Since the news broke of former WWE star “The Patriot” Del Wilkes passing away at the age of 59, the wrestling world has been reacting.
Wilkes, a former University of South Carolina football All-American, broke into the pro wrestling business in 1988 after being trained at a school owned by The Fabulous Moolah and went onto work for the AWA where he portrayed The Trooper character. He then became the masked Patriot in the Global Wrestling Federation.
After a run in All Japan Pro Wrestling from 1992 until 1994, he went to WCW then joined WWE. While working for Vince McMahon, he was immediately push as one of the top babyfaces, but injuries and personal issues ended his push and led to his departure in 1997.
You can see the reactions from various wrestlers and promotions here:
Very sorry to hear about Del Wilkes. I met Del years after his retirement from wrestling. He was always very gracious and I enjoyed visiting with him. https://t.co/eFLz1YMTzI
— Kane (@KaneWWE) July 2, 2021
1st saw The Patriot Del Wilkes
AWA The Trooper
Standout football player South Carolina
Wrestled Global, WWF, WCW &
All Japan
Good dude pic.twitter.com/mjaSbJ2P2g— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) July 1, 2021
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of The Patriot Del Wilkes. A great wrestler and a favorite opponent in WCW. My deepest condolences to his family.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 1, 2021
The National Wrestling Alliance would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Del ‘The Patriot’ Wilkes.
An extraordinary athlete and man, his contributions to our industry in and out of the ring will always be remembered. #RIPDelWilkes pic.twitter.com/2DcDr6ZDb9
— NWA (@nwa) July 1, 2021
Such sad news, always loved being around Del. One of the good guys. https://t.co/ndhU0WbvnA
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) July 1, 2021
God bless you Del! https://t.co/Ci6oDnWFnr
— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) July 1, 2021
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) July 2, 2021
WWE is saddened to learn that Del Wilkes, known to WWE fans as The Patriot, has passed away at the age of 59.
WWE extends its condolences to Wilkes’ family and friends. https://t.co/jgdaqB27hd
— WWE (@WWE) July 1, 2021
