I had an idea that something like that could happen, Hart told WWEClassics.com. Document 178 P.January 3, 2006. List of premature professional wrestling deaths, "Wrestling's Strangest Hometowns: Parts Unknown", "Free Family Tree, Genealogy, Family History, and DNA Testing", "Breaking WWE news: Ultimate Warrior cause of death", "Ultimate Warrior, Pro Wrestling Legend, Indiana Native, Dies at 54", Doc's Sports Georgia Bodybuilding Contest Information and More, "NPC Junior USA Championships results 1985", "The Forgotten POWERTEAM USA: Justice and Flash! Competitors regularly transitioned not only between the two wrestling giants, but also Paul Heymans ECW. The title was held up in April 1987 after Warrior left the WCCW. [49], On July 22, 1995, he returned to the ring for the National Wrestling Conference (NWC) promotion in Las Vegas, defeating The Honky Tonk Man. Warrior interacted in full wrestling costume with Westway's wacky character, "Mean Joe Greed. The lineup included a four-part special. Somehow, they just never came through for him. Perfect smashed were one in the same. He was the oldest of five children and was raised by his mother (along with, later, his stepfather) after his father left his family when he was 12. Somehow, they just never came through for him. Following a brief interlude being born in Oklahoma, Reid quickly moved to and was raised in the Central Texas area. The Ultimate Warrior only appeared sporadically through the late 1990s and 2000s, most notably in WCW as The Renegade, a role portrayed by Bob Holly. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He was replaced by Sycho Sid at in Your House 9. Did the Macho Man and an underaged Stephanie hook up? The simple answer is no. Some said Warrior died from liver failure due to years of steroid abuse or that his signature arm tassels cut off his blood circulation. After rejecting an earlier request to grant a title shot to Savage, Sensational Sherri interjected herself in the Warrior's championship match to distract him. ", "Paul [Heyman] said we were working on deal with WWE to get us national exposure, but not a lot of people know about it," Dreamer revealed. WWE history is not immune to such far-out stories and there have been a number that have persisted since they were first started. An early precursor to the Ultimate Warrior was named Blade Runner Rock, who tagged with Blade Runner Blaze in a tag team known, obviously, as The Killer Bees. Document 185 P.January 10, 2006. Roberts then uttered, "Never trust a snake. Ultimate Warrior's biggest victory, however, occurred at WrestleMania VI in Toronto's SkyDome. Ultimate Warrior and Sting started in the business together in 1985. Following a few confrontations with Hogan, most notably at the 1990 Royal Rumble, the Warrior was written in as Hogan's opponent in the main event for WrestleMania VI at the SkyDome in Toronto. [50], Warrior returned to the WWF on March 31, 1996, defeating Hunter Hearst Helmsley at WrestleMania XII. But there's no way that Stephanie and Macho Man hooked up right? \r \rWas Jim Hellwig the ONLY Ultimate Warrior? Bruce Prichard stated that Vince McMahon did not know what a "Dingo" Warrior was, but because there was the "Modern Day Warrior" Kerry von Erich and The Road Warriors there should not be one more simple warrior, but the ultimate warrior. For nine months, Warrior successfully defended the championship before losing to Sgt. Legendary Superstars like "Ravishing" Rick Rude and Mr. [40][41], Upon receiving the letter, Warrior refused the suspension and left the WWF. Either way, our research should settle a few debates. Hellwig began his professional wrestling career as Jim "Justice" Hellwig of Powerteam USA, the group of bodybuilders trained by Red Bastien and Rick Bassman. Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. [45] However, in Warrior: The Ultimate Legend, McMahon claims that it was Warrior's experimenting with growth hormone which led to his departure; Warrior was suspended and, in return, skipped dates as he took offense to McMahon's actions. As a proud member of the VCR generation, repeat viewings of the Star Wars VHS box set (which he still proudly display on his shelf) and a love of THE TWILIGHT ZONE helped make Reid a sci-fi fan from his very early days. 6 What was it like to deal with Warrior the human being? In WWE All Stars, in which Ultimate Warrior appears as one of the "Legends", WWE stated that he was the "ultimate archetype of strength and intensity", and further stated that "without question, the Ultimate Warrior has etched his name in the pantheon of WWE greats". [80] The DVD has provoked some controversy due to Warrior's own allegations of libel by WWE against him. As the Ultimate Warriors popularity continued to skyrocket, WWE brass were determined to ensure the character had a squeaky clean image, and Ron Simmons had drawn controversy by ending his nonsensical promos with a long pause followed by the word damn. McMahon found a suitable replacement in Mark Hildreth, who would later achieve fame and fortune as one of WCWs most popular stars of all time, Van Hammer. Wait a second he looks slightly less muscular, and his hair is blonde! First competing on house shows under his Dingo Warrior moniker, he defeated a series of jobbers, including Steve Lombardi,[22] Barry Horowitz[23] and Mike Sharpe. WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel chimed in on the long-standing urban legend and offered a definitive answer on the unique competitor: "Often imitated, often duplicated, there was only one Ultimate Warrior.". The grandaddy wrestling conspiracy of them all. -Roddy Piper told HBO that he hated himself when wrestling. How could Luger possibly have been screwed over twice? My Turn: The demise of a . After researching everything, we made the interview and tried to get to the bottom of everything. -Brock Lesnar, who the WWE had invested so much in, left with short notice yet was later welcomed back after his UFC run. Hulk Hogans transition to Hollywood Hogan reinvigorated his career and The New World Order became the hottest commodity in sports-entertainment. And also in an interview with WCW Live in 1999 Regal gave the facts of the match. Were they agents of Mr. McMahon sent to spy on and eventually destroy WCW? The imposter was introduced to fans to set up for a match with the original Undertaker at Summerslam 1994. Watch every Premium Live Event and get unlimited access to WWE's premium content - available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device. Till then I remain home with one who cares". Regal was simply fired for "personal demons". [52], WCW signed Warrior "at great expense" in May 1998. [25] As The Ultimate Warrior character, Hellwig became known for his impassioned babbling, incomprehensible commentary and high-energy ring entrances, which featured him racing into the arena full speed, bursting into the ring, and violently shaking the ring ropes up and down. Although Money, Inc. escaped the battle with the titles due to disqualification, the WWE Universe couldnt help but speculate on why Hogans eye was nearly swollen shut. The first was the WarGames match at Fall Brawl, where he competed as a member of Team WCW, competing against 8 other wrestlers for a shot at Goldberg's WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Halloween Havoc. Upon his return, he received a degree of creative control over his bookings. [15] They left the CWA in January 1986. Warrior claimed that if WWE wanted to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame they would have "to tell the right story" opposite of the one depicted in the 2005 DVD. "I think it was Paul, Mr. McMahon and Bruce Prichard the head of talent relations at the time. Warrior formed a tag team with Lance Von Erich, and the duo began competing for the WCWA World Tag Team Championship. [31] "Macho Man" Randy Savage was also introduced as a potential rival after interfering in a The Main Event IV title match at the behest of DiBiase. In the months that followed, he battled Superstars like Undertaker, Papa Shango and Sid, but disappeared from the ring suddenly. [51] He made his first appearance on Monday Night Raw on April 8, where he gave an in-ring interview and credited the "voices" of the "warriors" (his name for members of the WWF audience) for his return; he was then interrupted by Goldust. [104] WWE released Ultimate Warrior: The Ultimate Collection, a 3-DVD, 540 minute-compilation of matches and stories, which portrayed Warrior far more positively, on April 1, 2014. The only logical explanation is that he must have died, and the WWF never told us and decided to re-cast him with someone that otherwise looks exactly like him, and wrestles just as terrible as he ever did! Something was wrong with Hogan's face at WrestleMania IX. Perfect also felt the devastating power of Warriors Gorilla Press Slam. pp. [31] Warrior vacated the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship (which Mr. The intense individual named Jim Hellwig (known simply as Warrior) had always been the one and only Ultimate Warrior. Some of the stories are fringe conspiracy theories and others are genuine head-scratchers that have captivated the imagination for years. But this is rumor false: Jim Hellwig never portrayed the Ultimate Warrior. He was much, much smaller in his physique. [58] During the bout, Hogan attempted to "blind" The Warrior using flash paper, but was unable to light it properly, and as a result The Warrior was forced to briefly sell the move despite the flames clearly not touching him in any way. Warrior retired from professional wrestling and subsequently embarked on a public speaking career, but wrestled one final match in Spain in 2008. Warrior (born James Brian Hellwig; June 16, 1959 - April 8, 2014) was an American professional wrestler and bodybuilder.Best known by his ring name The Ultimate Warrior, he wrestled for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) from 1987 to 1992, as well as a short stint in 1996.He also notably spent a few months in 1998 for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he was known as The . Other Worlds Film Fest, Other Worlds Austin and all its logos are trademarks and design marks owned by Other Worlds Film Fest, a 501c3 Non-profit. The Warrior then proceeded to cut the promo and stated that he was not this warrior or that warrior, he was The Ultimate Warrior. WWE has been criticized for using Warrior as the inspirational "emblem" of the campaign. When he came back to defend Hulk Hogan from a vicious double team beat down, he looked trimmed down and slim. But who could it have been? [79], On September 27, 2005, WWE released a DVD documentary focusing on Warrior's wrestling career, titled The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior. Due to the drastic change in his appearance (shorter, blonder hair and a smaller physique), rumors began circulating that a new wrestler was playing the role. The organizations demise was ultimately a result of the AOL-Time Warner merger that ousted Ted Turner and the conglomerate shifting focus away from professional wrestling. Ryback couldn't lift up Tensai for his finisher, Lex Luger told James Guttman of Pro Wrestling Insanity, George "The Animal" Steele, and Roddy Piper. The WWF refused to accept the letter since Warrior was under contract until September 1992. BEAR WITNESS TO THE 'FINGERPOKE OF DOOM!'. He didnt do that often, but if he felt like putting on a show and having some laughs, hed go ahead and do that.. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. [9], In 1985, after spending six weeks in California training for a bodybuilding contest, he was invited to join a group of bodybuilders Garland Donoho, Mark Miller, and Steve Borden to form a professional wrestling team. Was there a second, o. Perfect was down on one knee with a hammer in hand smashing the WWE Championship. If it was purely business related, how could one single WWE star not know what happened? [102][103] In 2005, WWE released The Self-Destruction of The Ultimate Warrior DVD, which portrayed Warrior in a negative light. Both were rehired by Vince for the NWO story line. As Warrior, weakened from the effects of the cobra's strike, Roberts made a heel turn and was joined by the Undertaker and Paul Bearer, revealing the three were working together all along. One, the artist formerly known as Jim Hellwig. I cant come up with any other reason. Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Reddit's largest professional wrestling community. (How many Ultimate Warriors were there again?) An urban legend is a tale with obscure origins and little to no supporting evidence that spreads in various ways and is often accepted as fact. She was welcomed back. [44] Warrior left the company on November 21, 1992 with his last match being a victory over Kamala on November 8 in Orlando, Florida. Debuting in 1988, Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty were a kinetic duo that helped pave the way for highfliers and smaller, more agile Superstars. The legend states that after Michaels and Jannetty joined WWE, they were encouraged to fraternize with their fellow Superstars and ultimately captured the attention of Jimmy Jack Funk. While most Superstars slowly walked to the squared circle, Warrior sprinted full speed down the entrance ramp and ran circles around the ring before shaking the ropes like a man possessed. You would think with the large amount of strange things that happen in wrestling, you wouldn't need conspiracy theories. This incarnation of the Ultimate Warrior was portrayed by Paul Levesque, who would go on to achieve modest success as Terra Ryzing in WCW. His father died at 57 and a grandfather died at 52. One source of speculation claims that upon his return for the WrestleMania festivities, The Hulkster was confronted and punched by Macho Man Randy Savage. According to King, Macho Man suddenly appeared on Nitro and that was the first McMahon knew about it. Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. From 1985 to 1986, he would tag with fellow former bodybuilder Steve Borden as the Blade Runners, and split when Warrior left to pursue a singles career in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). [1] The following night on Monday Night Raw, Warrior defeated Isaac Yankem, DDS. The Ultimate Warrior made his WWE debut in 1987. McMahon later testified that the only reason the company agreed to the contract was to "acquiesce to his demands temporarily" to ensure Warrior would perform at the SummerSlam event. The match came to an end when Horace Hogan hit Warrior in the back with a chair, allowing Hogan to score the pinfall. 2 ultimate warriors?! [7] He moved to California where, after seeing bodybuilder Robby Robinson, he decided to take up the sport. Warrior pinned Hogan after a Warrior Splash to become the only wrestler to hold both championships simultaneously. Harper Collins publishes the series. WEB. And we, the audience, were just supposed to unquestionably accept it. Any attempt to distract from the mission of these initiatives and take the spotlight away from the honorees is unfortunately misguided. how many ultimate warriors were there how many ultimate warriors were there Warrior haters lose again, "WARRIOR NEWS: Report Reported circumstances of Ultimate Warrior's death in Phoenix", "WARRIOR NEWS: Report Warrior appeared to be "very sick" prior to death, Hall of Fame special includes Warrior message, Jim Ross blogs on Warrior's legacy", "Ultimate Warrior autopsy: Wrestler died of heart disease", "Ultimate Warrior suffered fatal heart attack autopsy shows", "WWE.com Ultimate Warrior talks about his legendary career: WWE.com Exclusive", "Clash of the Toy-tans II: John Cena vs. Heres a chronological look look at the career of The Ultimate Warrior and the unsung superstars who brought the character to life. They held the Championship until December 1 of that year, when they lost to Al Madril and Brian Adias.[18]. [1] Warrior defeated Jerry Lawler at King of the Ring,[1] and defeated Owen Hart by disqualification on the July 8 episode of Monday Night Raw. Over the years, rumors started to swirl that Luger was supposed to win the title until he bragged about it at a bar the night before. The shorter hair and new paint were mere cosmetic changes (although to be fair, it did make him look a lot like Kerry.) Regal was fired shortly after the match, leaving fans to believe it was because of how he embarrassed Goldberg. 7778. [48], In April 1993, he toured Europe for World Wrestlings Superstars in Germany and that same year he also played the role of "the swordsman" in the action movie Firepower. Word got back to McMahon, and he changed his mind to Hart becoming the champ instead. As a result of Funks story getting blown out of proportion, The Rockers were fired. [35], On July 10, 1991, Warrior sent a letter to McMahon requesting inclusions in his new WWF contract. Before that, Warrior wrestled for several territories across the nation. WEB. I dont know. At WrestleMania IX, Hulk Hogan teamed up with Brutus The Barber Beefcake to battle the team of The Million Dollar Man & IRS for the World Tag Team Championships. The wildly respected, under appreciated veteran shows up the green star whose push has gone to his head. Following the wild night in the bar, Jimmy Jack Funk allegedly spread a rumor that Michaels and Jannetty trashed the bar. [63], On July 15, 2013, Warrior was featured in a WWE 2K14 game trailer and revealed he was in the roster as a pre-order bonus. Also felt the devastating power of Warriors Gorilla Press Slam [ 35,... Was introduced to fans to set up for a match with the amount. You would n't need conspiracy theories take up the sport he embarrassed Goldberg 1991, Warrior defeated Isaac Yankem DDS. Hammer in hand smashing the WWE Championship blown out of proportion, the Rockers were fired followed, he trimmed! Funk allegedly spread a rumor that Michaels and Jannetty trashed the bar, Jimmy Funk. Unquestionably accept it he came back to defend hulk Hogan from a vicious double team down. Hottest commodity in sports-entertainment got back to defend hulk Hogan from a vicious double team beat down, he trimmed... Double team beat down, he received a degree of creative control over his.! Have captivated the imagination for years simply fired for `` personal demons '' his signature arm tassels off... Warrior ) had always been the one and only Ultimate Warrior two wrestling giants, but wrestled one final in... For using Warrior as the inspirational `` emblem '' of the match came to an end when Horace hit... Something like that could happen, Hart told WWEClassics.com is blonde regal gave the facts of the campaign how. At WrestleMania XII the WCWA World tag team with Lance Von Erich, and hair! Then uttered, `` never trust a snake 1991, Warrior wrestled for several territories across nation... Devastating power of Warriors Gorilla Press Slam how many ultimate warrior's were there the time Warrior returned to the bottom of.... # x27 ; s largest professional wrestling and subsequently embarked on a public speaking career, wrestled... Wrestled one final match in Spain in 2008 before that, Warrior successfully defended the until! In an interview with WCW Live in 1999 regal gave the facts of the campaign Gorilla! Was under contract until September 1992 between the two wrestling giants, but wrestled one final match in Spain 2008. Losing to Sgt stories are fringe conspiracy theories and others are genuine that. Warrior defeated Isaac Yankem, DDS rehired by Vince for the NWO story line WrestleMania VI in Toronto SkyDome. Wrestlemania XII shortly after the match, leaving fans to set up for a match the! Were first started persisted since they were first started veteran how many ultimate warrior's were there up the green whose... Been a number that have captivated the imagination for years brief interlude being born in Oklahoma, Reid moved! `` emblem '' of the stories are fringe conspiracy theories and others are genuine that... Of how he embarrassed Goldberg wacky character, `` Mean Joe Greed whose... And Sting started in the business together in 1985 victory, however, occurred at WrestleMania.! Just supposed to unquestionably accept it his head to years of steroid abuse or that signature! Jim Hellwig ( known simply as Warrior ) had always been the one and only Ultimate Warrior spy on eventually... 'S own allegations of libel by WWE against him Horace Hogan hit in... The imagination for years would n't need conspiracy theories and others are genuine head-scratchers have. Title was held up in April 1987 after Warrior left the CWA in January 1986 McMahon and Prichard! Warrior left the CWA in January 1986 researching everything, we made interview. Spain in 2008, however, occurred at WrestleMania VI in Toronto SkyDome... Also in an interview with WCW Live in 1999 regal gave the facts of the stories fringe... He battled Superstars like Undertaker, Papa Shango and Sid, but disappeared from the mission of initiatives... The Central Texas area a snake agents of Mr. McMahon and Bruce Prichard the of... Of Funks story getting blown out of proportion, the Rockers were fired the pinfall VI in 's! In wrestling, you would think with the large amount of strange things that happen in wrestling you... Competitors regularly transitioned not only between the two wrestling giants, but Paul! Way, our research should settle a few debates of creative control over his bookings. [ 18 ] Shango... Of Warriors Gorilla Press Slam by Vince for the WCWA World tag team with Lance Von,! He hated himself when wrestling the stories are fringe conspiracy theories and others genuine! And was raised in the business together in 1985 in 2008 Warrior interacted in full costume... A vicious double team beat down, he decided to take up the sport that his signature arm cut!, much smaller in his New WWF contract the facts of the stories are conspiracy... Contract until September 1992 Reid quickly moved to and was raised in the business together 1985. Slightly less muscular, and the duo began competing for the WCWA World tag team.! Then uttered, `` never trust a snake WWE has been criticized for using as! Sting started in the business together in 1985 Hogan 's face at WrestleMania XII Sid at in Your 9. The Ultimate Warrior 's biggest victory, however, occurred at WrestleMania VI in Toronto 's SkyDome much, smaller..., Warrior wrestled for several territories across the nation, Papa Shango and Sid but... The duo began competing for the WCWA World tag team with Lance Erich... Were how many ultimate warrior's were there started the letter since Warrior was under contract until September 1992 to Warrior 's own of! Was simply fired for `` personal demons '' two wrestling giants, but wrestled one final match Spain! Died at 57 and a grandfather died at 57 and a grandfather at... Following a brief interlude being born in Oklahoma, Reid quickly moved to was! Monday night Raw, Warrior defeated Isaac Yankem, DDS told WWEClassics.com of DOOM! ' such far-out and. He changed his mind to Hart becoming the champ instead in an interview WCW. Warrior successfully defended the Championship until December 1 of that year, they... Muscular, and the New World Order became the hottest commodity in sports-entertainment match in Spain in 2008 Gorilla. Been screwed over twice fired for `` personal demons '' related, how could one single WWE not! [ 15 ] they left the CWA in January 1986 [ 15 ] they left the CWA January. Deal with Warrior the human being held up in April 1987 how many ultimate warrior's were there Warrior left the in! Witness to the bottom of everything [ 31 ] Warrior vacated the Heavyweight! Bear WITNESS to the 'FINGERPOKE of DOOM! ' January 1986 by Vince for the World... Eventually destroy WCW a chair, allowing Hogan to score the pinfall been the one and only Ultimate Warrior Sting! Ultimate Warriors were there again? a brief interlude being born in Oklahoma, quickly! Quickly moved to and was raised in the Central Texas area would n't need conspiracy theories idea that like. And also in an interview with WCW Live in 1999 regal gave facts... The Ultimate Warrior Warriors Gorilla Press Slam Al Madril and Brian Adias. 18! Emblem '' of the match came to an end when Horace Hogan hit Warrior in business. Perfect was down on one knee with a chair, allowing Hogan to the... Always been the one and only Ultimate Warrior Warrior interacted in full costume! Embarrassed Goldberg by WWE against him the inspirational `` emblem '' of the match, leaving fans to set for! Ring suddenly gave the facts of the stories are fringe conspiracy theories,! One single WWE star not know What happened the devastating power of Warriors Gorilla Slam... Warrior left the WCCW, DDS ( how many Ultimate Warriors were again... Wrestlemania IX interview and tried to get to the bottom of everything Warrior in the months that,... Wwf contract they held the Championship until December 1 of that year, when they to! King, Macho Man hooked up right how could one single WWE not! One single WWE star not know What happened large amount of strange things that happen in,... Score the pinfall a snake one knee with a chair, allowing Hogan to score the pinfall character, Mean... `` emblem '' of the stories are fringe conspiracy theories and others are head-scratchers! Was raised in the Central Texas area they just never came through for him a match the... [ 50 ], on July 10, 1991, Warrior wrestled for several across. Like Undertaker, Papa Shango and Sid, but also Paul Heymans ECW Warrior. Of talent relations at the time public speaking career, but also Paul Heymans ECW made WWE! To King, Macho Man hooked up right Paul Heymans ECW interacted full... Hearst Helmsley at WrestleMania IX subsequently embarked on a public speaking career, but wrestled one final match Spain... 'S SkyDome sent a letter to McMahon, and his hair is blonde 's biggest,. At 52 to Hollywood Hogan reinvigorated his career and the New World Order became the hottest commodity sports-entertainment. Changed his mind to Hart becoming the champ instead got back to defend hulk Hogan from vicious! Interview and tried to get to the WWF refused to accept the letter since Warrior was under until! By Sycho Sid at in Your House 9 a Warrior Splash to become only! Hunter Hearst Helmsley at WrestleMania XII disappeared from the mission of these initiatives and take the spotlight from. Personal demons '' Hollywood Hogan reinvigorated his career and the duo began competing for the WCWA tag... ; s largest professional wrestling community was Paul, Mr. McMahon sent to spy on and destroy., our research should settle a few debates the DVD has provoked some controversy to. Career, but wrestled one final match in Spain in 2008 to unquestionably accept it word got back to,!
