Bushwhacker Luke

Brian Wickens, known professionally as Bushwhacker Luke, was born on January 8, 1947, in Auckland, New Zealand. His professional wrestling career began in 1962 with NWA New Zealand, alongside his longtime tag team partner Butch Miller. Early in their careers, billed as The Kiwis, they achieved regional success in Australasia, the Eastern Circuit (Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan), and later in North America with promotions like ‘Grand Prix’ in Canada. Their initial recorded title win was in 1974, securing the Stampede International Tag Team Championship. The duo continued to work in various territories, gaining a reputation for their hard-hitting style, eventually becoming known as The Sheepherders. They achieved multiple tag team championships across diverse promotions, including NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship and NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship, further solidifying their presence in the wrestling world.

In 1981, after Butch’s temporary retirement, Luke formed ‘The New Sheepherders’ with Jonathan Boyd, known for their violent and aggressive approach. This partnership led to feuds and championships, such as the NWA Southeast Tag Team Championship and the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship. Upon Butch’s return in 1983, The Sheepherders continued their dominant run, capturing titles like the SWCW World Tag Team Championship and the UWF Tag Team Championship. A significant turning point occurred in 1988 when they signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Here, they reimagined their personas as The Bushwhackers, transforming their aggressive style into a comedic act that quickly resonated with fans, characterized by their signature arm motions and sardine-eating antics. They made their WWF Pay Per View debut at WrestleMania V and became a popular mid-card act, feuding with teams like The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers and Rhythm and Blues.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Bushwhackers remained a consistent presence on WWF television, participating in major events like Survivor Series and Royal Rumble. While known for their entertainment value, Luke also set a Royal Rumble record for shortest appearance in 1991, lasting only 4 seconds. After their time with the WWF concluded in 1996, the team continued to make appearances on the independent circuit and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015. Luke has continued wrestling sporadically, demonstrating his enduring dedication to the sport, and in 2025, he and Butch Miller will receive the Tag Team Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club.