Hack Meyers, professional wrestler, Died at 41

  Sports

Donald Haviland was born on December 7, 1973, and died on December 5, 2015.

Donald was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Hack Meyers.

A mainstay in Florida independent promotions during the 1990s, Donald was best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling from 1993 to 1996.

Haviland made his wrestling debut as Bronco Billy, forming a tag team with Colt Starr known as The Texas Longhorns.

Donald wrestled in independent promotions for the next three years before signing with Extreme Championship Wrestling.

Following his ECW debut in 1993 as Hack Meyers, Donald wrestled mainly on the undercard.

He had several matches against ECW’s biggest superstars at ECW supercards, but he was never able to defeat ECW’s top talent.

Haviland’s gimmick in ECW was “The Shah of ECW”, a fan favorite.

During any exchange of blows, fans would chant “Shah!” every time he landed a punch or kick, and “Shit!” when his opponent retaliated.

A similar gimmick (“Balls!” vs. “Nuts!”) was later used by Balls Mahoney.

Donald first major appearance was at Ultimate Jeopardy 1994, an ECW supercard.

He teamed with Don E. Allen and Blue Max in a handicap match against 911, which 911 won.

Donald wrestled Tommy Dreamer at Hostile City Showdown 1994, but was defeated.

At Heat Wave 1994, Donald teamed with Rockin’ Rebel in a loss to The Bad Breed (Ian and Axl Rotten).

This led to a series of matches between Meyers and Rebel, culminating in a showdown at Hardcore Heaven 1994, which Meyers won.

Donald faced Chris Benoit at Holiday Hell 1994, but was again unsuccessful in his attempt to defeat a high-profile star.

On November 15, 2015, fellow ECW Original Axl Rotten tweeted that Haviland would undergo brain surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

On December 5, 2015, Donald Haviland passed away from complications from brain surgery.

Donald was two days away from his 42nd birthday.