Rare News Desk
Last night wrestling icon James Hellwig, a.k.a the Ultimate Warrior, died suddenly in Arizona.
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Hellwig had recently returned from a series of appearances at WWE events, his first such appearances in almost two decades. On Saturday night, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame which he headlined.
After years out of the limelight, the charismatic and often unhinged Hellwig returned to the WWE to celebrate his legacy and “bury the hatchet” with fans, wrestlers and owners.
Given the recent good tidings surrounding his appearances, Hellwig’s death has left wrestling fans around the world in shock.
In his final public appearance, only hours before his death, Warrior spoke about death and his legacy on WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
“You will decide if they lived with passion and intensity — so much so 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 Ultimate Warrior will run forever,” he said.
Hellwig was 54.
RIP Ultimate Warrior #American #Fitness #Hero
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) April 9, 2014
There isn't a single 25+ male in the world who didn't win the Royal Rumble in their house or garden as Ultimate Warrior during childhood
— Plastician / Stish (@Plastician) April 9, 2014
"Master Blaster runs Heaventown." — Mickey Rooney, climbing atop The Ultimate Warrior's shoulders in the afterlife
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 9, 2014
Can't believe the ultimate warrior is gone. Had the honor to meet him this weekend
— Marc Harris (@OfficialRefMarc) April 9, 2014
RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014
His last words on Monday was "The spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever" 💔 #RIPUltimateWarrior
— heids✨ (@ViperDream_ox) April 9, 2014
https://twitter.com/MariaLKanellis/status/453860375918673920
One of my childhood heroes in the 80's and 90's has passed on The Ultimate Warrior. Yet another one taken from us so soon . My condolences
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) April 9, 2014
Break my heart. I love you forever #RIPUltimateWarrior
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 9, 2014
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
Heartbroken. My sincerest condolences go out to The Warrior's family. Seeing how much he loved his daughters and his wife this weekend…
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) April 9, 2014
… makes it all the more heartbreaking. The Ultimate Warrior was my favorite as a kid, and getting to speak to him this weekend was one…
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) April 9, 2014
… of my favorite moments. He was so nice to me. #RIPWarrior
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) April 9, 2014
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
#RIPUltimateWarrior Your strength of character is to be admired. There will never be anyone like you. Your spirit lives on in your family.
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) April 9, 2014
We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters.
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) April 9, 2014
