Just a few hours after delivering an emotional speech at Monday night's Raw, recently inducted WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior (birth name James Hellwig) died.
The WWE confirmed the passing of one of its greatest stars in the following statement on its website. "WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever," the statement read. "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."
Reaction from the wrestling world was one of shock and sadness:
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
The speech that Ultimate Warrior made on Monday night's Raw was made all the more poignant given the sad events that would take place only hours later. We compiled a few videos below of that aforementioned Raw appearance, his Hall of Fame speech from April 5, his infamous match against Hulk Hogan and his match against Andre the Giant.
Here is the full speech from The Ultimate Warrior's final public appearance:
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own. Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe a final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and make them bleed deeper and something 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, 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 the intensity. So much so that that you will tell your stories and you will make them legends, as well. Ultimate. You are the Ultimate Warrior Fans. And the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever!"
Ultimate Warrior is survived by his wife and two daughters. Rest in Peace.
Reaction from the wrestling world was one of shock and sadness:
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
The speech that Ultimate Warrior made on Monday night's Raw was made all the more poignant given the sad events that would take place only hours later. We compiled a few videos below of that aforementioned Raw appearance, his Hall of Fame speech from April 5, his infamous match against Hulk Hogan and his match against Andre the Giant.
Here is the full speech from The Ultimate Warrior's final public appearance:
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own. Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe a final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and make them bleed deeper and something 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, 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 the intensity. So much so that that you will tell your stories and you will make them legends, as well. Ultimate. You are the Ultimate Warrior Fans. And the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever!"
Ultimate Warrior is survived by his wife and two daughters. Rest in Peace.
