There have been recent rumors about The Ultimate Warrior dying which ultimately proved to be false, but the WWE announced on Tuesday night that the wrestling icon has actually died.
The Ultimate Warrior took part in RAW on Monday night and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at WrestleMania, but he died just after receiveing his glory. Triple H announced via Twitter Tuesday night that the Warrior passed away:
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
Just a day ago Ultimate Warrior posed with Vince McMahon for a picture and looked like this:
Never say never…@VinceMcMahon and #WWE Hall of Famer @UltimateWarrior pic.twitter.com/WH2HZG9VJ0
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 8, 2014
And here he was on RAW Monday night:
And if you really want your mind blown, here’s a fan who says he posed with Warrior for a picture at the airport on Tuesday morning:
I met the ultimate warrior this morning at New Orleans airport pic.twitter.com/BlafbrEUyc
— James (@Jamesfspencer) April 9, 2014
This is a crushing blow to wrestling fans everywhere. Warrior, whose real name was James “Brian” Hellwig, was 54 years old.
Between his cool face paint, arm bands and neon colors, he could pump anyone up. I know I’m not alone in saying that he was my favorite wrestler growing up.
Here is what the WWE said in its announcement:
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.
He’s the latest pro wrestler to die young. Warrior just signed a legends contract with WWE and was set to start cashing in through the company.
Hulk Hogan shared his sympathies over Twitter:
RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014
And Jake the Snake Roberts said he and Warrior buried he hatchet:
Deeply saddened. We just had a great talk & buried a senseless hatchet. Talked working together. RIP Warrior. Taking solace we made peace.
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) April 9, 2014
Also see: Ultimate Warrior’s speeches at RAW and Hall of Fame are chilling in light of death
