Veteran wrestler and former WWE and WCW star Del Wilkes better known to wrestling fans as The Patriot passed away this Thursday. The retired professional wrestler passed away due to a heart attack according to The Charleston Post & Courier. He was 59 years old.
The Patriot made his wrestling debut back in 1988 and competed for promotions such as the American Wrestling Association and Global Wrestling Federation during his early years. He wrestled a few matches for WWE in the early 90s. The late star wrestled under various personas including The Trooper, Del Wilkes, and The Patriot for the company but his bouts didn’t transpire in a long run.
The Patriot Del Wilkes
The former wrestling star first gained fame when he signed a WCW contract in 1994. He formed a team with Marcus Alexander Bagwell. The duo started wrestling as Stars and Stripes and they won the WCW tag titles a couple of times. His WCW run lasted until 1995 after which he returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling, the promotion he was wrestling for before his signing with WCW.
The Patriot finally signed a WWE contract back in June 1997. The former champion stayed with the company then known as WWF until early 1998. After leaving WWE, Wilkes retired from professional wrestling due to a torn triceps. We at SEScoops send our deepest condolences to the family of Del Wilkes.