Former WWF & WCW Star Chuck Coates Passes Away at 63 After Heart Complications

Chuck Coates, who worked for WWF, WCW, and numerous independent promotions across the Carolinas, has passed away at the age of 63. Coates had been battling serious heart issues after bypass surgery and underwent four additional operations in recent weeks. He had also beaten cancer three times during his adult life.

A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Coates broke into the wrestling business in the 1980s and became a familiar face as an enhancement talent on both WWF and WCW programming. He stepped into the ring with stars like The Big Bossman, Akeem, Sting, and Dustin Rhodes, playing both heel and babyface roles depending on the storyline.

Coates’ work extended far beyond national TV. On the independent scene, he wrestled for SAPW and NAWA, portraying one of the villainous German Stormtroopers—a gimmick he also took to Puerto Rico’s WWC, where he feuded with Rex King and Ray Gonzalez. In North Carolina, he regularly performed under a mask as The Russian Assassin for The Italian Stallion’s PWF promotion, and later worked as Mad Maxx across several Mid-Atlantic territories.

By the late 1990s, Coates returned to WWF television, facing up-and-coming names like Kurt Angle on secondary shows. He continued wrestling under his real name in PWF Mid-Atlantic and remained active for decades, with his final match taking place earlier this year.

His wife, Cynthia Lucas Chandler Coates, shared the news on Facebook with a heartfelt message.

“This is not a post I ever thought I’d have to make. My wonderful husband Chuck Coates took his last breath on earth and his first breath in Heaven at 3:44am while I held his hand. Please pray for our family as we navigate the days ahead.”

Chuck Coates leaves behind a long and varied wrestling career, remembered for his versatility, toughness, and decades of dedication to the sport.

What are your memories of Chuck Coates’ career, and which matches or moments do you remember most? Share your thoughts in the comments.