is there an easier way than just hammering to break it up until we ache? By old school we mean the house was built in the 50's and there is some type of chicken wire material in it.
Sure - you could do a hole-patching with thinset - you might put in a little fiberglass mesh too. I can't imagine why that wouldn't work just fine.
gotta break it up, if you want it out. Why not cover over it? If you are dead set on removal start at the top of wall break through to the wire. Start cutting the wire and pulling it free from the wall.
hammer and chisel all the tile off first then use a saws-all to cut the wall board into smaller pieces (you need the right blade for the saws-all)
I believe you are messing with lath & plaster ? they didnot make cement board in the 50's with lath and plaster they used chicken wire to keep it in place, like putting steel in concrete walls. A hammer is about the only way believe me... been there done that lot's of times.
