Brian Wickens, also professionally recognized as Luke Williams, is a semi-retired New Zealand-based professional wrestler who has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for his impressive career, particularly as one half of the highly successful and storied tag team "The Sheepherders" within the esteemed National Wrestling Alliance and the renowned World Wrestling Federation.
Luke and his partner Butch, collectively known as "The Kiwi Sheepherders", embarked on a professional wrestling journey in the late 1970s, specifically around 1979-1980, as they began working for NWA Pacific Northwest and International All-Star Wrestling.
During their tenure in NWA Pacific Northwest, this dynamic duo achieved a remarkable feat, claiming the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship on no less than three separate occasions, spanning a period from July 21st to August 5th, 1980.
However, their reign as champions was short-lived, as they lost the title to the formidable duo of Dutch Savage and Stan Stasiak on September 22nd, 1980. But, in a remarkable turn of events, they managed to regain the championship just a week later, showcasing their tenacity and determination.
Moreover, on February 11th, 1980, "The Kiwi Sheepherders" achieved a notable milestone, defeating Dutch Savage and Stan Stasiak to claim the NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship, thereby becoming double champions.
Their tenure as a formidable tag team was marked by a series of impressive victories, but ultimately, their reign was cut short due to a shocking upset at the hands of the formidable duo consisting of Rick Martel and the notorious "Rowdy" Roddy Piper in the month of May. This unexpected defeat resulted in the loss of the prestigious NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship, a title they had proudly held, and further exacerbated by the relinquishment of the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship by August. As a result, their time in the Northwest region came to a close, bringing an end to their illustrious journey as a tag team.
The Sheepherders, a notable professional wrestling tag team, relocated to the esteemed Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling territory, where they achieved a remarkable feat by successfully defeating the formidable duo of Matt Borne and Buzz Sawyer to claim the coveted NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship.
Their impressive reign lasted for nearly three months, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and wrestling prowess, before ultimately relinquishing the title to the formidable combination of Dewey Robertson and Rocky Johnson on December 12th.
Luke and Butch, a dynamic duo, made the decision to depart from the realm of MACW, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their professional wrestling careers. Their journey next took them to the picturesque island of Puerto Rico, where they joined the esteemed World Wrestling Council as Los Pastores, a moniker that would become synonymous with their impressive in-ring exploits.
As Los Pastores, Luke and Butch enjoyed a remarkable stint in Puerto Rico, during which they managed to capture the coveted WWC North American Tag Team Championship on not one, but two occasions. This impressive feat was a testament to their exceptional teamwork, tenacity, and dedication to their craft.
Luke and Butch, a dynamic duo, burst onto the professional wrestling scene as "The Bushwhackers", a tag team that would go on to captivate the hearts of fans worldwide with their unbridled energy, reckless abandon, and unwavering dedication to their craft.
As they navigated the WWF, their unpredictable antics and outlandish behavior only added to their allure, transforming them into fan favorites and cementing their status as one of the most beloved and enduring tag teams in the history of the sport.
With their signature blend of unorthodox moves, high-flying acrobatics, and an unrelenting passion for competition, Luke and Butch, as "The Bushwhackers", left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling, forever etching their names in the annals of history as a truly unforgettable and awe-inspiring duo.
Their impact was felt far and wide, as they inspired a new generation of wrestlers, fans, and enthusiasts, solidifying their legacy as one of the most iconic and influential tag teams of all time.
In the years that followed, their legend only continued to grow, as they remained a beloved and integral part of the WWF, leaving an enduring legacy that would forever be remembered and revered by fans of the sport.
