Patriot

In a career that spanned over two decades, Patriot left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. With his towering height and imposing physique, he was a force to be reckoned with in the ring. And though he may not have been the flashiest or most charismatic wrestler out there, Patriot's technical prowess earned him a reputation as one of the best.

Born Delbert Alexander Wilkes on December 21, 1961, in Columbia, South Carolina, Patriot's early life was marked by his love for sports. He played football and baseball growing up, skills that would serve him well in his wrestling career. It wasn't until he was 27, however, that he first stepped into the ring, making his debut on November 12, 1988.

Patriot's early years were spent honing his craft in various promotions, including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and All Japan Pro Wrestling. He worked tirelessly to develop his technical skills, a strategy that paid off in the long run. In 1992, he won the GWF North American Championship, a title he would go on to defend multiple times.

As the years went by, Patriot's reputation grew, and so did his move set. His signature moves – the Uncle Slam/Full Nelson Buster, Patriot Missile, and Patriot Bomb – became fan favorites, a testament to his creativity in the ring. He also enjoyed a successful tag team career, winning the All Asia Tag Team Championship with partner Stan Lane.

But despite his many accomplishments, Patriot's greatest legacy may be his influence on future generations of wrestlers. His technical style, though not flashy, was a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by high-flying aerialists and muscle-bound bruisers. He proved that there was more to wrestling than just powerbombs and corkscrews.

Patriot's final match took place on March 14, 2001. Though he had long since retired from active competition, his impact on the sport would continue to be felt for years to come. Unfortunately, Patriot's life came to a tragic end on June 30, 2021, when he suffered a fatal heart attack.

As we look back on his remarkable career, it's clear that Patriot left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. His legacy will live on through the countless wrestlers he inspired and the fans who still cherish the memories of his time in the ring.