Throughout the 90s, the Ultimate Warrior was one of the most popular professional wrestlers in the WWE. His fiery persona and aerial acrobatics were a joy to behold for thousands of fans across the country and perhaps even the world. Tuesday, fans were in disbelief as rumors of his untimely death began to circulate. Oftentimes we ignore preliminary reports regarding the deaths of some of our favorite celebrities. But we awake to the truth confirming rumors that one of our favorite media personalities from the 90s is gone.
Born James Brian Hellwig, he changed his name to Warrior in 1993. The Ultimate Warrior made his debut as a professional wrestler in 1987 and won his first intercontinental title versus Honky Tonk Man at Summer Slam in 1988. Later he became champion in 1990 by defeating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI. The victory was billed as a passing of the baton from the biggest wrestling star of the ‘80s to one of the largest of the ‘90s. His death comes just days after he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own," he told the crowd of Wrestlemania during his induction speech. "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers − by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever.
"I am the Ultimate Warrior, you are the Ultimate Warrior fans and the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever."
The Ultimate Warrior is survived by his wife Dana and daughters Indiana and Mattigan. As of press time, no word has been released regarding the cause of his death. He was 54-years-old.
