Independent wrestling veteran Necro Butcher has signed a WWE Legends deal despite never wrestling for the company. The 53-year-old announced the deal on Facebook. He shared a screenshot of the agreement.

Butcher said the offer came the day after he walked out of his job. He called the timing ridiculous. He said the deal opens the door to various projects. He added he will not miss his scheduled indie shows.

PWInsider confirmed the deal is genuine. WWE president Nick Khan is believed to have spearheaded it. Khan was also behind the company’s deal with New Jack’s estate.

Butcher is a deathmatch wrestling legend from the independent scene. His brutal 2005 match against Samoa Joe was recently featured on VICE’s Dark Side of the Ring. He also appeared in the 2008 film The Wrestler. The Legends deal, known as a Nostalgia Agreement, typically covers merchandise, video games and documentaries.

Butcher’s real name is Dylan Summers. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in July 2020. He announced he was lymphoma-free in February 2021. His latest match was a hardcore bout against Dean Mercer on September 27, 2026.