WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Butch sadly passes away aged 78

The wrestling world is in mourning following he sad passing of a true pioneer.

New Zealand-born WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Butch has died at the age of 78, sparking an outpouring of tributes from wrestling superstars and fans alike.

It's understood Butch, real name Bob Miller, passed away just a few days after being taken ill upon arriving in Hollywood for WrestleMania.

"Our dear Bob has passed away," his nephew Luke said in a statement on Facebook.

"Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.

"We will always love u uncle until we meet again."

One person who paid their respects was Butch's Bushwackers tag team partner Luke Williams.

Taking to Instagram, Luke wrote: "Late last night, I lost my friend, brother and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob 'Butch' Miller.

"From the early-1970s when we were young mates wrestling for John da Silva in New Zealand, my first impression of Bob 'The Chest' Miller (as he was called in those days) was that he was a first-class redneck, and what bloody redneck he was! But he was also an all-around good guy and a great friend.

"If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong. In life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller. I love you, Bob."

After the legendary wrestler was taken ill in Los Angeles ahead of WrestleMania 39, his family set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical bills.

The page's description read: "We have some sad news to share on one half of the team - Bushwhacker Butch Miller has been hospitalised after arriving in Los Angeles for a signing during the WrestleMania weekend.

"Butch had arrived alongside his long friend and brother Luke Williams. The duo has been together for more than 50yrs on the road and everyone was looking forward to this comeback."

A bunch of social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, have been inundated with tributes as fans shared their fond memories of the iconic wrestler.

Rest In Peace, Butch.