WWE Legend ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Dies At 54 Just Days After Wrestlemania 30 Appearance
WWE Legend James Brian Hellwig, better known by his stage name Ultimate Warrior, has died at the age of 54, according to WWE officials in a statement.
News of the legend's death comes just days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and his appearance on "Monday Night Raw." Warrior's reunion with WWE follows an 18-year breakup with the pro wrestling corporation.
According to TMZ, Warrior collapsed suddenly outside an Arizona hotel at 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday while walking to a car with his wife Dana. Warrior was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"We are grateful just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was 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," read the official WWE statement on its website.
Hellwig was known for his elaborate face-paint, energetic style, and his violent shaking of the ropes before his matches. He became the WWE champion wrestler in 1990 after defeating Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania. In 1993, he legally changed his name to The Ultimate Warrior.
During his Hall of Fame speech, Hellwig announced his plans to become an ambassador for the company.
In his now final appearance on Monday Night Raw, Hellwig appeared on stage with the signature costume and face paint he wore during his wrestling days, and spoke to the crowd as they cheered him on.
"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own," he told the crowd. "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 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. I am the Ultimate Warrior, you are the Ultimate Warrior fans and the spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever."
Rest in peace, Ultimate Warrior. He is survived by his wife Dana, and two daughters.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!