R.I.P: James Hellwig, The Ultimate Warrior, Dead at 54
Posted by: Jon Ben-Mayor on 04/09/2014 05:59 AM
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James Hellwig was best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) from 1987 to 1991 and again in 1992 and 1996, and in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1998. Warrior died on April 8, 2014 at the age of 54, three days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The WWE posted the sad news on their website along with some highlights from his career.
"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."
During his final appearance on Raw and less than 24 hours before his death, Warrior gave a speech to the fans and wrestlers past and present as his Ultimate Warrior character. During the speech he said,
"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 larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized. 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. In the back I see many potential legends. Some of them with warrior spirits. And you will do the same for them. You will decide if they lived with the passion and intensity. So much so that you will tell your stories and you will make them legends, as well. I am Ultimate Warrior. You are the Ultimate Warrior fans. And the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever!"
Hellwig is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.
The WWE posted the sad news on their website along with some highlights from his career.
"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."
During his final appearance on Raw and less than 24 hours before his death, Warrior gave a speech to the fans and wrestlers past and present as his Ultimate Warrior character. During the speech he said,
"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 larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized. 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. In the back I see many potential legends. Some of them with warrior spirits. And you will do the same for them. You will decide if they lived with the passion and intensity. So much so that you will tell your stories and you will make them legends, as well. I am Ultimate Warrior. You are the Ultimate Warrior fans. And the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever!"
Hellwig is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.
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