The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of a true legend today as Brett Eugene Woyan, known to fans as Brett Sawyer, passed away on September 9, 2023, at the age of 63. The wrestling community and fans alike are left wondering what led to the untimely demise of this beloved figure who left an indelible mark on the sport.

Early Life

Brett Sawyer’s journey in the world of wrestling began in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he grew up. He honed his wrestling skills early on at Dixie M. Hollins High School, where he ventured into amateur wrestling, laying the foundation for his future in the professional wrestling circuit.

Professional Wrestling Career

Brett Sawyer’s wrestling career was a remarkable one, filled with numerous accomplishments and unforgettable moments. Trained by the legendary Ricky Steamboat and his elder brother Bruce Woyan, who was known in the ring as Buzz Sawyer, Brett made his wrestling debut at the tender age of 16 in 1976.

Taking on the moniker “Hacksaw” Brett Sawyer, he formed a formidable tag team with his brother and embarked on a journey that would see them rise to prominence in the wrestling world. The early 1980s witnessed Sawyer’s presence in the Portland, Oregon-based Pacific Northwest Wrestling promotion, where he clinched the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship on four occasions and the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship five times.

Sawyer’s wrestling prowess was not confined to the Pacific Northwest. He ventured into the heart of wrestling action in Atlanta, Georgia, with the Georgia Championship Wrestling promotion. There, the Sawyer brothers engaged in epic feuds, notably against The Road Warriors, securing the NWA National Tag Team Championship in 1983. During the same year, Brett Sawyer also claimed the NWA National Heavyweight Championship.

In 1984, Sawyer took his talents to the San Antonio, Texas-based Southwest Championship Wrestling promotion, where he teamed up with Chicky Starr to capture the SCW Southwest Tag Team Championship. The following year, Sawyer moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and joined the ranks of Jim Crockett Promotions, where he participated in memorable bouts, including a “loser leaves town” cage match against The Midnight Express in September 1985.

The wrestling journey of Brett Sawyer continued to take him across the country. In late 1985, he graced the rings of Kansas City, Missouri-based Heart of America Sports Attractions promotion, clinching the NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship. He also returned to Jim Crockett Promotions in 1986 to compete in the prestigious Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament.

Sawyer’s wrestling adventures even extended beyond U.S. borders. In 1987, he and his brother embarked on a tour of Japan with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, participating in the NJPW New Year Dash 1987. The Sawyer brothers also played a crucial role in training the legendary Ken Shamrock during the late 1980s.

In 1989, Sawyer joined the ranks of Championship Wrestling from Florida, where he teamed up with Jim Backlund to form “The Playboys.” Together, they briefly held the NWA Florida Tag Team Championship in the summer of 1989.

As the wrestling landscape continued to evolve, Sawyer made a brief return to the spotlight in 1991, wrestling three matches for World Championship Wrestling under the name “Brett Wayne.” However, by 1998, he decided to hang up his wrestling boots, marking the end of his in-ring career.

Brett Sawyer’s passion for wrestling endured, leading him to open Mad Dog’s Palace School of Professional Wrestling in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he trained and inspired future generations of wrestlers.