From independent circuit journeyman to All Elite Wrestling heel: the career of The Blade
In short: Jesse Guilmette spent nearly two decades navigating the independent wrestling scene before finding national prominence as The Blade. Known for his tag team work with The Butcher, his career spanned multiple promotions, character reinventions, and a notable transition from regional heavyweight champion to a featured performer on major television stages.
Born in 1980, Jesse Guilmette began his professional wrestling journey in 2000 under the tutelage of Les Thatcher. Early in his career, he competed as Pepper Parks in the Heartland Wrestling Association, where he secured multiple heavyweight championships and tag team titles. His path through the independent circuit was extensive, including stints in Combat Zone Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and various National Wrestling Alliance promotions. During this formative period, he developed the versatility required to adapt to different wrestling styles and character personas, ranging from a technical singles competitor to a tag team specialist.
In 2016, Guilmette signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, later known as Impact Wrestling, where he adopted the ring name Braxton Sutter. His tenure there was defined by complex storylines, including a high-profile feud with Rockstar Spud and an on-screen relationship with fellow wrestler Allie, whom he married in real life in 2013. This period showcased his ability to integrate into long-term narrative arcs, a skill that would prove essential for his later success in larger promotions.
The most significant phase of his career began in 2017 when he formed a tag team with Andy Williams, known as The Butcher and the Blade. The duo debuted in All Elite Wrestling in 2019, quickly establishing themselves as formidable heels. Their time in AEW involved alliances with figures like MJF, Eddie Kingston, and Matt Hardy, as well as high-stakes tag team matches. Beyond the ring, Guilmette has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his personal experiences with anxiety. His career concluded following the expiration of his AEW contract in 2026 and the passing of his long-time tag team partner, Andy Williams, in September of that same year.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Blade (wrestler)
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