Chuck Coates has passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes across the wrestling community. He was renowned as a resilient independent wrestling stalwart who embodied the spirit of the territories.
Trained by Nelson Royal and debuting in 1986, Coates built a career stretching over two decades. He competed under various ring names including Madd Maxx, Agent Maxx, Hans Hessler, the Russian Assassin, and German Stormtrooper #2, which allowed him to adapt to diverse storylines and territories.
While he appeared in major promotions like WCW and WWF, often in enhancement or untelevised matches, his impact was greatest in Mid-Atlantic independent promotions. He held key titles in New Dimension Wrestling (NDW Heavyweight Champion), Pro Wrestling Federation (PWF Heavyweight Champion), and South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW Tag Team Champion).
Outside the ring, Coates was deeply connected to the North Carolina wrestling community and remained a familiar figure to fans of regional wrestling. He also battled serious health challenges, including cancer. In 2025, he underwent emergency open-heart surgery, which he publicly shared on social media, and fans and fellow wrestlers rallied in support.
Chuck Coates is survived by his wife Cynthia and the rest of his family, who are in our prayers during this difficult time. Tributes following his passing have honored him not only as a veteran who wrestled across the territories, but as a man who embodied the spirit of independent wrestling: adaptable, hardworking, and always giving fans their money’s worth.