About The Blade

Jesse Guilmette – The Blade of Buffalo’s Wrestling Legacy

When people think of Buffalo, NY, they might picture snowy winters or the roaring waters of Niagara Falls. But Buffalo’s spirit also thrives in the hearts of its hometown heroes, like Jesse Guilmette, better known to wrestling fans worldwide as The Blade. Born on June 3, 1980, Guilmette embodies Buffalo’s hardworking and resilient spirit. Over the span of two decades, Guilmette has carved out a significant legacy in professional wrestling, representing his city with grit and determination every time he enters the ring.

Early Life in Buffalo

Jesse Guilmette was born and raised in Buffalo, where he absorbed the tough, blue-collar values that define the city. Like many Buffalonians, Guilmette learned early on the rewards of perseverance and hard work. These lessons followed him as he pursued his dream of professional wrestling, training intensely to hone his skills and stand out in one of the most competitive sports industries.

Buffalo provided the backdrop to Guilmette’s upbringing, and its community-oriented vibe would later influence the loyalty and humility he carried into the wrestling world. His early years spent in the Queen City not only shaped his character but also drove him to put Buffalo on the map in the wrestling industry.

The Journey to Wrestling Stardom

Guilmette’s professional wrestling career began in 2000, when he trained under the experienced hand of Les Thatcher, a respected trainer in the industry. Using the ring name Pepper Parks, Guilmette started competing in independent circuits like Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA), where he quickly developed a reputation for his athleticism and technical ability.

Parks’ rise through the wrestling ranks wasn’t without challenges, but his persistence paid off. He captured the HWA Heavyweight Championship, defeating none other than Jon Moxley (later known as AEW’s Jon Moxley). These victories showcased Guilmette as a determined competitor ready to take on bigger challenges.

His momentum grew as he wrestled across multiple promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH), Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), and Empire State Wrestling (ESW), all while refining his craft. Guilmette achieved several accolades during this period, including holding championship titles in ESW and CZW, proving that talent and hard work know no limits.

Breaking Through with Impact Wrestling

Guilmette gained mainstream attention when he signed with Impact Wrestling in 2016. Competing under the name Braxton Sutter, Guilmette became part of captivating storylines that further solidified his place in professional wrestling. Partnering with his real-life wife, wrestler Allie (Laura Dennis), he became a fan favorite.

Through his time in Impact Wrestling, Sutter showcased his abilities in singles and tag team competitions, holding his own against established names while continuing to evolve as a performer. Although his Impact Wrestling stint ended in 2018, it set the stage for the next significant chapter of his career.

The Butcher and The Blade – AEW’s Fierce Tandem

Guilmette’s career took another leap forward when he debuted as The Blade in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. Partnering with Andy Williams, a fellow Buffalonian, they formed the tag team The Butcher and The Blade. Known for their tough-as-nails personas, the duo became a force to be reckoned with in AEW, delivering hard-hitting performances against some of the promotion’s top tag teams.

Whether battling AEW stalwarts like The Young Bucks or aligning with factions such as Eddie Kingston’s group or Matt Hardy’s Hardy Family Office, The Butcher and The Blade carved a memorable niche in AEW’s tag team division. Their chemistry in the ring and shared connection to Buffalo make them one of AEW’s most unique tag teams.

Guilmette’s transition into AEW exemplified his versatility. From his intensity in tag matches to his role in faction rivalries, Guilmette showcased his ability to adapt and thrive. Even years into his career, he continued to deliver performances that kept fans invested, furthering his legacy not just as a Buffalo athlete but as a global wrestling star.

Contributions to Wrestling and Beyond

Beyond his in-ring achievements, Jesse Guilmette has contributed to the wrestling industry through his professionalism and dedication. Whether it’s mentoring younger talent or raising mental health awareness—a cause he openly advocates for—Guilmette consistently uses his platform for good. His candid discussions about his struggles with anxiety and mental health have inspired many wrestlers and fans alike, demonstrating that strength lies in vulnerability.

Buffalo’s wrestling community takes immense pride in Guilmette and his achievements. He is a symbol of what Buffalonians can achieve with passion, determination, and a refusal to quit. His story inspires aspiring wrestlers in local promotions, proving that greatness can come from anywhere—even a sports town that’s too often overlooked.

Buffalo’s Legacy, A Blade’s Edge

Jesse Guilmette’s career is a testament to Buffalo’s legacy as a city that builds champions. Whether as a tag team competitor in AEW or a solo force in other promotions, The Blade has made his hometown proud. His accomplishments continue to shine a light on Buffalo’s vibrant wrestling scene and its ability to foster world-class talent.

Through hard work, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of his goals, Guilmette has become more than a wrestler; he’s a symbol of perseverance and pride for his community. For fans of wrestling and Buffalo sports alike, The Blade’s story is one to celebrate—a reminder that Buffalo grit truly knows no bounds.

The Blade’s legacy is far from over. With each match, he continues to inspire, entertain, and elevate the sport, making sure the name Jesse Guilmette—and Buffalo—remains etched in the annals of wrestling history.