Pro Wrestling Superstar The Ultimate Warrior Dead at 54

MeMyselfandI · #1 ● 04-09-2014, 01:04 AM

Never a big fan of his...but I respect what he did

The Ultimate Warrior, one of professional wrestling’s biggest superstars, has died at 54, just days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, WWE officials confirmed in a statement.

“WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior,” a statement reads.

Warrior – who was born James Brian Hellwig – began his career in 1987. He defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI to become WWE Champion.

The Hall of Fame induction marked his return to WWE after an 18-year absence. During his Hall of Fame speech, he announced that he signed a new multi-year deal with WWE, serving as an official ambassador.

During Monday's episode of WWE Raw, he slipped on his mask, embracing his character a final time, his words full of heart and poignancy.

"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own," he said. "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 bleed 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.

You, you, you, you, you," he said, pointing to the fans, "are the legend-makers of Ultimate Warrior."

The wrestler is survived by his wife Dana and two daughters.

News of his death was met with sadness and shock online.

MeMyselfandI · #2 ● 04-09-2014, 01:32 AM

Update from TMZ...

9:52 PM PT -- Officials tell TMZ ... Warrior collapsed outside an Arizona hotel at 5:50 PM on April 8th ... while walking to his car with his wife.

Warrior was transported to a nearby hospital ... where he was pronounced dead.

Heart attack due to prolonged steroid use when he was younger would be my educated guess

Nite · #3 ● 04-09-2014, 02:22 AM

They are dropping like flies now

LOI91 · #4 ● 04-09-2014, 04:33 AM

@ Shutch512 - Agree absolutely. I honestly believe that after his Hall of Fame induction this weekend, he pushed himself a lot harder than a man his age and health should've.