Remembering The Ultimate Warrior

The Ultimate Warrior
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I am saddened to write that another wrestling legend has died.  The news is everywhere, including main stream media, that the Ultimate Warrior collapsed Tuesday evening in Arizona, less than 24 hours after appearing on Monday Night Raw.  Three nights earlier, he'd been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fame speech

I consider myself fortunate to have been in New Orleans and see the ceremony in person.  His speech was great.  I think many fans expected him to be crazy and bizarre like many of his promos from days gone by.  Warrior was appreciative, not just of the fans, but also the other men and women who worked with in the business.  He was inspiring throughout and proved that time does heal wounds. When fans chanted "One more match!" during the ceremony he said that wasn't going to happen, but he seemed legitametaly appreciative of the crowd response that night. \

Monday Night Raw

Sunday night, he came out on the stage to be recognized with the others from the Class of 2014.  Then on Raw Monday night, I was surprised to see him again.  His speech that night is eerie now, it's almost as if he knew the end was near for him.  

Here's part of what he said, "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breath 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 larger than life, than his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized."

Posing with his likeness at Axxess

I think it's safe to say Warrior's spirit has been immortalized.  The outpouring of love and respect online has been incredible.  I loved him as the Dingo Warrior in World Class and his ascension to the top of the WWF in the late 80's and early 90's.  He beat legends like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage (which is my favorite Wrestlemania match of all time).

My thoughts and prayers go out to Warrior's two young daughters, his wife, and mother as well as his friends and fans.  I was excited when he announced Saturday night that he'd signed a deal to do more work with the WWE.  While I'm sad and even still shocked, I'm glad he received honor of going into the Hall of Fame and was able to make amends with others in the business.  His fans will truly miss him, but his legacy will live on forever.  Always believe...