Former WCW Star Van Hammer Dead At 66

Former WCW star Van Hammer, real name Mark Hildreth, has passed away at the age of 66, according to an announcement shared by Marc Mero.

Mero revealed the news publicly and noted that the cause of death has not yet been confirmed, with an autopsy still pending. He reflected on their friendship and the memories they shared dating back to their earliest days trying to break into the wrestling business.

After sharing the news of Hildreth’s passing, Mero spoke about the kind of person Van Hammer was and how his determination stood out throughout his life.

“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. 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 also recalled how their friendship began long before they became recognizable names in WCW, describing how Hildreth stepped up to help him take a major step in his career.

“We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym. Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes to come to his office the next day. 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.”

Their bond continued as they trained together and pursued the same dream, eventually sharing milestones along the way as their careers took shape.

“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.”

Mero also remembered their time representing WCW outside the United States, including promotional appearances that became lasting memories.

“We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight. Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget.”

He closed his tribute by sending condolences to those closest to Hildreth and the fans who followed his career.

“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.”

Van Hammer’s passing marks the loss of a recognizable figure from the WCW era, remembered both for his in-ring work and his contributions behind the scenes.

Van Hammer’s Wrestling Career And Legacy

Van Hammer began his wrestling career after being trained by Dean Malenko and Dan Spivey before debuting in World Championship Wrestling in 1991. He was introduced with a heavy metal rock-and-roll persona that helped him stand out during a crowded era of larger-than-life characters.

During his early WCW run, he became known for several memorable moments, including a Falls Count Anywhere match against Mick Foley on a live Clash of Champions special. He also won the 1992 Jesse Ventura Invitational arm-wrestling tournament, a storyline victory that gave him added visibility during his initial push.

After departing WCW for a period, Hildreth received a WWF tryout in 1993 but was not signed. He later returned to WCW during the Monday Nitro era, where he became part of Raven’s Flock — one of the promotion’s most recognizable factions of the late 1990s. He also joined the Misfits in Action stable under the name Major Stash, showing a willingness to adapt to different roles as the company evolved.

Outside WCW, Hildreth toured with Big Japan Wrestling in 2001 and continued wrestling on independent shows for several years. His final match took place in 2009, closing out nearly two decades in the ring.

Beyond his own career, Van Hammer played an important role in training future stars Jay and Mark Briscoe. That contribution remains one of the most lasting parts of his legacy, as the Briscoe Brothers went on to become one of the most respected tag teams in modern wrestling.

Van Hammer leaves behind a long history tied to WCW’s rise in the 1990s, along with friendships and memories shared with those who trained, traveled, and performed alongside him. His influence extended beyond his own matches, helping shape the careers of others who carried wrestling forward.

As tributes continue to pour in, many fans are reflecting on the WCW era and the personalities who helped define it. What is your favorite memory of Van Hammer from his time in WCW or later years in wrestling?