WWE star found dead at 41: wrestling world pays tribute to Scotland’s The Butcher

Scott Renwick, the Scottish wrestler known in rings as “The Butcher,” has died at 41, prompting an outpouring of condolences from colleagues across the UK wrestling scene. His passing — reported this week — is especially poignant because a tribute show and Hall of Fame induction had been scheduled for later this month.

Renwick, a father of four from Livingston, began his professional career in 2005 and became a long-standing figure on the British independent circuit. Over nearly two decades he collected multiple regional titles and helped shape Scotland’s wrestling community as both a performer and a mentor.

Former WWE performers and local stars were among those to pay tribute. Damian Mackle — better known to fans as Killian Dain — remembered Renwick as an outstanding tag partner and “an even better person,” noting the pair’s time together as the team Britain’s Most Wanted. Fellow ex-WWE competitor Joe Coffey and Insane Championship Wrestling names also posted messages of grief and respect on social media.

Renwick’s sister described him as her best friend and spoke of the family’s shock and sorrow. Other wrestlers highlighted his generosity, sense of humour and the role he played in bringing newcomers into the sport.

Career highlights and health struggles

Across the British independent scene Renwick won a reported 11 championships. One of his most notable victories came in 2009 when he claimed the Scottish Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight title at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall, beating competitors who later reached wider prominence.

He also faced serious health challenges. In 2017 Renwick was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease; a close friend, Graeme Leask, donated a kidney, allowing him to return to life and the ring. At the time he described the transplant as a fresh start and expressed optimism about the future.

• Ring name: The Butcher (Scott Renwick)
• From: Livingston, Scotland
• Debut: 2005
• Titles: Around 11 regional championships, including the SWA Heavyweight Championship (2009)
• Tag team: Britain’s Most Wanted (with Damian Mackle/ Killian Dain)
• Health: Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2017; received a kidney from friend Graeme Leask
• Planned tribute: ‘Butchermania’ show and Alba Championship Wrestling Hall of Fame induction scheduled for April 18

What colleagues said

Peers emphasized Renwick’s influence beyond match results. Several credited him with training or encouraging younger wrestlers and with being among the first to welcome new talent into the locker room. One close friend recalled his fondness for puns and small jokes, saying that those traits made him beloved off-stage as well as on it.

Fans and fellow performers flooded social channels with photos and memories, reflecting both admiration for his in-ring work and sadness at the sudden loss. Promoters had planned a tribute evening that was set to celebrate his career and formally recognize his contribution to the local scene.

As the wrestling community mourns, family members have asked for privacy while they make arrangements. Condolences continue to arrive from across the sport, underlining Renwick’s standing in Scotland’s wrestling world and the wider British independent circuit.