It looks like the world of wrestling has just lost one of it’s brightest stars.
WWE legend Ultimate Warrior has passed away after he collapsed outside of a Arizona hotel, right in front of his wife, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital (sadly, he wasn’t the only WWE star to have to go to the hospital these past few days either).
The icon, whose real name was James Hellwig, was just 54 years old and the cause of his death is currently unknown. The wrestling community has already taken to Twitter to grieve over the heartbreaking loss:
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
#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
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
RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) 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
Just this weekend, Warrior was inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame and even made an appearance on Monday Night Raw the evening before his passing. During his Hall of Fame speech, he said he had just signed a new multi-year deal with WWE to serve as an official ambassador (they had been apart for almost 18 years).
Here’s what the WWE said in an official statement:
“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├óΓé¼Γäós family, friends and fans. Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.”
While it’s definitely a heartbreaking loss for the world of wrestling, we’re glad to see he’ll be remembered the way he should be. As a legend.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Watch Warrior’s final words to his fans at Monday Night Raw (below):
