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Venice Today
By the People, for the People
Former WCW Star Van Hammer Dies at 66
Wrestler Mark Hildreth, known as 'Heavy Metal' Van Hammer, passes away with cause of death still pending autopsy.
Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:20pm
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The worn, weathered gear of a fallen wrestling star serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of athletic glory.Venice TodayWrestleview.com is reporting the death of former WCW wrestler Mark Hildreth, better known by his ring name 'Van Hammer.' Hildreth, who was 66 years old, wrestled for WCW from 1991 to 2000 under various personas including 'Heavy Metal' Van Hammer and 'Major Stash' with the Misfits in Action stable. His longtime friend and fellow wrestler Marc Mero broke the news on social media, noting they are still awaiting the autopsy report to determine the cause of Hildreth's passing.
Why it matters
Van Hammer was a fixture in the WCW roster during the 1990s, known for his heavy metal-inspired persona and high-flying wrestling style. His death marks the passing of another era in professional wrestling history, as fans remember the stars of the Monday Night Wars between WCW and WWE.
The details
Hildreth, who was a former member of the United States Navy, first joined WCW in 1991 under the 'Heavy Metal' Van Hammer gimmick. He took a two-year hiatus from 1995 to 1997 before returning as part of Raven's Flock stable. In 2000, he joined the Misfits in Action faction under the name Major Stash. Hildreth last wrestled in 2009 before retiring from the sport.
- Hildreth wrestled for WCW from 1991 to 2000 under various personas.
- He took a two-year hiatus from 1995 to 1997 before returning to WCW.
- Hildreth last wrestled in 2009 before retiring from professional wrestling.
The players
Mark Hildreth
Also known by his ring name 'Van Hammer,' Hildreth was a former WCW wrestler who performed under various personas including 'Heavy Metal' Van Hammer and 'Major Stash' with the Misfits in Action stable.
Marc Mero
A former WCW and WWE star, Mero was a close friend of Hildreth's and broke the news of his passing on social media.
Dusty Rhodes
The legendary wrestler and promoter who signed Mero to his first WCW contract, and later brought Hildreth into the company as well.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Marc Mero, Former WCW and WWE Star
“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. I have so many incredible memories with him that I'll carry forever.”
— Marc Mero, Former WCW and WWE Star
What’s next
Hildreth's family and friends are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of his death.
The takeaway
The passing of Van Hammer, a fixture in the WCW roster during the 1990s, marks the end of an era for professional wrestling fans who remember the stars of the Monday Night Wars between WCW and WWE. Hildreth's resilience and dedication to the sport he loved will be fondly remembered by those who knew him.
