, which was a national force in the mid-1980s.

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:

• NWA Florida Tag Team Championship: Won in Championship Wrestling from Florida, a key NWA territory.
• NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship: Held during their tenure in the fiercely competitive Mid-Atlantic region.
• NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship: A testament to their sustained success on the West Coast.
• UWF World Tag Team Championship: Claimed in the Universal Wrestling Federation, signifying their status as a top team on a national level.

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:

• WWE Hall of Fame (2015): The Bushwhackers were fittingly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015. This induction, occurring during WrestleMania 31 weekend, celebrated their unique contribution to the WWF's golden age and their lasting popularity among fans.
• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2020): Further cementing their legacy, Luke and Butch were also inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (PWHF) in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 2020. This independent institution recognizes the careers of professional wrestlers across all promotions and eras, offering another significant validation of their historical importance in the sport.

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.