R.I.P. Ultimate Warrior (Jim Hellwig)

RobbingBandit · 12-04-2014 12:57AM

Seen an article earlier that seems to have been taking down talking about how so many of the stars of Wrestlemania VI have now all died quite young. Warrior, Andre, Rick Rude, Big Boss Man, Macho Man,Mr Perfect, Earthquake, even the jobbers like Hercules. Wish I could have put up a link was an interesting read, didn't mention steroids neither did state many of them died from heart problems or overdoses.

12-04-2014 12:58AM

rovert · 12-04-2014 07:10AM

From the Irish Independent of all places:
Ultimate Warrior: Why wrestler James Hellwig should be considered a cultural icon

http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/ultimate-warrior-dead-why-wrestler-james-hellwig-should-be-considered-a-cultural-icon-30179215.html

rovert · 12-04-2014 06:34PM

Meltzer the week before writing the full obituary which are typically excellent he writes a brief-ish career overview that ends with this thought about his two children:

Like children of so many pro wrestlers from that era, his girls, who were born after his wrestling career ended, were still young when their father was gone. I have no doubt he wanted those girls to be proud of who he was and have this great memory of his last stand in a business they never experienced, since his wrestling career ended before either were born.

Instead, it is going to be tied in with the worst memories of their lives. Jim Hellwig grew up without a father from the age of 12. He did not want his daughters to do the same. And that is the real tragedy.

Warrior's dad walked out on him.

Reebrock · 12-04-2014 07:36PM

It's sad that such a fairy tale weekend for his kids ended tragically, absolutely, as the memories of the weekend will always be linked to his death, as Dave says. Just a sad story.

rovert · 14-04-2014 07:30PM

The Ultimate Warrior died from a massive heart attack ... this according to the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy, TMZ has learned.

Officials tell TMZ ... the official cause of death for Warrrior -- real name James Hellwig -- was determined to be "Atherosclerotic/Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease" ... aka heart disease.

Officials classified Warrior's death as "natural" -- meaning neither drugs nor alcohol were directly involved.

As we previously reported, Warrior clutched his chest outside of an Arizona hotel on April 10 while walking with his wife. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but never regained consciousness.

Warrior was 54-years-old.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/14/ultimate-warrior-heart-attack-autopsy/#ixzz2yt2594iS

Meltzer was in quite the mood this morning talking about he is lead to believe Warrior was still using Steriods in recent years (post Wrestling) and how irresponsible it was to Warrior's two Children as their father and his own health in general.

Ape Lincoln · 14-04-2014 08:53PM

David Bixenspan @davidbix Just spoke to the Maricopa County PR rep who’s handling Warrior inquiries: This is the direct COD for death certificate, NOT autopsy results

Hmm...

jaykhunter · 14-04-2014 10:22PM

Not that it's any surprise, but repeated steroid use causes a laundry-list of problems, amongst others, they can cause heart enlargement, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, a build up of the "bad" type of cholesterol leading to fatty deposits narrowing the arteries. All of these lead to a heart attack. Same thing happened to Macho in 2011.

Autopsy results usually take a few weeks. I am surprised they named atherosclerosis so quickly. Perhaps by his medical records.

RobbingBandit · 14-04-2014 10:27PM

The stress of meeting so many people he had broken relationships with all in the one place at the same time can not of helped his stress levels last weekend, too much all at once would have had its impacts.

Ape Lincoln · 15-04-2014 01:10AM

Donegal Dan · 15-04-2014 01:36AM

Gotta love the speed the internet moves at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVsFux0Tu1Q

The WWE video editing is Hollywood blockbuster standard. Surely the best editing anywhere in the TV world.

That gave me serious goosebumps. They did Warrior proud

Donegal Dan · 15-04-2014 01:49AM

Taken on an American campus today

Donegal Dan · 15-04-2014 02:03AM

Vince McMahon Offered The Ultimate Warrior A Secret 5-Year December 1997 Contract

http://whatculture.com/wwe/ultimate-warrior-4-incredible-secrets-facts-career.php/4#yiojVuAfwV8cXrqf.99

This would have been shortly after the Montreal Screwjob.

Ape Lincoln · 15-04-2014 03:16AM

Donegal Dan wrote: »

http://whatculture.com/wwe/ultimate-warrior-4-incredible-secrets-facts-career.php/4#yiojVuAfwV8cXrqf.99

This would have been shortly after the Montreal Screwjob.

Reported in FSM last month by David Bixenspan. Mad stuff. You could drum up a lot of theories as to why. Mine are that he didn't think Austin would explode into the draw that he did post-neck injury and was worried about WCW signing Warrior.

SeantheMan · 15-04-2014 03:29AM

Donegal Dan wrote: »

The WWE video editing is Hollywood blockbuster standard. Surely the best editing anywhere in the TV world.
)

Pretty average. You find better on youtube.
Good video nonetheless

A Primal Nut · 15-04-2014 04:31PM

Donegal Dan wrote: »

http://whatculture.com/wwe/ultimate-warrior-4-incredible-secrets-facts-career.php/4#yiojVuAfwV8cXrqf.99

This would have been shortly after the Montreal Screwjob.

Yeah apparently he got desparate when he heard Warrior was negotiating with WCW. To be fair, Vince had just lost Bret and a few others not long before and I believe WCW were winning the war at the time; so he was probably negotiating with everyone. As Ape Lincoln said Austin wasn't really wrestling at the time (except for PPV where he was heavily protected), The Rock was still struggling and although he didn't know it at the time, Shawn Michaels suffered a serious back injury a month later. So he was short of people who could "put bums in seats", so I guess he was trying everything at that point.

Apparently, when asked why he kept trying to bring Warrior back, Vince said he "is glutton for punishment".

irs · 15-04-2014 05:20PM

The funny thing is that the lack of major names ended up helping the WWF. I doubt if Austin would have been a big a star if Warrior had been around even as a part-timer.

A Primal Nut · 15-04-2014 05:36PM

irs wrote: »

The funny thing is that the lack of major names ended up helping the WWF. I doubt if Austin would have been a big a star if Warrior had been around even as a part-timer.

Yep, and even more so because Warrior turned out to be an expensive waste for WCW. So alls well that ends well for Vince McMahon.

Was just trying to get inside his mindsight for negotiating with Warrior at the time.

NyOmnishambles · 15-04-2014 10:17PM

I see posters for this album around town and I can't help seeing Warrior

bradlente · 16-04-2014 04:12PM

WWE's website posted the following letter from The Ultimate Warrior's wife Dana this morning:

Dearest Warriors,

It is with an absolutely broken heart I reach out to you. Since the passing of my husband, I have been fortunate enough to insulate my sweet girls and myself from the outside world. In this bubble we have grieved and continue to do so. For a week, I did not allow any television or media to seep through our cocoon. I was told, though, of the outpouring of love for my beloved husband and support for, as he always called us, his Warrior Girls. I can only say thank you.

On Sunday night, I was told WWE would pay tribute to Warrior and so I set the DVR planning to watch it when we were ready. As the hour neared, I broke resolve and turned on every TV in the house to full blast and snuggled our daughters close to me on the couch, unsure what we would see. As the scene unfolded with that amazing roster of talent gathered donning Ultimate Warrior shirts and even his face paint, we cheered and sobbed simultaneously. To everyone who stood there, thank you. My girls will remember your bowed heads for the rest of their lives. You are not just Superstars; you are super people.

I cannot put words to what that video tribute meant. We watched it multiple times and, this morning, it was how I started my day; mornings are the hardest for me. I will treasure that song and those images more than anything I own. Vindication. ULTIMATE PERFECTION.

I was told it was reported WWE was "there" for us. "There" is the understatement of a lifetime. They were a warm blanket to us three and we were quickly absorbed into their family. Words are cheap; promises are forever. This family is one I'm honored to be a member of and will gladly be the warm blanket to any of them who need me next.

My husband's speech had so many highlights for me as I sat proudly in the audience looking on at his moment ... I most loved his request for the Hall of Fame to include the, as he called them, "true Superstars," those behind-the-scenes people who make the machine run. See, I'm the person who puts up the ring in our house. I'm the background person who makes things happen seamlessly. I am surrounded by performers in my husband and children, so I felt a kinship with all the people he wanted to shine a spotlight upon who make WWE work. He loved you all, and knew that each of you made his run there possible. Thank you!

To all the ULTIMATE WARRIOR fans: THANK YOU!! He told me when he shook the ropes it was him gathering strength from each of you. Warrior respected you and loved you as do the girls and I. I will reach out to the ropes for your strength to sustain me in the sad days that the girls and I face. UNWAVERING is what you've been. GRATEFUL is what we are.

The Undertaker and I have a lot more in common than you might think. You see, I had a bit of a streak of my own going for the last 20 years. Yes, Warrior and I would have matches of our own ... He would yell, I would cry, he would submit, I would win - always. My quivering chin and "pooched" lip was always more powerful than any clothesline or gorilla press slam. He'd laugh and shake his head and say,"you win, Pooch," but really we both did.

My streak was broken April 8, 2014 when he collapsed. I fought and screamed and cried for him not to leave me, but I wasn't to win this round. Heaven won and I lost, but I had the ULTIMATE love for 20 years and my children learned to be Warriors from THE ULTIMATE DAD. I wouldn't trade a moment of the life we shared, good or bad, for anything on God's green earth. He is the love of my life and gave me the gift of our beautiful, sweet, amazing girls. He was loyal and kind and strong and brave. He taught me to live by his creed,"Live Strong, Act Bold, Be Brave. Nothing's too hard to do, ALWAYS BELIEVE," and with that creed I will carry on and make him proud.

Streaks are broken but legends live forever.

Always Believe,

Dana A. Warrior

Wompa1 · 16-04-2014 04:19PM

bradlente wrote: »

WWE's website posted the following letter from The Ultimate Warrior's wife Dana this morning:

Dearest Warriors,

It is with an absolutely broken heart I reach out to you. Since the passing of my husband, I have been fortunate enough to insulate my sweet girls and myself from the outside world. In this bubble we have grieved and continue to do so. For a week, I did not allow any television or media to seep through our cocoon. I was told, though, of the outpouring of love for my beloved husband and support for, as he always called us, his Warrior Girls. I can only say thank you.

On Sunday night, I was told WWE would pay tribute to Warrior and so I set the DVR planning to watch it when we were ready. As the hour neared, I broke resolve and turned on every TV in the house to full blast and snuggled our daughters close to me on the couch, unsure what we would see. As the scene unfolded with that amazing roster of talent gathered donning Ultimate Warrior shirts and even his face paint, we cheered and sobbed simultaneously. To everyone who stood there, thank you. My girls will remember your bowed heads for the rest of their lives. You are not just Superstars; you are super people.

I cannot put words to what that video tribute meant. We watched it multiple times and, this morning, it was how I started my day; mornings are the hardest for me. I will treasure that song and those images more than anything I own. Vindication. ULTIMATE PERFECTION.

I was told it was reported WWE was "there" for us. "There" is the understatement of a lifetime. They were a warm blanket to us three and we were quickly absorbed into their family. Words are cheap; promises are forever. This family is one I'm honored to be a member of and will gladly be the warm blanket to any of them who need me next.

My husband's speech had so many highlights for me as I sat proudly in the audience looking on at his moment ... I most loved his request for the Hall of Fame to include the, as he called them, "true Superstars," those behind-the-scenes people who make the machine run. See, I'm the person who puts up the ring in our house. I'm the background person who makes things happen seamlessly. I am surrounded by performers in my husband and children, so I felt a kinship with all the people he wanted to shine a spotlight upon who make WWE work. He loved you all, and knew that each of you made his run there possible. Thank you!

To all the ULTIMATE WARRIOR fans: THANK YOU!! He told me when he shook the ropes it was him gathering strength from each of you. Warrior respected you and loved you as do the girls and I. I will reach out to the ropes for your strength to sustain me in the sad days that the girls and I face. UNWAVERING is what you've been. GRATEFUL is what we are.

The Undertaker and I have a lot more in common than you might think. You see, I had a bit of a streak of my own going for the last 20 years. Yes, Warrior and I would have matches of our own ... He would yell, I would cry, he would submit, I would win - always. My quivering chin and "pooched" lip was always more powerful than any clothesline or gorilla press slam. He'd laugh and shake his head and say,"you win, Pooch," but really we both did.

My streak was broken April 8, 2014 when he collapsed. I fought and screamed and cried for him not to leave me, but I wasn't to win this round. Heaven won and I lost, but I had the ULTIMATE love for 20 years and my children learned to be Warriors from THE ULTIMATE DAD. I wouldn't trade a moment of the life we shared, good or bad, for anything on God's green earth. He is the love of my life and gave me the gift of our beautiful, sweet, amazing girls. He was loyal and kind and strong and brave. He taught me to live by his creed,"Live Strong, Act Bold, Be Brave. Nothing's too hard to do, ALWAYS BELIEVE," and with that creed I will carry on and make him proud.

Streaks are broken but legends live forever.

Always Believe,

Dana A. Warrior

Some of that was very good. She's very articulate but my god, didn't that just read like WWE creative wrote it? If she threw in something about her husband being immortalized on the WWE Network which costs 9.99 a month after that 'Streaks are broken but legends live forever' line, it would be a RAW Promo.

Ape Lincoln · 16-04-2014 04:33PM

Warrior and I would have matches of our own ... He would yell, I would cry

Wtf? Probably not the best anecdote to throw in there.

Loughc · 16-04-2014 06:22PM

Ape Lincoln wrote: »

Wtf? Probably not the best anecdote to throw in there.

Why not? It's raw honesty. Couples argue, yell, cry, the works. Fair play to her and what a fantastic letter.

Vision of Disorder · 16-04-2014 06:46PM

Wompa1 wrote: »

Some of that was very good. She's very articulate but my god, didn't that just read like WWE creative wrote it? If she threw in something about her husband being immortalized on the WWE Network which costs 9.99 a month after that 'Streaks are broken but legends live forever' line, it would be a RAW Promo.

Good to see you focusing on the key issues. :rolleyes:

Ape Lincoln · 16-04-2014 06:58PM

Loughc wrote: »

Why not? It's raw honesty. Couples argue, yell, cry, the works. Fair play to her and what a fantastic letter.

When I read it I thought "domestic violence"

Tramps Like Us · 16-04-2014 07:01PM

This forum makes me despair sometimes, her husband died for gods sake, cut her some slack and stop critiquing what was probably the hardest thing she ever had to write

Moneymaker · 16-04-2014 10:18PM

Some people, good god.

That was a beautiful letter that came from the heart. Very courageous of her and we have some idiots nitpicking and critiquing it from their keyboards.

Shame on you.

Mr.Nice Guy · 16-04-2014 10:27PM

Not sure if this was posted but Jericho gave a nice tribute to Warrior. He mentions some nice words Warrior gave him when he was in WCW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elsBn_UxnIs

The Ayatolla · 17-04-2014 08:18AM

Ape Lincoln wrote: »

When I read it I thought "domestic violence"

And when she said "he would submit", did you picture her having him in an ankle lock?

19-04-2014 01:22AM

Here is the Warrior taking Skinner to school on Superstars back in 1992. If i had to improvise with my figurines id have used whiplash for Skinner by the way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZEZXrZZEYk

R.I.P. Ultimate Warrior (Jim Hellwig)

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