Robert Miller, a highly acclaimed and accomplished retired professional wrestler from New Zealand, is widely recognized and respected throughout the industry by his distinctive ring name, Butch Miller. He is most notably celebrated for his impressive career as one half of the renowned tag team "The Sheepherders" on the independent circuit and within the prestigious National Wrestling Alliance, as well as for his significant contributions as one half of the iconic and beloved WWE tag team, The Bushwhackers.
Butch Miller's illustrious wrestling career kicked off in 1964, when he began competing for NWA New Zealand, a prominent professional wrestling promotion later rebranded as All-Star Pro Wrestling, where he garnered substantial regional recognition and acclaim.
In 1965, he was recruited by his fellow countryman Steve Rickard, a renowned booker for NWA Hawaii, to venture to America, marking a significant milestone in his wrestling journey.
Initially, Miller, accompanied by his close friend Luke Williams, ventured north to Canada, where they worked for Stu Hart's esteemed Stampede Wrestling, billed as "The Kiwis".
The New Zealand professional wrestling tag team, known as the Kiwis, embarked on a remarkable journey in 1974, marking a pivotal moment in their illustrious career. On January 6, 1974, they achieved a historic milestone by claiming their first recorded title, successfully defeating the formidable duo of Bob Pringle and Bill Cody to capture the Stampede International Tag Team Championship.
Their reign, however, was short-lived, as they soon found themselves facing stiff competition in the form of Tokyo Joe and the Great Saki. The Kiwis valiantly defended their titles against this new challenge, but ultimately relinquished them to their opponents.
Undeterred by this setback, the Kiwis regrouped and refocused their efforts, determined to reclaim their rightful place at the top of the tag team hierarchy. Their perseverance paid off, as they regained the titles in a thrilling rematch.
Alas, their second stint as champions was not destined to last, as they eventually faced off against the formidable duo of Stan Kowalski and Duke Savage. Despite their best efforts, the Kiwis were unable to overcome this powerful opposition, ultimately succumbing to defeat and losing the titles for good.
In the aftermath of this defeat, the Kiwis were unable to reclaim the Stampede International Tag Team Championship, marking the end of an era for this storied tag team.
Notorious professional wrestler Miller, having concluded his illustrious career, made the decision to relocate back to his native New Zealand in the year 2003, departing from his temporary residence in Florida. He resided in the picturesque coastal town of Paraparaumu Beach for a period of thirteen years, until 2016, during which time he became a familiar face at the renowned Robert Harris café and City Fitness gym, both conveniently located within the Coastlands complex.
It was, in fact, at a local gym in Paraparaumu that Miller first laid eyes on his future wife, Helen, and their romance blossomed in the most serendipitous of circumstances. Helen, prior to her marriage, had been employed at a shoe shop situated within the Coastlands precinct, further underscoring the idyllic nature of their surroundings.
Notable events in the life of a prominent individual, including a significant relocation, took place in the year 2016. At this pivotal moment, Miller, accompanied by his devoted wife Helen, made the deliberate decision to uproot their lives and relocate to the picturesque coastal town of Otaki Beach. This bold move was motivated by a profound appreciation for the sandy terrain, which held a special allure for the couple.
