Those Crazy Kiwis — The Fabulous Bushwhackers

Older New Zealand fans will remember them as "The Crazy Kiwis" or "The Kiwi Sheepherders" or just "Brute and Sweet".

Bob Miller and Ted Williams have long been top Wrestling Stars, but reached Superstar status when they join the W.W.F. in 1988.

The W.W.F. goes into more than 30 Countires around the globe, so our boys are now stars all around the world.

After Wrestling around New Zealand for some years Bob and Ted headed for Canada in the early 70's where they became "Crazy" Nick Carter and Sweet William.

They were an immediate Success, "Sweet" William led "Crazy" Nick into the ring by a chain which was attached around Nick's neck.

The boys came back to New Zealand to star in Steve Rickards "On the Mat" programme.

They were now in big demand, Japan wanted them, USA and Canada also wanted them, and they also appeated in Singapore and Malaysia. They had come a long way since the early days when Bob was "Brutal" Bob Miller and Ted was "Gorgeous" Teddy Williams.

I also recall Bob wrestling in a mask for several years in Auckland, and Ted appearing as "Pretty Boy" Floyd.

Ted was Pretty Boy Floyd in this photo

Ted was Pretty Boy Floyd in this photo

These boys have certainly had some fancy names over the years but are now well established as "The Bushwhackers."

In between jaunts to Japan, where they are extremely sought after, these boys have been stars of the N.W.A. for many years now.

They have been in the top bracket, and together with another kiwi Rip Morgan have been sensations all over the U.S.A. and Canada.

Rip Morgan, another Wellington product has been their flag bearer for some years.

Rip Morgan is an established matman in his own right and still a star of N.W.A. matches, he is a relation of Bob Millers and got his start on the "On the Mat" programme.

The Bushwhackers were the first New Zealanders to take the International Tag Team Championship, and among others they beat the well known team of Mark Lewin and King Curtis.

At the Montreal Forum in Canada they drew crowds of 19,000. Success has not come easy for the Bushwhackers. They have spent arduous hours in the gym to develop their bodies and practice the intricate moves of pro-wrestling.

Now with the exposure W.W.F. gives the sport these boys are indeed Kiwi Superstars. They are assured of a big welcome next time they return home.

Bob was known as Detroit Assassin in this mask.

Bob was known as Detroit Assassin in this mask.

Luke and Butch

Luke and Butch

Article written by Dave Cameron

Dave has been hanging around the dressing rooms for 60 years.

Dave was an amateur wrestler and part time pro in U.K. He boxed in New Zealand Services Champ's 1954, Hobsonville, Auckland. He started writing for Magazines 1949.