Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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Del Wilkes, better known to wrestling fans as The Patriot, looked like the perfect all-American hero. With the mask, the flag, and a presence that made him stand out instantly, The Patriot had all the tools to become a major star during one of wrestling’s most competitive eras. But, behind the character, was a story far more complicated.
In this video, we take a deep dive into the life and career of Del Wilkes; from his beginnings in football, to his rise in promotions like the AWA, GWF, and WCW, and finally his run in the WWF when the company was just on the brink of the Attitude Era (including his feud with Bret Hart).
Like many wrestlers of his generation, Wilkes’ story took a difficult turn outside the ring. Injuries, painkiller addiction, and personal struggles threatened to define his legacy… a path that wrestling fans have seen play out far too many times. But what makes this story different is what happened next.
This is not just another rise and fall story This is a rare look at redemption in professional wrestling, a side of the business we don’t often get to see.
Support Wrestling Bios: patreon.com/wrestling_bios
Back-up Channel / RTW Highlights: youtube.com/@wrestlingbios2
Sweet Merch: wrestlingbios.com
X: twitter.com/wrestlingbios
Del Wilkes, better known to wrestling fans as The Patriot, looked like the perfect all-American hero. With the mask, the flag, and a presence that made him stand out instantly, The Patriot had all the tools to become a major star during one of wrestling’s most competitive eras. But, behind the character, was a story far more complicated.
In this video, we take a deep dive into the life and career of Del Wilkes; from his beginnings in football, to his rise in promotions like the AWA, GWF, and WCW, and finally his run in the WWF when the company was just on the brink of the Attitude Era (including his feud with Bret Hart).
Like many wrestlers of his generation, Wilkes’ story took a difficult turn outside the ring. Injuries, painkiller addiction, and personal struggles threatened to define his legacy… a path that wrestling fans have seen play out far too many times. But what makes this story different is what happened next.
This is not just another rise and fall story This is a rare look at redemption in professional wrestling, a side of the business we don’t often get to see.
