(Courtesy WWE) Wow. ""Wow" was the first word that came to mind when I heard about the shocking death of one of the most recognizable stars in the history of pro wrestling; the Ultimate Warrior. I think most wrestling fans would echo my sentiments right about now, considering the last few days. Saturday night saw the Warrior accept a place in World Wrestling Entertainment's hall of fame , then make a small cameo on Sunday's Wrestlemania 30, followed up by his first appearance on Monday Night RAW in nearly 20 years just over 24 hours ago.
During what would be his final ever public appearance, he made sure to thank his fans. He called them "Legend Makers," citing them as the real reason behind his success and longevity. He ended his promo by saying these, now incredibly chilling words:
"The spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever."
Whether you were a fan of the Warrior or not, chances are he has ties to someone or something in wrestling that you are a fan of. People such as Daniel Bryan, Edge, Christian, Chris Jericho, (F4Wonline.com head writer) Bryan Alvarez and more have cited him as a childhood hero. Personally, I can state quite honestly that I consider his matches with Hulk Hogan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage at Wrestlemania's 6 & 7 respectively, to be two of the best examples of in-ring storytelling I have ever seen.
The Ultimate Warrior was many things in his lifetime. A wrestler, a champion, a pop-culture icon, an outspoken political activist, a professional wrestling legend, a husband, but if I had to guess, I think he'd tell you that his most important accomplishment was being a father. It was incredibly touching to see him escorted out onto the stage by his two daughters Saturday night at the Hall of Fame ceremony. It was heartwarming that he and Vince McMahon were able to finally come together and "bury the hatchet" as the old saying goes.
If there's ever a more clear example of how fleeting life can be and why it's important to make peace and not hold grudges than this, I'm not sure what it could be. Rest in Peace, Warrior. And thanks for the memories...
Liam Renner is a contributor to The Wrestling Life, heard weekly on The Elite Podcast Network
During what would be his final ever public appearance, he made sure to thank his fans. He called them "Legend Makers," citing them as the real reason behind his success and longevity. He ended his promo by saying these, now incredibly chilling words:
"The spirit of the Ultimate Warrior will run forever."
Whether you were a fan of the Warrior or not, chances are he has ties to someone or something in wrestling that you are a fan of. People such as Daniel Bryan, Edge, Christian, Chris Jericho, (F4Wonline.com head writer) Bryan Alvarez and more have cited him as a childhood hero. Personally, I can state quite honestly that I consider his matches with Hulk Hogan and "Macho Man" Randy Savage at Wrestlemania's 6 & 7 respectively, to be two of the best examples of in-ring storytelling I have ever seen.
The Ultimate Warrior was many things in his lifetime. A wrestler, a champion, a pop-culture icon, an outspoken political activist, a professional wrestling legend, a husband, but if I had to guess, I think he'd tell you that his most important accomplishment was being a father. It was incredibly touching to see him escorted out onto the stage by his two daughters Saturday night at the Hall of Fame ceremony. It was heartwarming that he and Vince McMahon were able to finally come together and "bury the hatchet" as the old saying goes.
If there's ever a more clear example of how fleeting life can be and why it's important to make peace and not hold grudges than this, I'm not sure what it could be. Rest in Peace, Warrior. And thanks for the memories...
Liam Renner is a contributor to The Wrestling Life, heard weekly on The Elite Podcast Network
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