Notes from Patriot interview (Patreon)

Before his untimely passing, I spoke to Del Wilkes about his career. A few notes included him mentioning that he left WCW in 1995 because he saw the writing on the wall with Hulk Hogan's friends all getting the spotlight and wanted to go back to Japan. He never had a contract in All Japan with Giant Baba, but put him over huge. He was courted to WWF by several people, but wasn't told exactly what he'd be doing. He signed a three year deal that he knew he'd never physically be able to get through. He mentioned that Bret Hart didn't have a problem losing to him, and Vader was not the same person in WWF that he was prior.

Wilkes said that he's wanted to punch Tom Brandi in the face, and that Brandi outright stole his gimmick and has lied about it for decades. He said this often leads to confusion even among promoters and fans who think that they've worked with him or taken pictures with him. Brandi never asked to use the gimmick and he said that he hasn't spoken with Brandi since their WWF days.

We also discussed his theme song. He told me that he is fine with Kurt Angle adopting it, and he personally ended up with it after being given the opportunity to pick it out among a great number of options by WWE.