Mick Foley Blogs

REMEMBERING VAN HAMMER

As I write this, John Cena is walking out onto the grand stage at WrestleMania, getting ready to kick off the biggest night of the year in our business. I’m watching on a monitor in my hotel, waiting for my room to be ready.

I know it’s been a long time since Van Hammer graced the ring and seeing so much joy taking place while a small group of friends remember and mourn him makes dealing with his sudden death even more difficult.

I’d like to send my most sincere condolences and prayers to his family and those who loved him and let them know that I respected him and loved him.

I’d like anyone reading this to know he was a colleague who trusted me completely in the ring; who took my ideas and made them better. He was a good friend – a man I was still in touch with until his passing; a man who I was proud to bring up on stage with me in Fort Lauderdale just two months ago.

We reminisced about the old times and I’m happy my last memory of him was seeing a huge smile on his face when we said goodbye. He actually babysat my kids when they were little. Rest in peace Mark Hildreth. I am so proud to call you a friend.