Ex-WWE Wrestler Del 'The Patriot' Wilkes Passes Away At 59
Wilkes had two short but notable runs with WWE in the 1990s. Rest in peace.
Former WWE wrestler Del Wilkes, AKA The Patriot, has passed away. He was 59 years old.
Wilkes' passing was first reported by the Charleston Post & Courier, who wrote that he died after suffering a "massive heart attack" on 1 July.
Best known for his work in the then-WWF and WCW, Wilkes was brought in for a brief run with Vince McMahon's promotion between 1991 and 1992 before departing for AJPW. The Patriot returned to mainstream American wrestling through WCW in 1994, winning the company's World Tag Team Titles as one half of the Stars and Stripes tag team with Marcus Alexander Bagwell, before he was let go in 1995.
The Patriot re-emerged in WWE two years later, brought in as a pro-USA babyface to oppose Bret Hart during The Hitman's anti-American heel run. His most notable bout was a shot at Hart's World Title at Ground Zero: In Your House in September 1997, which he lost.
Released by WWE in 1998, a torn triceps forced Wilkes into retirement. He later moved into a career as a car salesman.
We at WhatCulture wish to express our deepest condolences to Wilkes' family and friends and family at this difficult time.
Rest in peace to The Patriot.