Mark Hildreth, better known to wrestling fans as former WCW star Van Hammer, has passed away at the age of 66. The news was announced Saturday by his longtime friend and former WCW co-worker Marc Mero on social media.
Mero said the cause of death is pending an autopsy.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer. At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy.”
Mero went on to share memories of his decades-long friendship with Hildreth, which began before either man had signed a professional wrestling contract.
“Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him. He always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.”
Mero recalled how the two first met in Venice, Florida, and how Hildreth drove him eight hours to sign his first WCW contract after Dusty Rhodes called him into the office.
“Mark didn’t hesitate. He drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling. That’s the kind of person he was, loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most.”
The two trained together under Boris Malenko in Tampa and later lived together in Atlanta while coming up through the business. They were also selected to represent WCW on its United Kingdom tour, doing promotional appearances alongside music legend Gladys Knight.
“We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract. We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. Those were unforgettable moments, times I’ll never forget.”
Mero closed his tribute with a message to Hildreth’s family, friends, and fans.
“My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey. Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”
Hildreth served in the United States Navy after graduating from high school before turning to professional wrestling. He was trained by Boris Malenko and Dan Spivey and made his WCW debut in September 1991 at Clash of the Champions XVI, squashing Terrance Taylor in 39 seconds. Performing as “Heavy Metal” Van Hammer with a rock-and-roll gimmick that stood out in an era of larger-than-life characters, he built a 42-0 undefeated streak on house shows and television before Cactus Jack ended the run at Clash of the Champions XVII.
He remained with WCW through 1995, returned in November 1997 as a member of Raven’s Flock, and later joined the Misfits in Action stable as Major Stash before leaving the company in the early 2000s. He toured with Big Japan Pro Wrestling in 2001 and continued making select independent appearances through 2009, when he officially retired from the ring following a final comeback match in Maryland Championship Wrestling.
After hanging up the boots, Hildreth relocated to Boynton Beach, Florida, where he built a second career in the home exterior remodeling industry.
Our thoughts are with Mark Hildreth’s family, friends, and everyone who shared a chapter of his life and career.
