Tarra Matthews

Senior Manager

@tlcm_16

Sad news to wake up to for all wrestling fans this morning. According to a statement released by the WWE one of the most iconic wrestlers of our generation, Ultimate Warrior, has passed away at the age of 54.

The news comes just days after Ultimate Warrior, who was born James Brian Hellwig (before legally changing his name in 1993), was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame.

The wrestling icon’s death comes as a major shock to wrestling fans and his fellow wrestlers alike who have tweeted out their condolences to Warriors friends and family; including his former biggest rival, Hulk Hogan:

RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014

Courtesy WWE

“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.”

TMZ reports that Warrior appeared in good health and spirits right up until he apparently collapsed outside his hotel in AZ yesterday evening. He even took the time to take photos with any fan who approached him at the New Orleans airport Tuesday morning (April 8th).

Courtesy TMZ

His last public appearance took place Monday night as apart of Monday Night Raw where his words were eerily fitting as he addressed his legions of fans,

“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. A man’s spirit is immortalized by the memory of the people who honour him. You, you, you,” he said, pointing at people in the audience. “You are the legend makers of Ultimate Warrior.”

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