Brett Sawyer (wrestler) brother: Meet Buzz Sawyer

The wrestling world knows Brett Sawyer as a legendary figure in the sport, but behind the scenes of his remarkable career was a pivotal influence – his elder brother, Bruce Woyan, who was better known as Buzz Sawyer. As we remember Brett Sawyer’s contributions to professional wrestling following his recent passing, let’s take a closer look at the man who helped shape his wrestling journey.

Early Life and Wrestling Roots

Brett Eugene Woyan, born on August 10, 1960, grew up in the sunny town of St. Petersburg, Florida. His wrestling roots can be traced back to his high school days at Dixie M. Hollins High School, where he initially dabbled in the world of amateur wrestling, laying the foundation for his future in the professional wrestling circuit.

A Brotherly Bond and Wrestling Mentorship

One of the most pivotal chapters in Brett Sawyer’s wrestling journey was the guidance and mentorship provided by his elder brother, Bruce Woyan. Under the ring name Buzz Sawyer, Bruce had already made a name for himself in the wrestling world when he took young Brett under his wing.

Brett made his wrestling debut in 1976, a mere 16 years old, with the support and training from none other than Bruce Sawyer himself. This marked the beginning of a remarkable wrestling partnership, as they eventually adopted the moniker “Hacksaw” Brett Sawyer and “Mad Dog” Buzz Sawyer, respectively.

Rising to Prominence Together

The Sawyer brothers’ tag team became a formidable force in the wrestling scene, and their journey took them to various promotions across the United States.

In the early 1980s, the duo made their presence felt in the Portland, Oregon-based Pacific Northwest Wrestling promotion. Between 1982 and 1984, Brett and Bruce Sawyer captured the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship a staggering four times and the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship on five occasions.

Their wrestling prowess transcended the Pacific Northwest, with the Sawyers engaging in memorable feuds in the Atlanta, Georgia-based Georgia Championship Wrestling promotion. In a historic moment, they toppled the formidable duo of The Road Warriors, clinching the NWA National Tag Team Championship in 1983. During the same year, Brett Sawyer also secured the NWA National Heavyweight Championship.

The brothers continued their wrestling odyssey in 1984, this time gracing the rings of the San Antonio, Texas-based Southwest Championship Wrestling promotion. There, they added the SCW Southwest Tag Team Championship to their list of accolades, partnering with Chicky Starr.

A Notable Feud and International Ventures

In early 1985, the Sawyers ventured into the Charlotte, North Carolina-based Jim Crockett Promotions. This marked the beginning of a notable feud that would see Brett and Bruce Sawyer engaged in a “loser leaves town” cage match against The Midnight Express in September 1985.

Their wrestling journey took them to various promotions, including the Kansas City, Missouri-based Heart of America Sports Attractions promotion, where Brett Sawyer clinched the NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship.

Returning to Jim Crockett Promotions in 1986, the Sawyers participated in the prestigious Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournament, showcasing their tag team chemistry on a grand stage.

Their international adventures included a tour of Japan with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1987, where they competed in the NJPW New Year Dash 1987, further solidifying their reputation as wrestling talents of the highest caliber.

Continuing Influence and Legacy

The Sawyer brothers’ impact on the wrestling world extended beyond their in-ring careers. In the late 1980s, they took on the role of mentors, training the future UFC Hall of Famer, Ken Shamrock, in the art of professional wrestling.