Van Hammer - whose real name was Mark Hildreth and competed for WWE and WCW - died today, it was been reported.

A top wrestler suddenly died at the age of 66 with the cause of his death currently unknown. Van Hammer - whose real name was Mark Hildreth - competed for WWE and WCW but was best known for his glory days in the latter as one of its 'heavy metal' stars.

Friends and former colleagues including Marc Mero and Diamond Dallas Page posted tributes to Hildreth, who died today (Sunday 19 April). One fan tweeted: “REST IN PEACE VAN, YOU WERE AN AWSOME WRESTLER.” An autopsy is expected soon.

Mero, 65, who has competed in the ring under his real name and as Johnny B. Badd, broke the news online, writing: "It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer.

"At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy. Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.

"I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym.

"Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes [another legendary wrestler, who died in 2015] to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling.

"That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract.

"We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight.

"Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey."

He concluded: "Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered."

Diamond Dallas Page - known as DDP - added: "With a heavy heart, I want to send my sincere condolences to the family of my brother, Mark Hildreth—aka WCW’s 'Van Hammer.'

"I first met Hammer when I was managing the Fabulous Freebirds. He was a beast of a man—6’4”, 285— he was shredded, I remember Dusty taking one look at him and hiring him on the spot. Hammer was green as grass at the time.

"Back then, Hammer, @MarcMero (Johnny B. Badd), @RealKevinNash, Scott Hall, Mick Foley, Scotty Levy (@theraveneffect), Erik Watts, and myself— bonded quickly. We were a band of brothers.

"A lot of time spent together in those early years—inside the ring, on the road, and yeah, plenty of nights in the clubs. I’ve included an old photo in this cluster of me and Stunning @steveaustinBSR at Hammer’s dad’s house.

"I gave his dad the nickname 'Sledgehammer.' As the years went on, like it does, we all went our separate ways. H, like many of the boys, battled addiction. Truth is, I don’t know how he made it through some of those years. But a little over a decade ago, he cleaned himself up and reached out to me.

"He was working as the Sales Manager for Paradise Exteriors Premium Impact Windows and Doors in Boynton Beach Florida. H was a great salesman. No bulls*** he could sell ice to the Eskimos.

"He still had his struggles here and there, but for the most part, he got a handle on his demons. Over those 10 years, we found our way back and grew close again—especially these past couple of years. We were texting and or talking on a weekly basis.

"I still don’t know the cause of death. All I know he was doing so well. I really thought, he had made it to the other side. I’m grateful we found our way back into each other lives."

He added: "I’ll carry those memories with me always my brother. Rest easy, I’ll see you in Valhalla RIP DDP."