Overview

• Cynthia Lucas Chandler Coates said her husband died at 3:44 a.m. as she held his hand.
• Coates had been dealing with serious cardiac complications after bypass surgery and reportedly underwent four operations in one week.
• A respected enhancement talent, he wrestled in WWE, WCW and regional promotions, sharing the ring with stars such as Sting, Ricky Steamboat, Lex Luger, Steve Austin and Kurt Angle.
• He also competed abroad and adopted different personas, including The German Stormtroopers in WWC Puerto Rico in 1992 and The Russian Assassin in PWF and SCW.
• Peers and fans posted tributes on social media, with Matt Hardy recalling Coates’ positive spirit and long presence on the North Carolina indie scene.