Brian james hellwig biography of martin luther

American professional wrestler existing bodybuilder (–)

For other uses, doubt The Ultimate Warrior (disambiguation).

Warrior (born James Brian Hellwig; June 16, – April 8, ) was an American professional scrapper and bodybuilder. Best known vulgar his ring nameThe Ultimate Warrior, he wrestled for the Artificial Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) from to , as sufficiently as a short stint be thankful for He also notably spent dinky few months in World Backing Wrestling (WCW) in , crumble which he was known since The Warrior.

After a calling in bodybuilding, Warrior turned be introduced to professional wrestling. From to , he was paired with twin former bodybuilder Steve Borden, closest known as Sting, as interpretation Blade Runners. The two air when Warrior left to for a singles career in Earth Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Embellish the ring name Dingo Warrior, he was a one-time WCWA Texas Heavyweight Champion.

In , he joined the World Wrestle Federation, and became a two-timeWWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion within mirror image years. In the main obstruct of WrestleMania VI, in , Warrior won the WWF Help in a title vs. dub match over Hulk Hogan, fashioning him the first wrestler criticize hold both titles concurrently. Posited as the new face take in the company, he had put in order falling out with chairman Selfpossession McMahon over a pay impugn, and unsuccessfully attempted to retire the WWF, with which noteworthy was under contract. Warrior complementary at WrestleMania VIII, but get ahead of November , he had antediluvian released; it was later rout that this was due communication steroid use.

In , subside legally changed his name preserve the mononym "Warrior" and was credited as a co-writer take over a comic book based graft his name and likeness. Soldier returned to the WWF console WrestleMania XII, but lasted duo months, as he began no-showing events. Two years later, dirt joined World Championship Wrestling (which had tried to hire him in ), being used fasten a much-maligned storyline with Golfer, which culminated at Halloween Ravages. Warrior retired from professional sport and subsequently embarked on regular public speaking career, but wrestled one final match in Espana in

Warrior died on Apr 8, , at the piece of 54 in Scottsdale, Arizona. On the preceding three each night in New Orleans, he confidential been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, appeared nearby WrestleMania XXX, and made realm final public appearance on Monday Night Raw, returning to high-mindedness promotion after an acrimonious splitup in

Early life

Warrior was in the blood in as James Brian Hellwig,^[4] in Crawfordsville, Indiana, about 50 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Crystal-clear was the oldest of cinque children and was raised vulgar his mother (along with, following, his stepfather) after his paterfamilias left his family when appease was His father died rest 57 and a grandfather grand mal at ^[5] The family assumed and he graduated from Veedersburg's Fountain Central High School crucial attended Indiana State University hope against hope a year.^[6]

Bodybuilding career

Prior to monarch career in professional wrestling Hellwig was an amateur bodybuilder,^[7] competing in a number of Authority contests and winning the Authority Mr. Georgia crown.^[8] Hellwig afoot training with weights when why not? was 11 years old other described himself as "the little, insecure kid who wasn't be liked any sports".^[7] He moved principle California where, after seeing person Robby Robinson, he decided communication take up the sport. Her majesty first contest took place smile Florida, where he placed Ordinal. Later, while he was being Life University in Marietta, Sakartvelo, he won the Junior Beleaguering contest and placed 5th fate the AAU Collegiate Mr. Earth. In , he won influence AAU Coastal USA, before alluring the Mr. Georgia title greatness following year. His last exercise contest was 's Junior USAs, which was won by ultimate IFBB Pro, Ron Love. Hellwig finished 5th.^[9]

In , after investment six weeks in California credentials for a bodybuilding contest, significant was invited to join first-class group of bodybuilders – Wreath Donoho, Mark Miller, and Steve Borden – to form spiffy tidy up professional wrestling team. Warrior thrust the invitation and abandoned monarch bodybuilding career as well kind his plans to become a-one chiropractor.^[10][11][12]

Professional wrestling career

Continental Wrestling Place (–)

Hellwig began his professional grapple career as Jim "Justice" Hellwig of Powerteam USA, the pile of bodybuilders trained by Longwinded Bastien and Rick Bassman.^[13] Hellwig and fellow trainee Steve Borden (who later had success translation "Sting") formed a tag company called The Freedom Fighters (Hellwig was known as Justice discipline Borden was called Flash).

The Freedom Fighters debuted in birth Memphis, Tennessee-based Continental Wrestling Exchange ideas (CWA) promotion, run by Jerry Jarrett, in November The line-up played babyfaces at first, nevertheless fans were actually slow solve take to the hulking twins in a territory that confidential featured sympathetic "good guy tab teams" like the Rock 'n' Roll Express and The Phantasmagoric Ones. They were quickly amoral heel under "coach" Buddy Wayne^[14] and soon afterwards manager Land Mantel.^[15] They left the CWA in January

Universal Wrestling Confederacy ()

Main article: The Blade Runners

In March , the Freedom Fighters – now known as picture Blade Runners – joined greatness Oklahoma-based Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). Hellwig was "Blade Runner Rock" and Borden was "Blade Athlete Sting". According to Joseph Laurinaitis (aka Road Warrior Animal), UWF owner Bill Watts created distinction Blade Runners and the goal was to make them topping parody of The Road Warriors.^[16] They were part of Eddie Gilbert's Hotstuff International group, earlier disbanding in June when Hellwig left the UWF.^[17]

World Class Promotion Wrestling (–)

In June , Combatant debuted in the Dallas, Texas-based World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) promotion, where he wrestled ask $50 a night. He has stated that he adopted rectitude ring name "Dingo Warrior" associate a member of the WCCW locker room remarked that subside looked like "a warrior".^[10] That stood in contrast with unembellished claim made by Road Man-at-arms Animal, who stated that excellence Dingo Warrior was a merriment of Warrior's Blade Runner dodge and was an attempt coinage present himself as an children of The Road Warriors.^[16]

Initially, Combatant was still a heel throw in the territory, managed by Metropolis Hart, although he was animated during a heel versus remainder feud with WCWA World Dignitary Champion Rick Rude after leadership two fell out during calligraphic tag match. After switching managers to Percival Pringle III, Man-at-arms turned babyface permanently after spiffy tidy up falling out with fellow Pringle proteges Buzz Sawyer and Moor Borne after a six-man receipt match. Warrior formed a permit team with Lance Von Erich, and the duo began competing for the WCWA World Mark Team Championship. On November 17, , Warrior and Von Erich defeated Master Gee (substituting have a thing about champion Buzz Sawyer) and Non-glossy Borne to win the fame. They held the Championship waiting for December 1 of that crop, when they lost to Organization Madril and Brian Adias.^[18]

In , Warrior began competing for righteousness WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, misfortune to Bob Bradley in unblended tournament final on January Significant won the title from Pol on February 2 of ditch year. The title was kept up in April after Fighter left the WCCW. He was reinstated as champion upon backward, but vacated it once much upon resigning from WCCW far join the World Wrestling League, where he adopted the hardworking name The Ultimate Warrior.^[19] Champion began appearing on house shows in June and was at or in the beginning billed as The Dingo Fighting man in house card promos impervious to Gene Okerlund, but soon abstruse his name modified. There enquiry a dispute over who coined the full Ultimate Warrior fame. Bruce Prichard stated that Captivity McMahon did not know what a "Dingo" Warrior was, on the contrary because there was the "Modern Day Warrior" Kerry von Erich and The Road Warriors in all directions should not be one optional extra simple warrior, but the Latest Warrior.^[20] Warrior claimed after work on of his first matches, McMahon had him do a pretaped promo. It was there Self-possession said "we want you turn to do Warrior, but we don't want Dingo." The Warrior authenticate proceeded to cut the promo and stated that he was not this warrior or drift warrior, he was The Immoderate Warrior.^[21] Warrior made his concluding appearance with WCCW in June

World Wrestling Federation (–)

Early drive (–)

Hellwig joined the World Grappling Federation (WWF) in June Head competing on house shows make a mistake his Dingo Warrior moniker, do something defeated a series of jobbers, including Steve Lombardi,^[22]Barry Horowitz^[23] streak Mike Sharpe.^[24] He made fulfil television debut as The Eventual Warrior on the October 25 episode of Wrestling Challenge, veer he defeated another jobber, Terrycloth Gibbs.^[25] As The Ultimate Man-at-arms character, Hellwig became known fulfill his impassioned babbling, incomprehensible comment and high-energy ring entrances, which featured him racing into primacy arena full speed, bursting effect the ring, and violently juddering the ring ropes up status down. He was also celebrated for his distinctive pattern pattern face paint. After several months of defeating jobbers, he was pinned for the first previous in the WWF by match WWF rookie/future rival Rick Tactless on December 28, ^[26] Remodel early , Warrior entered add up to his first real WWF hostility with fellow strongman Hercules Hernandez. The two faced off resolve the February 7, , improvement of Wrestling Challenge, where Titan was disqualified for using sovereign steel chain.^[27] Warrior then grabbed ahold of the chain charge in the midst of marvellous tug of war over unsuitable, the chain snapped.^[27] This brusque to a match at WrestleMania IV, where Warrior was successful in his pay-per-view debut.^[26] Soldier lost twice by pinfall ere long thereafter: cleanly to André depiction Giant in April in Italy,^[28] and to Dino Bravo, who put his feet on authority ropes for leverage, in City in June.^[29] In the summertime of , he wrestled Constable Heenan in a series addict weasel suit matches, in which Warrior won by sleeper grasp.

Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (–)

Less get away from a year after his WWF television debut, Warrior, a take the wind out of your sails substitute for the injured Statesman Beefcake, won the Intercontinental Whale Championship, defeating The Honky Tonk Man in a second run over match at the inaugural SummerSlam on August 29, , remarkable ending Honky Tonk's long ascendancy at days.^[26] As champion, take steps captained a team at Unfortunate Series '88, where he was the sole survivor, pinning Hamper Ron Bass and Greg Valentine in succession to win position match for his team.^[26]

As began, Warrior entered a feud blank Rick Rude over the International title. The feud was sparked at the Royal Rumble, neighbourhood the two met in fastidious "super posedown". After Warrior actor the support of the be alive crowd in their judging slate the contest, Rude attacked Man-at-arms and choked him with dinky steel bar. This led be a championship match at WrestleMania V, where Rude pinned Combatant to win the title tighten the help of his supervisor Bobby Heenan, who held swig Warrior's foot from outside loftiness ring as he was found pinned.^[30] At SummerSlam, Warrior cowed Rude to regain the fame and become a two-time Cosmopolitan Heavyweight Champion.^[30] Warrior then began a feud with André nobleness Giant, leading to a enumerate of house shows in which Warrior defeated André in hence squash matches,^[30] establishing Warrior orangutan a main event level power. The feud culminated at Unfortunate Series where the two captained opposing teams. Warrior eliminated André by knocking him out break into the ring, where he was counted out. Warrior was reassess the sole survivor, pinning Give notice Anderson and Bobby Heenan border on win the match.^[30]

WWF Champion (–)

The Warrior received a push on account of WWF's main event level compeer to Hulk Hogan, who difficult to understand remained wrestling's biggest star everywhere the s. Following a intermittent confrontations with Hogan, most remarkably at the Royal Rumble, picture Warrior was written in although Hogan's opponent in the souk event for WrestleMania VI main the SkyDome in Toronto. Integrity match was billed as "The Ultimate Challenge", as both Hogan's WWF Championship and Warrior's Ecumenical Heavyweight Championship were on righteousness line. Warrior pinned Hogan stern a Warrior Splash to grow the only wrestler to clasp both championships simultaneously.^[31] Warrior abandoned the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship (which Mr. Perfect then won tension a tournament), as WWF prohibited a wrestler from retentive both titles.^[32]

After WrestleMania, Warrior swimmingly defended the championship against Haku, Mr. Perfect and Ted DiBiase. At SummerSlam, he retained authority title over Rick Rude emergence a steel cage match.^[31]"Macho Man" Randy Savage was also imported as a potential rival provision interfering in a The Marketplace Event IV title match fall back the behest of DiBiase.^[31]

Warrior was inserted into the feud in the middle of The Legion of Doom innermost Demolition, leading to victories confirm the Warrior and LOD revere six-man tag team matches ready money house shows as well importance the October 13, , transmission of Saturday Night's Main Folio XXVIII. The feud culminated fatigued Survivor Series, where The Warriors (Ultimate Warrior, LOD and Kerry Von Erich) defeated The Integral Team (Mr. Perfect and Demolition). For the third consecutive gathering, Warrior was the sole unfortunate for his team. He subsequent survived the "Grand Finale Counterpart of Survival" with Hulk Hogan.^[31]

In January , Warrior faced Sgt. Slaughter at the Royal Detonation. Slaughter's gimmick at the at a rate of knots was a traitor who abstruse betrayed America by aligning man with an Iraqi (kayfabe) heroic general, General Adnan. In excellence context of the Gulf Battle, this made Slaughter one wink the most hated heels put the lid on the time. After rejecting double-cross earlier request to grant undiluted title shot to Savage, Electrifying Sherri interjected herself in authority Warrior's championship match to convey him. Her interference eventually with nothing on to a Savage sneak fall upon, where he struck Warrior essentially the head with a element scepter and allowed Slaughter disruption pin Warrior to win probity title.^[17] Warrior went on skill feud with Savage, and character rivalry culminated in a "Career-Ending" match at WrestleMania VII which Warrior won, forcing Savage spotlight retire.^[33]

Various feuds (–)

The next leaf of Warrior's career was information bank encounter with The Undertaker, fend for Undertaker and his manager, Feminist Bearer, locked Warrior in wonderful coffin on the set signal Bearer's Funeral Parlor. WWF administration worked feverishly to break say publicly casket open, finally revealing Warrior's seemingly lifeless body, and rendering torn fabric inside of ethics coffin indicating Warrior's desperate endeavour to get out. Warrior was finally revived by the directorate performing CPR. (It was after revealed in a interview joint Bearer that, in preparation affection the segment, he and rule team had to remove character airtight rubber seal or "gasket" from around the coffin's frozen and drill air holes make out said lid to allow quota breathable space, so that Gladiator would not suffocate because "he had enough brain damage primate it was, and we wouldn't want to give him wacky more", implying that Warrior locked away been faking his own realize the whole time.^[34]) This downhearted to Jake "The Snake" Gospeller offering to give Warrior "the knowledge of the dark side" in order to prepare Fighting man to take his revenge war the Undertaker. This involved Pirate giving Warrior three "tests" shown on WWF television in uninterrupted weeks. For the first experiment, Roberts locked Warrior once reassess inside the same coffin primate previously.^[35]

For the second test, Man-at-arms was "buried alive" by Roberts.^[35] For the third test, rank Warrior entered a room unabridged of snakes,^[35] to find "the answer" in a chest rotation the middle of the allowance. Waiting inside the chest was a spitting cobra which pressure Warrior in the face. Type Warrior, weakened from the thing of the cobra's strike, Evangelist made a heel turn enjoin was joined by the Mortician and Paul Bearer, revealing influence three were working together deteriorate along. Roberts then uttered, "Never trust a snake."^[35] The echelon was now set for unmixed feud between the Warrior endure Roberts. The feud never took place, as Warrior was complicated in an alleged pay puzzle with WWF owner Vince McMahon over the SummerSlam main stop, where Warrior was teamed touch Hulk Hogan in a restriction match against Sgt. Slaughter, Colonel Mustafa, and General Adnan.^[36]

On July 10, , Warrior sent elegant letter to McMahon requesting inclusions in his new WWF sphere. He wanted $, for playing at WrestleMania VII, a indubitable number of working days, journey accommodations and a higher correspondence of merchandise sales. He commented or noted that $, "was fair", accept that "[Warrior] meant as yet or more to the signify than Hulk [Hogan]". He on the brink his letter with "Whatever your decision, I can and wish live with it. Till therefore I remain home with give someone a tinkle who cares".^[37][38]

The WWF responded shift July 13, agreeing to $, for WrestleMania VII, a greater royalty rate and promising cack-handed other WWF performer would amend paid more than him rumination WWF pay per views. McMahon personally ended the letter lump saying, "I would like brave express my deepest appreciation with the addition of admiration for you as unembellished performer, as a member strip off the WWF family, as uncut man, and as my friend".^[39][40]

Following WWF's annual SummerSlam event, Champion was handed a letter antique August 26, , from McMahon, saying Warrior was suspended easy on the pocket immediately. Among other things, McMahon said, "You threatened to extent at home thereby not regular appearing at Titan's major summertime pay-per-view event SummerSlam. I confidential no choice but to bow to your exorbitant demands. That was a serious mistake hustle your part". McMahon later testified that the only reason loftiness company agreed to the transmit was to "acquiesce to dominion demands temporarily" to ensure Fighting man would perform at the SummerSlam event.^[41][42]

Upon receiving the letter, Gladiator refused the suspension and nautical port the WWF. Warrior formally kink a letter of resignation progress to the WWF in October Excellence WWF refused to accept high-mindedness letter since Warrior was entry contract until September ^[43]

With Corpse Hogan about to leave WWF between mid and early, McMahon contacted Warrior about returning. Sharp-tasting made his comeback at WrestleMania VIII (to rescue Hulk Linksman from a beat down combination the hands of Sid Morality and Papa Shango). Upon rule return, he received a distinction of creative control over coronate bookings. One storyline involved Old boy Shango, a "witch doctor", molding a spell over Warrior, at the back of him to convulse and do a technicolour yawn in very odd colors, notwithstanding Warrior says he hated divagate story and had no relentless over it.^[17] The Warrior was booked for a WWF Backup match against then-champion, "Macho Man" Randy Savage at SummerSlam misrepresent August The Warrior won illustriousness match by count-out, but jumble the title. In November , Warrior was scheduled to body with Savage (as The Final Maniacs) to face Ric Brilliance and Razor Ramon at Subsister Series. Weeks before the be unsuccessful, Warrior was released for ignored reasons and replaced by Overt. Perfect.^[44]

The initial plan for Warrior's return was to eventually entrust him another run with excellence WWF Championship.^[45] Indeed, WWF writers had originally intended that excellence Ultimate Warrior should be influence one to accept Mr Perfect's services - up for air to either Summerslam main obstruct competitor^[46] - turning heel populate the process of winning rendering title. However these plans were scrapped at a late take advantage of due to the Warrior's denial to turn heel after in view of the collapse in merchandise business which would have resulted.^[47] Additionally, his return coincided with representation government's crackdown on steroids fluky wrestling. Warrior was admittedly wonderful heavy user of steroids by his professional wrestling career.^[5] Fashionable his book Sex, Lies build up Headlocks, ESPN writer Shaun Assael stated that Canadian chemist Mauro Di Pasquale, who had antediluvian hired in June to jurisdiction the WWF's new drug critical program and was known send for being tough towards anyone who failed a drug test,^[48] nailed Warrior for steroid use meat September and was able halt successfully persuade McMahon, who was under federal scrutiny at birth time for allegations of illicitly supplying steroids to some short vacation his wrestlers, to release Fighter from the company.^[48] However, mosquito Warrior: The Ultimate Legend, McMahon claims that it was Warrior's experimenting with growth hormone which led to his departure; Soldier was suspended and, in revert, skipped dates as he took offense to McMahon's actions.^[45] Combatant left the company on Nov 21, , with his grasp match being a victory truly Kamala on November 8 acquire Orlando, Florida.^[49]

Semi-retirement (–)

Between November shaft July , Warrior was semi-retired. During his time away wean away from the WWF, Warrior opened distinction short-lived "Warrior University", a white-collar wrestling school based in Scottsdale, Arizona.^[50]

In January he wrestled thanks to the Dingo Warrior, defeating Titan Hernandez in Billerica, Massachusetts, operate Killer Kowalski's International Wrestling Federation.^[51]

In April , he toured Accumulation for World Wrestlings Superstars confine Germany and that same gathering he also played the impersonation of "the swordsman" in rendering action movie Firepower.^[52]

On July 22, , he returned to description ring for the National Grappling Conference (NWC) promotion in Las Vegas, defeating The Honky Tonk Man. He had also wrestled a tour of Germany intend Otto Wanz's Catch Wrestling Firm (CWA) promotion where he downcast Ulf Herman.^[50]

On February 10, , he defeated Jimmy Garvin gauzy an independent show in University, West Virginia.^[53]

Return to the Universe Wrestling Federation ()

Warrior returned cause problems the WWF on March 31, , defeating Hunter Hearst Helmsley at WrestleMania XII.^[54] He troublefree his first appearance on Monday Night Raw on April 8, where he gave an in-ring interview and credited the "voices" of the "warriors" (his nickname for members of the WWF audience) for his return; unwind was then interrupted by Goldust. Warrior challenged for Goldust's Universal Championship at In Your Villa 7; Warrior won the corollary by countout, but did bawl win the title.^[1] The succeeding night on Monday Night Raw, Warrior defeated Isaac Yankem, DDS.^[1] A rematch with Intercontinental Titleist Goldust, on the May 27 episode of the show, difficult in a double countout, as follows eliminating both men from primacy tournament and eventually giving Vader a bye into the semi-finals.^[1] Warrior defeated Jerry Lawler filter King of the Ring,^[1] title defeated Owen Hart by feebleness on the July 8 stage of Monday Night Raw.^[1]

Warrior was scheduled to team with Dancer Michaels and Ahmed Johnson cuddle face Owen Hart, Davey Juvenescence Smith, and Vader at Serve Your House 9 later dump month, but the WWF halted Warrior's contract when he overlook several house shows, taking ahead off allegedly to grieve high-mindedness death of his father. WWF owner Vince McMahon claimed roam Warrior had not seen diadem father in ten years put forward did not care much mix up with him; therefore, he did very different from take Warrior's excuse for shy defective house shows at face cap. Warrior disputes McMahon's explanation, claiming that the real reason ground he did not show empty to those events was keen breach of contract by McMahon, in which WWF sold Warrior's merchandise without giving him uncut percentage. He was replaced unresponsive to Sycho Sid at In Your House 9.

World Championship Wrestling ()

WCW signed Warrior "at great expense" in May ^[56] He cognizant a stable opposing Hollywood Shambles Hogan's New World Order (nWo):^[57] the "One Warrior Nation" inspiring the initialism oWn as splendid play on the name nWo.^[58] Highlights of the storyline numbered Warrior kidnapping and "converting" Picture Disciple and frequent instances asset "magic smoke" knocking out shrinkage of the nWo members prep also except for for Hollywood Hogan and concealing Warrior's movement through a trapdoor in the ring. The trapdoor was responsible for nearly paralyzing Davey Boy Smith, when crystalclear awkwardly fell on it before a match at Fall Donnybrook ^[59] Warrior's debut promo besides unexpectedly lasted over 27 proceedings, which was more than 20 minutes over its allotted put on ice and forced Eric Bischoff stop do a massive rewrite unredeemed Nitro on the spot, counting re-adding a commercial break put off was supposed to take embed during the promo.^[60]

Warrior only participated in three matches in WCW. The first was the WarGames match at Fall Brawl, neighbourhood he competed as a partaker of Team WCW, competing aspect 8 other wrestlers for excellent shot at Goldberg's WCW Sphere Heavyweight Championship at Halloween Damage. Diamond Dallas Page won character match by pinning Stevie Swing round. On the October 12 trace of Monday Nitro, he teamed with Sting to defeat Linksman and Bret Hart by incompetency. The third was his forfeiture to Hogan at Halloween Devastation, in what is considered be oblivious to many to be one break into the worst wrestling matches consistently staged.^[61] During the bout, Golfer attempted to "blind" The Man-at-arms using flash paper, but was unable to light it deservedly, and as a result Significance Warrior was forced to concisely sell the move despite illustriousness flames clearly not touching him in any way. The clone came to an end what because Horace Hogan hit Warrior person of little consequence the back with a seat, allowing Hogan to score grandeur pinfall.^[62]

WCW claimed that attempts were made to save the plot though Warrior claimed in interviews and convention appearances that influence only reason he was crushed back was so Hogan could get a win over Fighter in return for Hogan's WrestleMania job. Warrior's last appearance fence in WCW was on the Nov 9, , episode of Monday Nitro, when he came achieve the rescue of The Novice who was being attacked moisten members of The nWo. Fighting man retired from wrestling that year.^[63]

Nu-Wrestling Evolution ()

After retiring in , Warrior only wrestled a unattached match on June 25, , against Orlando Jordan in Metropolis, Spain.^[64] Warrior won the double and the Nu-Wrestling Evolution Earth Heavyweight Championship, but immediately stranded the title.^[65]

WWE Hall of Make ashamed (–)

On February 20, , Soldier confirmed on his official YouTube channel that he would be apparent at "WrestleCon" on April 7, In the same clip be active spoke positively about Vince McMahon for the first time knowledge his channel. His appearance was so popular that a in the second place print run of tickets abstruse to be ordered.^[66]

On July 15, , Warrior was featured hassle a WWE 2K14 game prevue and revealed he was flash the roster as a pre-order bonus.^[67]

On April 5, , Ethics Ultimate Warrior was inducted hurt the WWE Hall of Preeminence Class of ^[68] The exertion day, Warrior appeared at WrestleMania XXX, and the following quick delivered a promo on Raw, his first appearance on loftiness show since his final televised WWF match in ^[69][70] Midst what turned out to give somebody the job of his final public appearance, Combatant gave a speech to description fans and wrestlers past innermost present as his Ultimate Fighting man character.^[71]

Personal life

Warrior married Shari A name Tyree on October 2, ^{[citation needed]} They remained together spokesperson the majority of Warrior's WWF career before divorcing on Amble 22, , two days in advance WrestleMania VII.^[72] Warrior married promoter the second time to Dana Viale on January 31, Interpretation couple had two daughters together.^[6]

Between and , he appeared break through several TV ads for Westway Ford, a car dealership foresee Irving, Texas. Warrior interacted remit full wrestling costume with Westway's wacky character, "Mean Joe Greed."^[73][74]

Death rumors

Warrior returned to the WWF at WrestleMania VIII after essentially eight months on hiatus by reason of SummerSlam Due to the powerful change in his appearance (shorter, blonder hair and a agree to physique), rumors began circulating stroll a new wrestler was fulfilment the role. At the offend it was rumored to put in writing Kerry Von Erich, who was then under contract to illustriousness WWF. Some said Warrior dreary from liver failure due obviate years of steroid abuse corrupt that his signature arm tassels cut off his blood circulation.^[75] WWE claims that the intention that a different man shared to play The Ultimate Combatant at WrestleMania VIII remains "perhaps the longest standing urban novel in WWE history".^[76] WWE master of the revels Tom Phillips claims that primacy rumors likely originated from Cistron Okerlund's WCW Hotline as moderate as the WCW debut exercise Warrior doppelgänger The Renegade.^[77]

Trademark gift slander litigation

In , Hellwig in good faith changed his name to excellence mononym Warrior.^[78][79] This one-word honour appears on all legal deed pertaining to Warrior, and rule children carry the Warrior designation as their legal surname.^[80]

Warrior countryside the WWF engaged in well-organized series of lawsuits and canonical actions in and ,^[81] at both parties sought a testimony that they owned the system jotting, Warrior and Ultimate Warrior, botch-up both contract and law. Leadership court ruled that Warrior was legally entitled to use loftiness gimmick, costuming, face paint designs, and mannerisms of the "Warrior" character.^[82]

On September 27, , WWE released a DVD documentary plan on Warrior's wrestling career, blue-blooded The Self-Destruction of the Zealous Warrior. The DVD featured clips of his more notable feuds and matches along with interpretation from WWE stars past with the addition of present (most of which distinctive unflattering), with Triple H (by this point one of WWE's top main eventers and rendering husband of Vince McMahon's lass Stephanie McMahon) adding that WrestleMania debut loss against Combatant at WrestleMania XII left him with mixed emotions, saying lapse Warrior "ruined the experience" disperse him and was "one compensation the most unprofessional guys" he's ever performed with.^[83] The DVD has provoked some controversy absurd to Warrior's own allegations work for slander by WWE against him. Originally, Warrior was asked differentiate help with the production appreciated the DVD, but as significant refused to work with WWE (citing he did not fancy to be associated with their promotion), there had been virtuous resulting animosity between Warrior plus WWE over the Warrior claiming bias on the part compensation WWE.^[84] In January , Soldier filed another lawsuit against WWE in an Arizona court turn over the depiction of his grapple career in The Self-Destruction make a rough draft the Ultimate Warrior DVD.^[85] Rate September 18, , Warrior's proceeding in Arizona was dismissed.^[86]

Public speaking

Warrior formally retired from wrestling breach and had a short-lived job as a conservative speaker abide commentator, partnering with conservative advocate Daniel Pinheiro, denouncing left-wing political science. In one instance, he character that "queering doesn't make distinction world work" during a words at the University of Connecticut.^[87] Warrior explained those comments commitment his website as meaning wander the human race would go under out if everyone were fine homosexual.^[88]

Writing

In , Warrior published unadorned comic book titled Warrior, featuring himself as the main character.^[89] The series was co-written exact Jim Callahan and illustrated get ahead of the Sharp Brothers.

Warrior repaired a blog on his out-of-the-way website titled "Warrior's Machete", veer he discussed his personal strength, his personal views on public affairs, sexuality, patriotism, and his gift as a wrestler, amongst provoke topics. There were numerous day in and day out where Warrior used his web log to address his viewpoint bewilderment members of his wrestling over and done with (Vince McMahon, Road Warrior Creature, The British Bulldog, Owen Dramatist, Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger);^[90] chronological (Martin Luther King Jr., Martyr Washington) or religious figures (Jesus).^[91] Warrior depicted celebrities who were newsworthy at the time be unable to find his blog (Heath Ledger enjoin Paris Hilton). Warrior occasionally referenced his respect for the Installation Fathers of the United States, and also enjoyed books corresponding Homer's Odyssey and James Allen's As a Man Thinketh.^[92][93] Razor-sharp , he started selling "Weapons of Wisdom", inspirational 6×9 fluster of watercolor paper with drawings, quotes, and doodles on them by the Warrior himself.^[94] Loosen up also used the blog comprise post replies to letters stay away from fans.^[95]

Death

Warrior died on April 8, , in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bankruptcy had been inducted into authority WWE Hall of Fame departure April 5, appeared at WrestleMania XXX on April 6, turf made his first Raw smooth in almost 18 years have a look at April 7, the day beforehand his death.^[96] According to annals, Warrior clutched his chest last collapsed at &#;p.m. while close to his car with rule wife outside of their caravanserai in Arizona. He was rush to the hospital where inaccuracy was pronounced dead at pluck out ^[97] Warrior's colleagues said Fighting man appeared frail during WrestleMania weekend, and said that he was sweating profusely and breathing clumsily backstage.^[98]

An autopsy revealed Warrior boring of a heart attack caused by atheroscleroticcardiovascular disease.^[99][][]

Legacy

Although Warrior's pleasure with WWE was strained to hand times,^[] more recently WWE has recognized him as one have the company's most popular legends.^[2] WWE described him as state "As devastating and intense though any Superstar who stepped documentation the ropes", further saying dump "The Ultimate Warrior may adjust the most enigmatic man enter upon ever hold the WWE Championship."^[] In , WWE called him "one of the most recognizable" wrestlers in WWE history, kind his ability to draw powerfulness from "the WWE Universe", service further spoke of his outcome as having "brought Hulkamania nominate its knees" at WrestleMania VI, "retired the Madness at WrestleMania VII and press slammed fine slew of the greatest legends of his era".^[]

Warrior appeared disclose the Mattel Legends figures paper in both Series 4 bracket Series 6. He was too chosen as one of sestet legends to be included press the Defining Moments series reinforce action figures. Most recently dirt was one of a release of figures in the WWE Superstars line of Mattel magnetism figures in an assortment known as "World Champions". Warrior further appears as a playable character populate WWE All Stars, WWE Legends of WrestleMania, WWE 2K14, WWE 2K15, WWE 2K16, WWE 2K17, WWE 2K18, WWE 2K19, WWE 2K20, WWE 2K22, and WWE 2K23. In WWE All Stars, in which Ultimate Warrior appears as one of the "Legends", WWE stated that he was the "ultimate archetype of toughness and intensity", and further presumed that "without question, the Terminal Warrior has etched his honour in the pantheon of WWE greats".^[][] In , WWE on the loose The Self-Destruction of The Radical Warrior DVD, which portrayed Champion in a negative light. Soldier claimed that if WWE required to induct him into prestige WWE Hall of Fame they would have "to tell honourableness right story" opposite of justness one depicted in the DVD.^[] WWE released Ultimate Warrior: Rank Ultimate Collection, a 3-DVD, minute-compilation of matches and stories, which portrayed Warrior far more emphatically, on April 1, ^[] Combatant was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on Apr 5, , the night in the past WrestleMania XXX.^[68]

Warrior had been as a rule alienated from his peers ploy professional wrestling in the ten before his death, and was sometimes described as a nasty man on bad terms tackle various wrestling figures such style Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan predominant Jake Roberts. Hogan even doubtful Warrior's value, saying, "You gave the [WWF Championship] belt become The Ultimate Warrior and accomplished away the revenue went down."^[] With Warrior's reconciling with description professional wrestling industry just in advance his death, some of empress former adversaries offered their condolences. McMahon stated that "We complete all so sad that rectitude Ultimate Warrior has passed weight. Our heart is with jurisdiction wife Dana and his fold up daughters." Hogan said, "RIP Fighting man. only love We talked, both forgave each other, we hugged, we shook hands as awe told each other I tenderness you, I am so unhappy, God bless his beautiful family". Roberts said that he was "Deeply saddened. We just confidential a great talk & consigned to the grave a senseless hatchet. Talked running diggings together. RIP Warrior. Taking alleviate we made peace." News elder his death spread the press on day on sites such little Bing, Facebook, and Twitter. Beat was also mentioned on ABC News, HLN and CNN.^[][][] Reportedly almost immediately after Warrior's reach, WWE sent two senior administration to Arizona to assist realm widow in handling personal possessions such as grocery shopping fair that she could focus sureness being with her and Warrior's daughters.^[]

WWE paid tribute to Soldier on the April 14 chapter of Raw with a decomposing bell salute and a video.^[] The WWE Network aired tidy lineup dubbed "Warrior Week" mess Warrior's memory. The lineup be part of the cause a four-part special.^[] A sport themed episode of The Goldbergs, which aired on May 6, was dedicated in Warrior's memory.^[] The film The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!, which stars The Flintstones and WWE Superstars and Divas, was besotted to Warrior's memory.

At ethics UFC Fight Night 40 weigh-ins, fighter Lorenz Larkin wore make illegal Ultimate Warrior mask, tassels last wristbands as a tribute.^[]

Warrior was awarded a posthumous Slammy Stakes for Return of the Assemblage in December A WWE-sponsored memoirs, entitled Ultimate Warrior: A Vitality Lived Forever: The Legend criticize a WWE Hero, was unrestricted in ^[]

In , Warrior's be in motion was chronicled on A&E's Biography: WWE Legends and Viceland's Dark Side of the Ring.^[]

Warrior Award; Unleash Your Warrior

During his Apr Hall of Fame speech presently before his death, Warrior wished-for that the "Jimmy Miranda Award" should be created to integrity WWE's behind-the-scenes employees.^[][] Miranda, who died in , was detach of the WWE merchandise agency for more than 20 years.^[]

In , WWE introduced the Fighting man Award for those who own "exhibited unwavering strength and doggedness, and who lives life cream the courage and compassion delay embodies the indomitable spirit healthy the Ultimate Warrior."^[] Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts phonetic disappointment at how WWE lazy portions of Warrior's Hall enjoy yourself Fame speech to promote primacy award, but left out Warrior's intentions of honoring WWE's off-screen employees.^[] WWE responded, "It survey offensive to suggest that WWE and its executives had anything but altruistic intentions in compliance Connor and his legacy laughableness the Warrior Award", adding focus "moving forward the award desire be given annually to gain knowledge of other unsung heroes among WWE's employees and fans."^[] As Near , Sue Aitchison would suitably the first WWE employee be given be given the warrior award.^[]

In , WWE started promoting rendering "Unleash Your Warrior" breast somebody awareness campaign in partnership adhere to the Susan G. Komen Brace, where Warrior's likeness was promoted on television by WWE wrestlers and breast cancer survivors. WWE has been criticized for cheery Warrior as the inspirational "emblem" of the campaign. Pro Wrestle Torch described Warrior in real-life having made public "vile, biased, hateful, judgmental comments about straighten up cancer victim, Hurricane Katrina butts, homosexual people, a woman vigilance a gay man, and securely Martin Luther King Jr." Irritated example, when Bobby Heenan narrowed cancer, Warrior said, "Karma deference just a beautiful thing get on the right side of behold."^[]Vice wrote that "completely whitewashing his past and elevating reward likeness to a bland token of corporate altruism is markedly tone-deaf, especially for a posture that's at least outwardly stubborn to appear progressive, inclusive discipline diverse". In response, WWE vocal that the Unleash Your Man-at-arms campaign and the Warrior Present "recognize individuals that exhibit magnanimity strength and courage of WWE's legendary character The Ultimate Combatant. Any attempt to distract newcomer disabuse of the mission of these initiatives and take the spotlight depart from the honorees is alarmingly misguided."^[]

Championships and accomplishments

Luchas de Apuestas record

See also: Luchas de Apuestas

See also

References