The WWE is reporting that James Brian Hellwig, famously known as The Ultimate Warrior, has passed away at the age of 54. He is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters. Below is his hall of fame speech that he gave on Monday Night Raw. R.I.P.
Warrior – who was born James Brian Hellwig – began his career in 1987. He defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI to become WWE Champion.
The Hall of Fame induction marked his return to WWE after an 18-year absence. During his Hall of Fame speech, he announced that he signed a new multi-year deal with WWE, serving as an official ambassador.
During Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, he slipped on his mask, embracing his character a final time, his words full of heart and poignancy.
“No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own,” he said. “Every man’s heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe 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 that’s larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers — by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever.
You, you, you, you, you,” he said, pointing to the fans, “are the legend-makers of Ultimate Warrior.”