2-time World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Intercontinental Champion, James Hellwig, also known as The Ultimate Warrior passed away on Tuesday, April 8 at the age of 54.
Details on the cause of The Ultimate Warrior's death are still undisclosed. Reports claim that he collapsed at a hotel while walking into his car and was pronounced dead on arrival after he was rushed to a hospital in Arizona.
Warrior embarked his wrestling career in 1987 and became the only wrestler in the history to hold two WWE championships at the same time. He retired from wrestling in 1999 and made a career from writing and motivational speaking until he returned in 2008.
The WWE recently inducted The Ultimate Warrior to its Hall of Fame as he was considered as one of the biggest stars in wrestling. He was known for his trademark of neon garb and long, blond hair, and face paint, and for his unforgettable fight with Hulk Hogan that bagged him the WWE championship.
On April 7, Warrior appeared in Raw for the first time in years. During his speech, he said that his legacy will immortalize because of the fans that made him a legend.
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own... By the story tellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him and make the running the man did live forever. You, you, you, you, you, you are the legend makers of Ultimate Warrior," he stated and added that his spirit as the Ultimate Warrior will run forever.
The WWE, upon announcement of Warrior's death, issued a statement to pay tribute to whom the federation tag as 'one of the biggest stars in WWE history'.
"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," the statement said.
"We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior's family, friends and fans," the statement concluded.
A gallery of Warrior's ultimate moments was posted in the WWE site to celebrate the life and career of the late wrestler. His longtime rival, Hulk Hogan also paid respects to him via microblogging site, Twitter. "RIP WARRIOR. only love," he tweeted.
James Hellwig changed his name to Warrior in 1993 which was adapted later on by his family when he got married and had children. He is survived by his wife, Dana and two daughters, Indiana and Mattigan.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
