Ultimate Warrior sudden death at 54 shocked the world. The news which came overnight from WWE was close to unbelievable because the Ultimate Warrior sudden death happened just a day after making a national-TV appearance where he spoke of life and death.
One of the entertainment industry's sports icons, the Ultimate Warrior sudden death shocked the world as he also possibly had a forewarning on his speech the day before. He said: "the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will live forever."
James Brian Hellwig, also known as the Ultimate Warrior had his final few days filled with public appearances. One of these appearances was Wrestle Mania 30 on Monday night.
Before the Ultimate Warrior death, his appearance at Wrestle Mania 30 is truly haunting. People saw him wearing a mask and a long jacket with his image on the back. He addressed fans during the weekly USA Network show, "Monday Night Raw."
In the troubling speech before the Ultimate Warrior death, he told the crowd:
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own. 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."
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own." He pointed to the audience as he said, "You are the legend-makers of Ultimate Warrior."
No cause of death was released by the website of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). WWE's full statement, of the Ultimate Warrior death posted on their web site is below:
"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior. Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter. 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. Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters."
James Hellwig officially changed his name to Warrior in 1993. As he was inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame over the weekend, Ultimate Warrior death definitely came as a shock to the world.
Ultimate Warrior death saddened many of his fans and the world as the Warrior changed the game. As he developed and committed to a character, he turned the game into an art form. He was an icon of masculinity.
After retiring from wrestling in 1998, the Warrior used his success and made his name into a personal brand. He became a motivational speaker, selling workout tapes and writing comic books about Warrior.
Fans and people from the industry took to Twitter to share their condolences and sympathies on Ultimate Warrior death.
BREAKING NEWS: WWE is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of The Ultimate Warrior. https://t.co/6uccA9pkKe
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2014
I met the ultimate warrior this morning at New Orleans airport pic.twitter.com/BlafbrEUyc — James (@Jamesfspencer) April 9, 2014
Among them were WWE CEO Vince McMahon and ring announcer Jim Ross.
We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters. — Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) April 9, 2014
Sad to pass along the news that the Ultimate Warrior has died. Condolences to his wife & two, young daughters. RIP Warrior — Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 9, 2014
Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters — Triple H (@TripleH) April 9, 2014
WWE'S current stars also took to Twitter to express their grief.
Met Ultimate Warrior Saturday, now he's gone.Life is crazy. Happy I met one of my childhood heroes, even if it was for a moment #RIPWarrior — Epico (@WWEEpico) April 9, 2014
I’m in shock. The Ultimate Warrior has passed away. I just met him yesterday. RIP. I’ll always believe!!!
— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) April 9, 2014
He inspired me. He inspired us all. #iamwarrior #immortal pic.twitter.com/3z5SwcHCgl — Sheamus (@WWESheamus) April 9, 2014
Stunned to hear of the Ultimate Warrior passing...I managed UW and Sting when they were both starting out. RIP Jim. Peace be with you. @WWE — Zeb Colter (@WWEZeb) April 9, 2014
After all these years I finally got 2 tell him that me shaking the ropes was an homage 2 him. Blessed to have had that moment. #onelife — Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) April 9, 2014
So happy I embraced Warrior with a hug when we saw each other backstage Saturday night.My heart goes out to his family.Always Believe.
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) April 9, 2014
In such shock right now... Prayers go out to Warrior, his wife & little girls. What an amazing man he was. He will always be remembered. RIP — The Bella Twins (@nicoleandbri) April 9, 2014
Some even reminisced about their time with Ultimate Warrior inside the ring.
#RIPWARRIOR pic.twitter.com/H0tGM0OZJT — GOLDUST (@Goldust) April 9, 2014
RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014
Loss always has a way of reminding us to live and love as greatly as we can. My prayers and strength to his family. RIP Ultimate Warrior. — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 9, 2014
Sad to hear news of Warrior passing. Just seeing him happy last 3 days - it puts life in perspective that it can't be taken for granted. RIP
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) April 9, 2014
Devastated to hear of the passing of @UltimateWarrior. He was a childhood hero of mine & he vs @HulkHogan WM6 is still one of the best ever — Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) April 9, 2014
The hashtag #RIPUltimateWarrior became trending worldwide Wednesday morning as fans filled Twitter with their memories.
Here's the full text of the Ultimate Warrior's now-haunting speech about death on RAW last night: pic.twitter.com/5Wk66jowJ8 — Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) April 9, 2014
“I am Ultimate Warrior, you are the Ultimate Warrior fans and the spirit of Ultimate Warrior will run forever” - Warrior, final public words
— John Pollock (@iamjohnpollock) April 9, 2014
Ultimate Warrior death was sudden and unexpected. Still, his legend will live on in the memories and hearts of fans and stars alike. Reminisce the legend that is the Ultimate Warrior in the videos below.
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