Even if you don't follow the world of professional wrestling, there is a pretty good chance that you are familiar with the man that was known as the Ultimate Warrior.  Known for his painted face mask, armbands and running to the ring and violently  shaking the ropes before his matches, the WWE is mourning the loss of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.

Born James Brian Hellwig, Warrior legally changed his name in 1993.  He began his wrestling career in 1987 and quickly became one of the professional wrestling world's favorites by 1990 after beating Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI to win the world title.

Just days ago, Warrior had the chance to take his deserved place in the WWE Hall of Fame and appeared at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw (where he put on a mask one last time) to acknowledge his many fans, almost knowing what was going to happen all too soon. Warrior said,

No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own.  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 bleed deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers.  You, you, you, you, you...are the legend-makers of Ultimate Warrior.

After being away from the ring for 18 years, his appearance at the WWE's Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday night, Warrior announced that he had just signed a deal with the WWE to be the official ambassador.

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and two daughters.

Ultimate Warriors WWE Hall of Fame Induction Speech from Saturday, April 5, 2014.

Ultimate Warrior's return to the ring on Monday Night Raw, Monday, April 7, 2014.

 

Source:  ABC News and WWE

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