Associated with wrestling’s “heavy metal” era, Mark Hildreth – known to wrestling fans as Van Hammer – has died aged 66.
Mark Hildreth, known to wrestling fans as Van Hammer, has died aged 66.
The grappler, who performed for World Championship Wrestling and WWE and was best known for his time in WCW during the 1990s, died on Sunday (19.04.26), with his cause of death not yet known.
Mark, associated with wrestling’s “heavy metal” era, was remembered by friends and former colleagues including Marc Mero and Diamond Dallas Page, who shared tributes online.
An autopsy is expected to determine the cause of death.
Mark built a reputation during his career as a physically imposing performer and later remained connected to the wrestling community through friendships formed during his time in the industry.
Marc Mero said: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer.”
He added: “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.”
Marc also described their early friendship, saying: “I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym.”
He added: “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.”
Marc continued: “That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract.”
He also added: “We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared.”
Diamond Dallas Page said: “With a heavy heart, I want to send my sincere condolences to the family of my brother, Mark Hildreth – aka WCW’s ‘Van Hammer’.”
He added: “I first met Hammer when I was managing the Fabulous Freebirds. He was a beast of a man – 6’4”, 285 – he was shredded, I remember Dusty taking one look at him and hiring him on the spot. Hammer was green as grass at the time.”
Diamond also described their shared experiences, saying: “Back then, Hammer, Marc Mero Johnny B. Badd, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Mick Foley, Scotty Levy, Erik Watts, and myself bonded quickly. We were a band of brothers.”
He added: “A lot of time spent together in those early years – inside the ring, on the road, and yeah, plenty of nights in the clubs.”
Diamond also spoke about Hildreth’s later life, saying: “H, like many of the boys, battled addiction. Truth is, I don’t know how he made it through some of those years. But a little over a decade ago, he cleaned himself up and reached out to me.” He added: “He still had his struggles here and there, but for the most part, he got a handle on his demons. I still don’t know the cause of death. All I know he was doing so well. I really thought, he had made it to the other side. I’m grateful we found our way back into each other lives.”
Wrestling hero Van Hammer dead aged 66
