Your tip
Your tip
RadarOnlineRadarOnline
or
Sign in with lockrMail

'Every Man's Heart One Day Beats Its' Final Beat': Pro Wrestling Legend Warrior Dead At 54, Days After Prophetic Statement In Triumphant Return To WWE

//ultimate warrior dies pp

April 9 2014, Published 8:21 a.m. ET

RadarOnline CommentsLink to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

Pro wrestling legend Jim "The Ultimate Warrior" Hellwig, known for his over-the-top superhero physique and frenetic persona, died Tuesday at 54 outside of an Arizona hotel, just days after his ballyhooed induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, RadarOnline.com has learned.

"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," the company said late Tuesday on its' website. "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.

Article continues below advertisement

"WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior's family, friends and fans."

Watch the video on RadarOnline.com

Tributes and testimonials poured in on Twitter from the former WWE champion's colleagues in the business.

WWE head Vince McMahon wrote, "We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away."

Hulk Hogan, who he had personal and professional battles with over the years — including what was the Warrior's professional peak with a championship win WrestleMania VI in 1990 -- wrote, "RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH."

Article continues below advertisement

The timing of Warrior's death comes when his wrestling persona had hit a nostalgic renaissance after an 18-year estrangement from the sports entertainment juggernaut. In addition to his WWE Hall of Fame induction, he made a follow-up appearance on WWE Monday Night Raw in which his in-ring promo made eerie allusions to fate and death.

"Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath," he said in the speech. "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.

Article continues below advertisement

"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."

Watch the video on RadarOnline.com

READ MORE ON VIDEOS

The wrestler, who legally changed his name from James Brian Hellwig to Warrior 21 years ago, is survived by his wife Dana and daughters Indiana and Mattigan.

Image of a woman with shocked expression

Never Miss an

Exclusive

Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

We'll keep you updated on the latest in this story, right here on Radar.

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 RADAR ONLINE™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. RADAR ONLINE is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.