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{{short description|American professional wrestler and bodybuilder (1959–2014)}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name          = The Ultimate Warrior
| image         = The Ultimate Warrior entrance April 7th 2014 (cropped).jpg
| caption       = Warrior in 2014, the day before his death
| birth_name    = James Brian Hellwig
| birth_date    = {{birth date|1959|6|16}}
| birth_place   = [[Crawfordsville, Indiana]], U.S.
| death_date    = {{death date and age|2014|4|8|1959|6|16}}
| death_place   = [[Scottsdale, Arizona]], U.S.
| spouse        = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Shari Tyree|1982|1991|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Dana Viale|1999}}}}
| children      = 2
| names         = {{Plainlist|
* Blade Runner Rock<ref name="OWoW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/u/ultimate-warrior.html|access-date=January 4, 2008|title=Ultimate Warrior's OWoW Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
* Dingo Warrior<ref name="OWoW" />
* Jim Hellwig<ref name="OWoW" />
* Jim Justice
* The Ultimate Warrior
* The Warrior<ref name="OWoW" />
}}
| height        = 6 ft 2 in<ref name=WWEWarrior/>
| weight        = 280 lb<ref name=WWEWarrior/>
| billed        = "[[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Parts unknown|Parts unknown]]"<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/wrestlings-strangest-hometowns/parts-unknown | title=Wrestling's Strangest Hometowns: Parts Unknown}}</ref><br />[[Queens]], New York<br />"One Warrior Nation"
| trainer       = [[Billy Anderson (wrestler)|Bill Anderson]]<br />[[Rick Bassman]]<br />[[Red Bastien]]<ref name="OWoW" />
| debut         = November 23, 1985
| retired       = June 25, 2008
}}
'''Warrior''' (born '''James Brian Hellwig'''; June 16, 1959 – April 8, 2014) was an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], [[Bodybuilding|bodybuilder]] and [[motivational speaker]]. 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 [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in 1998, in which he was known as '''the Warrior'''.

After a career in bodybuilding, Warrior turned to professional wrestling. From 1985 to 1986, he was paired with fellow former bodybuilder Steve Borden, later known as [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]], as [[the Blade Runners]]. The two split when Warrior left to pursue a singles career in [[World Class Championship Wrestling]] (WCCW). Under the ring name '''Dingo Warrior''', he was a one-time [[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship|WCWA Texas Heavyweight Champion]].

In 1987, he joined the World Wrestling Federation, and became a [[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|two-time]] [[WWE Intercontinental Champion|WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion]] within two years. In the main event of [[WrestleMania VI]], in 1990, Warrior won the [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] in a title vs. title match over [[Hulk Hogan]], making him the first wrestler to hold both titles concurrently. Posited as the new face of the company, he had a falling out with chairman [[Vince McMahon]] over a pay dispute, and unsuccessfully attempted to leave the WWF, with which he was under contract. Warrior returned at [[WrestleMania VIII]], but by November 1992, he had been released; it was later revealed that this was due to steroid use.

In 1993, he legally changed his name to the mononym "Warrior" and was credited as a co-writer for a comic book based on his name and likeness. Warrior returned to the WWF at [[WrestleMania XII]], but lasted four months, as he began no-showing events. Two years later, he joined World Championship Wrestling (which had tried to hire him in 1995), being used in a much-maligned storyline with Hogan, which culminated at [[Halloween Havoc (1998)|Halloween Havoc]]. Warrior retired from professional wrestling and subsequently embarked on a public speaking career, but wrestled one final match in Spain in 2008.

Warrior died on April 8, 2014, at the age of 54 in [[Scottsdale, Arizona]]. On the preceding three nights in [[New Orleans]], he had been inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]], appeared at [[WrestleMania XXX]], and made his final public appearance on ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'', returning to the promotion after an acrimonious separation in 1996.

== Early life ==
Warrior was born in 1959 as James Brian Hellwig,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.myheritage.com/|title=Free Family Tree, Genealogy, Family History, and DNA Testing|website=myheritage.com|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> in Crawfordsville, Indiana, about 50 miles northwest of [[Indianapolis]]. 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. His father died at 57 and a grandfather died at 52.<ref name="caldwell" /> The family moved and he graduated from [[Veedersburg]]'s Fountain Central High School and attended [[Indiana State University]] for a year.<ref name="Steele">{{cite web|last=Steele|first=Ray|date=April 9, 2014|title=Ultimate Warrior, Pro Wrestling Legend, Indiana Native, Dies at 54|work=WIBC-FM |url=http://www.wibc.com/news/story.aspx?ID=2152483|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131407/https://www.wibc.com/news/story.aspx?ID=2152483|archive-date=April 13, 2014|access-date=April 9, 2014|publisher=[[WIBC (FM)|WIBC]]}}</ref>

== Bodybuilding career ==
Prior to his career in professional wrestling Hellwig was an amateur bodybuilder,<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|url=http://npcnewsonline.com/new/interviews/warriorinterview.htm |title=NPC News On-Line |access-date=June 9, 2007 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609191727/http://npcnewsonline.com/new/interviews/warriorinterview.htm |archive-date=June 9, 2007 }}</ref> competing in a number of [[National Physique Committee|NPC contests]] and winning the 1984 NPC Mr. Georgia crown.<ref>[http://georgiabodybuilding.com/previouswinners.html Doc's Sports – Georgia Bodybuilding Contest Information and More] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022083114/http://georgiabodybuilding.com/previouswinners.html |date=October 22, 2007 }}. Georgia Bodybuilding. Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> Hellwig started training with weights when he was 11 years old and described himself as "the small, insecure kid who wasn't into any sports".<ref name=autogenerated2 /> He moved to California where, after seeing bodybuilder [[Robby Robinson (bodybuilder)|Robby Robinson]], he decided to take up the sport. His first contest took place in [[Florida]], where he placed 5th. Later, while he was attending [[Life University]] in [[Marietta, Georgia]], he won the Junior Atlanta contest and placed 5th at the 1981 [[Amateur Athletic Union|AAU]] Collegiate [[AAU Mr. America|Mr. America]]. In 1983, he won the AAU Coastal USA, before taking the Mr. Georgia title the following year. His last bodybuilding contest was 1985's Junior USAs, which was won by future IFBB Pro, Ron Love. Hellwig finished 5th.<ref>{{cite web|title=NPC Junior USA Championships results 1985|url=http://pics.musculardevelopment.com/index.php?mode=contest&eventcode=590#.UtQalp5dWSo|work=musculardevelopment.com|access-date=January 13, 2014}}</ref>

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 [[Sting (wrestler)|Steve Borden]] – to form a professional wrestling team. Warrior accepted the invitation and abandoned his bodybuilding career as well as his plans to become a [[Chiropractic|chiropractor]].<ref name="Robinson" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Power Team USA|url=http://www.strengthfighter.com/2012/10/power-team-usa.html|date=October 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Oliver GREG OLIVER|first1=Greg|title=Friends remember Dave Sheldon's life|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/09/pf-4715777.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150122014745/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/09/pf-4715777.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 22, 2015|date=December 10, 2007}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== Continental Wrestling Association (1985–1986) ===
Hellwig began his professional wrestling career as Jim "Justice" Hellwig of Powerteam USA, the group of bodybuilders trained by Red Bastien and Rick Bassman.<ref>{{cite book|last=Alexander|first=Kyle|title=The Story of the Wrestler They Call "Sting"|year=1999|publisher=Chelsea House Publishers|isbn=0791055515|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=psdbAgAAQBAJ&q=%22jim+hellwig%22+%22powerteam+usa%22&pg=PT9}}</ref> Hellwig and fellow trainee [[Sting (wrestler)|Steve Borden]] (who later had success as "Sting") formed a [[tag team]] called The Freedom Fighters (Hellwig was known as Justice and Borden was called Flash).

The Freedom Fighters debuted in the Memphis, Tennessee-based [[Continental Wrestling Association]] (CWA) promotion, run by [[Jerry Jarrett]], in November 1985. The team played babyfaces at first, but fans were actually slow to take to the hulking duo in a territory that had featured sympathetic "good guy tag teams" like the [[Rock 'n' Roll Express]] and [[The Fabulous Ones]]. They were quickly turned heel under "coach" Buddy Wayne<ref name=buddywayne>{{cite web|url=http://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/memphis/memphis-cwa13-2.htm|title=Memphis/CWA|website=www.kayfabememories.com}}</ref> and soon afterwards manager [[Dutch Mantel]].<ref name=dutchmantel>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/forgotten/the-forgotten-powerteam-usa-justice-and-flash/|title=The Forgotten POWERTEAM USA: Justice and Flash!|first=Pro Wrestling|last=Stories|date=June 5, 2015}}</ref> They left the CWA in January 1986.

=== Universal Wrestling Federation (1986) ===
{{main|The Blade Runners}}
In March 1986, the Freedom Fighters – now known as the Blade Runners – joined the [[Oklahoma]]-based [[Universal Wrestling Federation (Bill Watts)|Universal Wrestling Federation]] (UWF). Hellwig was "Blade Runner Rock" and Borden was "Blade Runner Sting". According to Joseph Laurinaitis (aka [[Road Warrior Animal]]), UWF owner [[Bill Watts]] created the Blade Runners and the intent was to make them a parody of [[The Road Warriors]].<ref name=roadwarriors2>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hFFPAwAAQBAJ&q=bladerunners+road+warriors+bill+watts&pg=PA261|title=The Road Warriors: Danger, Death, and the Rush of Wrestling|author1=Joe "Animal" Laurinaitis|author2=Andrew Wright|page=261|publisher=Medallion Press|date=2012|isbn=978-1605425788|access-date=July 20, 2016}}</ref> They were part of [[Eddie Gilbert (wrestler)|Eddie Gilbert]]'s Hotstuff International group, before disbanding in June 1986 when Hellwig left the UWF.<ref name="Flynn2"/>

=== World Class Championship Wrestling (1986–1987) ===
In June 1986, Warrior debuted in the [[Dallas]], Texas-based [[World Class Championship Wrestling]] (WCCW) promotion, where he wrestled for $50 a night. He has stated that he adopted the ring name "Dingo Warrior" after a member of the WCCW locker room remarked that he looked like "a warrior".<ref name="Robinson">{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/493/493533p1.html|last=Robinson|first =Jon|title=Ultimate Warrior Interview|publisher=IGN|access-date=May 17, 2008| date=February 14, 2004}}</ref> This stood in contrast with a claim made by Road Warrior Animal, who stated that the Dingo Warrior was a recreation of Warrior's Blade Runner gimmick and was an attempt to present himself as an offspring of [[The Road Warriors]].<ref name=roadwarriors2 />

Initially, Warrior was still a heel in the territory, managed by [[Gary Hart (wrestler)|Gary Hart]], although he was cheered during a heel versus heel feud with WCWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Rick Rude]] after the two fell out during a tag match. After switching managers to [[Paul Bearer|Percival Pringle III]], Warrior turned babyface permanently after a falling out with fellow Pringle proteges [[Buzz Sawyer]] and [[Matt Osborne|Matt Borne]] after a six-man tag match. Warrior formed a tag team with [[Lance Von Erich]], and the duo began competing for the [[WCWA World Tag Team Championship]]. On November 17, 1986, Warrior and Von Erich defeated [[George Wells (wrestler)|Master Gee]] (substituting for champion [[Buzz Sawyer]]) and [[Matt Osborne|Matt Borne]] to win the title. They held the Championship until December 1 of that year, when they lost to Al Madril and [[Brian Adias]].<ref name="Duncan1">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttwccw.html|author1=Duncan, R. |author2=Will, G. |name-list-style=amp |title=WCCW World Tag Team Title History|publisher=Solie.org|access-date=May 17, 2008|year=1998}}</ref>

In 1987, Warrior began competing for the [[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship|WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship]], losing to [[Bob Bradley (wrestler)|Bob Bradley]] in a tournament final on January 12. He won the title from Bradley on February 2 of that year. The title was held up in April 1987 after Warrior left the WCCW. He was reinstated as champion upon returning, but vacated it once more upon resigning from WCCW to join the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]], where he adopted the ring name The Ultimate Warrior.<ref name="Duncan2">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/thtwccw.html|author1=Duncan, R. |author2=Will, G. |name-list-style=amp |title=WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie.org|access-date=May 17, 2008|year=1998}}</ref> Warrior began appearing on house shows in June and was initially billed as The Dingo Warrior in house card promos by [[Gene Okerlund]], but soon had his name modified. There is a dispute over who created the full Ultimate Warrior name. [[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.<ref>{{Cite video|title=The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior|people=Prichard, Bruce|publisher=[[WWE Home Video]]|date=2005}}</ref> Warrior claimed after one of his first matches, McMahon had him do a pretaped promo. It was there Vince said "we want you to do Warrior, but we don't want Dingo." The Warrior then proceeded to cut the promo and stated that he was not this warrior or that warrior, he was The Ultimate Warrior.<ref>{{Cite video|title=Ringside Collectibles Shoot Interview with the Ultimate Warrior|people=Warrior|publisher=Ringside Collectibles|date=2005}}</ref> Warrior made his final appearance with WCCW in June 1987.

=== World Wrestling Federation (1987–1992)===
==== Early push (1987–1988) ====
[[File:The Ultimate Warrior's Arm.jpg|left|thumb|Warrior was known for his high energy entrances (pictured March 1989)]]
Hellwig joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in June 1987. First competing on house shows under his Dingo Warrior moniker, he defeated a series of [[Job (professional wrestling)|jobbers]], including [[Steve Lombardi]],<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Professional Wrestling: The Results WWF 1963–1989|last=Cawthon|first=Graham |page=642|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4928-2597-5}}</ref> [[Barry Horowitz]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Professional Wrestling: The Results WWF 1963–1989|last=Cawthon|first=Graham|page=652|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4928-2597-5}}</ref> and [[Mike Sharpe]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Professional Wrestling: The Results WWF 1963–1989|last=Cawthon|first=Graham|page=655|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4928-2597-5}}</ref> He made his television debut as The Ultimate Warrior on the October 25 episode of ''[[WWF Wrestling Challenge|Wrestling Challenge]]'', where he defeated another jobber, [[Terry Gibbs (wrestler)|Terry Gibbs]].<ref name="1987results">{{cite web|url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/87.htm|title=1987 WWF results|access-date=November 25, 2012|author=The History of WWE}}</ref> As The Ultimate Warrior character, Hellwig became known for his impassioned [[wikt:babbling|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. He was also known for his distinctive pattern of face paint. After several months of defeating jobbers, he was pinned for the first time in the WWF by fellow WWF rookie/future rival [[Rick Rude]] on December 28, 1987.<ref name="1988results">{{cite web|url =http://thehistoryofwwe.com/88.htm|title=1988 WWF results|access-date=November 25, 2012|author=The History of WWE}}</ref> In early 1988, Warrior entered into his first real WWF feud with fellow strongman [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules Hernandez]]. The two faced off on the February 7, 1988, airing of ''Wrestling Challenge'', where Hercules was disqualified for using his steel chain.<ref name="WWFresults688">{{cite book|title=The History of Professional Wrestling: The Results WWF 1963–1989|last=Cawthon|first=Graham|page=688|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4928-2597-5}}</ref> Warrior then grabbed ahold of the chain and in the midst of a tug of war over it, the chain snapped.<ref name="WWFresults688"/> This led to a match at [[WrestleMania IV]], where Warrior was victorious in his pay-per-view debut.<ref name="1988results"/> Warrior lost twice by pinfall shortly thereafter: cleanly to [[André the Giant]] in April in Italy,<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Professional Wrestling: The Results WWF 1963–1989|last=Cawthon|first=Graham|page=701|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4928-2597-5}}</ref> and to [[Dino Bravo]], who put his feet on the ropes for leverage, in [[Montreal]] in June.<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of Professional Wrestling: The Results WWF 1963–1989|last=Cawthon|first=Graham|page=712|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4928-2597-5}}</ref> In the summer of 1988, he wrestled [[Bobby Heenan]] in a series of [[weasel]] suit matches, in which Warrior won by sleeper hold.

==== Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (1988–1990) ====
[[File:The Ultimate Warrior with a chain 1988.png|thumb|Warrior in 1988]]
Less than a year after his WWF television debut, Warrior, a surprise substitute for the injured [[Brutus Beefcake]], won the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship]], defeating [[The Honky Tonk Man]] in a 27-second [[squash match]] at the inaugural [[SummerSlam (1988)|SummerSlam]] on August 29, 1988, and ending Honky Tonk's long reign at 454 days.<ref name="1988results"/> As champion, he captained a team at [[Survivor Series (1988)|Survivor Series '88]], where he was the sole survivor, pinning [[Ron Bass (wrestler)|Outlaw Ron Bass]] and [[Greg Valentine]] in succession to win the match for his team.<ref name="1988results" />

As 1989 began, Warrior entered a feud with [[Rick Rude]] over the Intercontinental title. The feud was sparked at the 1989 [[Royal Rumble (1989)|Royal Rumble]], where the two met in a "super posedown". After Warrior drew the support of the live crowd in their judging of the contest, Rude attacked Warrior and choked him with a steel bar. This led to a championship match at [[WrestleMania V]], where Rude pinned Warrior to win the title with the help of his manager [[Bobby Heenan]], who held down Warrior's foot from outside the ring as he was being pinned.<ref name="1989results">{{cite web|url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/89.htm|title=1989 WWF results|access-date=November 25, 2012|author=The History of WWE}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (1989)|SummerSlam]], Warrior defeated Rude to regain the title and become a two-time Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="1989results"/> Warrior then began a feud with [[André the Giant]], leading to a number of house shows in which Warrior defeated André in short squash matches,<ref name="1989results"/> establishing Warrior as a main event level talent. The feud culminated at [[Survivor Series (1989)|Survivor Series]] where the two captained opposing teams. Warrior eliminated André by knocking him out of the ring, where he was counted out. Warrior was again the sole survivor, pinning [[Arn Anderson]] and Bobby Heenan to win the match.<ref name="1989results"/>

==== WWF Champion (1990–1991) ====
[[File:Hogan passes torch.jpg|thumb|[[Hulk Hogan]] (left) endorsing The Ultimate Warrior after Warrior defeated him to win the [[WWE World Championship|WWF Championship]] at [[WrestleMania VI]]]]
The Warrior received a push as WWF's main event level successor to [[Hulk Hogan]], who had remained wrestling's biggest star throughout the 1980s. Following a few confrontations with Hogan, most notably at the 1990 [[Royal Rumble (1990)|Royal Rumble]], the Warrior was written in as Hogan's opponent in the main event for [[WrestleMania VI]] at the [[SkyDome]] in Toronto. The match was billed as "The Ultimate Challenge", as both Hogan's [[WWE Championship|WWF Championship]] and Warrior's Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship were on the line. Warrior pinned Hogan after a Warrior Splash to become the only wrestler to hold both championships simultaneously.<ref name="1990results">{{cite web|url =http://thehistoryofwwe.com/90.htm|title=1990 WWF results|access-date=November 25, 2012|author=The History of WWE}}</ref> Warrior vacated the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship (which [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]] then won in a tournament), as WWF rules prohibited a wrestler from holding both titles.<ref>{{cite book|last=Keith|first=Scott|title=Dungeon of Death|year=2008|publisher=Citadel|isbn=978-0806530680|page=146}}</ref>

After WrestleMania, Warrior successfully defended the championship against [[Haku (wrestler)|Haku]], [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]] and [[Ted DiBiase]]. At [[SummerSlam (1990)|SummerSlam]], he retained the title over Rick Rude in a steel cage match.<ref name="1990results"/> [[Randy Savage|"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.<ref name="1990results"/>

Warrior was inserted into the feud between [[The Road Warriors|The Legion of Doom]] and [[Demolition (professional wrestling)|Demolition]], leading to victories for the Warrior and LOD in six-man tag team matches in house shows as well as the October 13, 1990, airing of ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXVIII]]''. The feud culminated at [[Survivor Series (1990)|Survivor Series]], where The Warriors (Ultimate Warrior, LOD and Kerry Von Erich) defeated The Perfect Team (Mr. Perfect and Demolition). For the third consecutive year, Warrior was the sole survivor for his team. He later survived the "Grand Finale Match of Survival" with Hulk Hogan.<ref name="1990results"/>

[[File:Randy Savage vs Ultimate Warrior.jpg|right|thumb|Warrior wrestling [[Randy Savage]] on March 7, 1989, at the El Paso Civic Center. The Ultimate Warrior would go on to "retire" Savage at [[WrestleMania VII]].]]
In January 1991, Warrior faced [[Sgt. Slaughter]] at the [[Royal Rumble (1991)|Royal Rumble]]. Slaughter's [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] at the time was a traitor who had betrayed America by aligning himself with an Iraqi ([[kayfabe]]) military general, [[Adnan Al-Kaissie|General Adnan]]. In the context of the [[Gulf War]], this made Slaughter one of the most hated heels at the time. After rejecting an earlier request to grant a title shot to Savage, [[Sherri Martel|Sensational Sherri]] interjected herself in the Warrior's championship match to distract him. Her interference eventually led to a Savage sneak attack, where he struck Warrior over the head with a metal scepter and allowed Slaughter to pin Warrior to win the title.<ref name="Flynn2">{{cite web|url=http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior2.htm|last=Flynn|first=Daniel|title=Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 2 of 4|publisher=FlynnFiles.com|access-date=May 18, 2008|date=June 28, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530235631/http://www.flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior2.htm|archive-date=May 30, 2008}}</ref> Warrior went on to feud with Savage, and the rivalry culminated in a "Career-Ending" match at [[WrestleMania VII]] which Warrior won, forcing Savage to retire.<ref>{{cite book|last=Shields|first=Brian|title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s|year=2006|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|isbn=1416532579|page=[https://archive.org/details/mainevent00bria/page/137 137]|url=https://archive.org/details/mainevent00bria/page/137}}</ref>

==== Various feuds (1991–1992) ====
The next chapter of Warrior's career was an encounter with [[The Undertaker]], after Undertaker and his manager, [[Paul Bearer]], locked Warrior in a coffin on the set of Bearer's ''Funeral Parlor''. WWF officials worked feverishly to break the casket open, finally revealing Warrior's seemingly lifeless body, and the torn fabric inside of the coffin indicating Warrior's desperate struggle to get out. Warrior was finally revived by the officials performing [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation|CPR]]. (It was later revealed in a 2010 interview with Bearer that, in preparation for the segment, he and his team had to remove the airtight rubber seal or "gasket" from around the coffin's lid and drill air holes in said lid to allow for breathable space, so that Warrior would not suffocate because "he had enough brain damage as it was, and we wouldn't want to give him any more", implying that Warrior had been faking his own death the whole time.<ref>{{cite podcast|url=https://podbay.fm/p/ring-the-bell-radio/e/1274151600|title=Paul Bearer Interview|website=Ring the Bell Radio|date=May 17, 2010|time=15:43|access-date=February 19, 2023}}</ref>) This led to [[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]] offering to give Warrior "the knowledge of the dark side" in order to prepare Warrior to take his revenge on the Undertaker. This involved Roberts giving Warrior three "tests" shown on WWF television in consecutive weeks. For the first test, Roberts locked Warrior once again inside the same coffin as previously.<ref name="steelchair">{{cite book|title=Steel Chair to the Head|last=Sammond|first=Nicholas|pages=47–48|publisher=[[Duke University Press]]|year=2005|isbn=978-0-8223-3438-5}}</ref>

For the second test, Warrior was "buried alive" by Roberts.<ref name="steelchair"/> For the third test, the Warrior entered a room full of snakes,<ref name="steelchair"/> to find "the answer" in a chest in the middle of the room. Waiting inside the chest was a [[spitting cobra]] which bit Warrior in the face. 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. Roberts then uttered, "Never trust a snake."<ref name="steelchair"/> The stage was now set for a feud between the Warrior and Roberts. The feud never took place, as Warrior was involved in an alleged pay dispute with WWF owner [[Vince McMahon]] over the [[SummerSlam (1991)|SummerSlam]] main event, where Warrior was teamed with Hulk Hogan in a handicap match against Sgt. Slaughter, [[The Iron Sheik|Colonel Mustafa]], and General Adnan.<ref>{{cite book|last=Shoemaker|first=David|title=The Squared Circle: Life, Death, and Professional Wrestling|year=2013|publisher=Gotham|isbn=978-1592407675}}</ref>

On July 10, 1991, Warrior sent a letter to McMahon requesting inclusions in his new WWF contract. He wanted $550,000 for performing at [[WrestleMania VII]], a guaranteed number of working days, travel accommodations and a higher percentage of merchandise sales. He remarked that $550,000 "was fair", and that {{nowrap|"[Warrior]}} meant as much or more to the show than Hulk [Hogan]". He ended his letter with "Whatever your decision, I can and will live with it. Till then I remain home with one who cares".<ref>Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Document 178 P. Jan 2–3, 2006. Case 2:06-cv-00535-ROS. PACER.GOV. WEB.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-NNkZSWAAYlT3NEZ1puVkpLakk/preview?pli=1 |title=vinceletter.pdf – Google Drive |access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref>

The WWF responded on July 13, agreeing to $550,000 for WrestleMania VII, a higher royalty rate and promising no other WWF performer would be paid more than him on WWF pay per views. McMahon personally ended the letter by saying, "I would like to express my deepest appreciation and admiration for you as a performer, as a member of the WWF family, as a man, and as my friend".<ref>Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Document 178 P.January 3, 2006. Case 2:06-cv-00535-ROS. PACER.GOV. WEB.</ref><ref>Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Document 185 P.January 2, 2006. Case 2:06-cv-00535-ROS. PACER.GOV. WEB.</ref>

Following WWF's annual [[SummerSlam (1991)|SummerSlam]] event, Warrior was handed a letter dated August 26, 1991, from McMahon, saying Warrior was suspended effective immediately. Among other things, McMahon said, "You threatened to stay at home thereby not even appearing at Titan's major summer pay-per-view event SummerSlam. I had no choice but to accede to your exorbitant demands. This was a serious mistake on your part". 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.<ref>Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Document 178 P.January 4, 2006. Case 2:06-cv-00535-ROS. PACER.GOV. WEB.</ref><ref>Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Document 185–2 P.January 27, 2006. Case 2:06-cv-00535-ROS. PACER.GOV. WEB.</ref>

Upon receiving the letter, Warrior refused the suspension and left the WWF. Warrior formally sent a letter of resignation to the WWF in October 1991. The WWF refused to accept the letter since Warrior was under contract until September 1992.<ref>Ultimate Creations Inc. vs. WWE Inc. Document 185 P.January 10, 2006. Case 2:06-cv-00535-ROS. PACER.GOV. WEB.</ref>

With Hulk Hogan about to leave WWF between mid-1992 and early-1993, McMahon contacted Warrior about returning. He made his comeback at [[WrestleMania VIII]] (to rescue Hulk Hogan from a [[List of professional wrestling terms#B|beat down]] at the hands of [[Sid Eudy|Sid Justice]] and [[The Godfather (wrestler)|Papa Shango]]). Upon his return, he received a degree of creative control over his [[List of professional wrestling terms#B|bookings]]. One storyline involved Papa Shango, a "[[witch doctor]]", casting a spell over Warrior, causing him to convulse and [[vomiting|vomit]] in very odd colors, though Warrior says he hated that story and had no control over it.<ref name="Flynn2"/> The Warrior was booked for a WWF Championship match against then-champion, [[Randy Savage|"Macho Man" Randy Savage]] at [[SummerSlam (1992)|SummerSlam]] in August 1992. The Warrior won the match by count-out, but not the title. In November 1992, Warrior was scheduled to team with Savage (as The Ultimate Maniacs) to face [[Ric Flair]] and [[Scott Hall|Razor Ramon]] at [[Survivor Series (1992)|Survivor Series]]. Weeks before the event, Warrior was released for disputed reasons and replaced by [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lordsofpain.net/columns/On_This_Day_in_Pro_Wrestling_History_20_Years_Ago_the_Ultimate_Warrior_missed_Survivor_Series_1992.html |title=On This Day in Pro Wrestling History... 20 Years Ago, the Ultimate Warrior missed Survivor Series 1992 |author=Mr. Tito |publisher=Lords of Pain |date=November 25, 2012 |access-date=March 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130413193156/http://www.lordsofpain.net/columns/On_This_Day_in_Pro_Wrestling_History_20_Years_Ago_the_Ultimate_Warrior_missed_Survivor_Series_1992.html |archive-date=April 13, 2013 }}</ref>

The initial plan for Warrior's 1992 return was to eventually give him another run with the WWF Championship.<ref name=ultimatelegend>{{cite web|title=Ultimate Warrior: Legend of The Ultimate Warrior Special Summary|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/85063/ultimate-warrior-legend-of-the-ultimate-warrior-special-summary.html?p=1|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider|access-date=April 29, 2014|date=April 17, 2014}}</ref> Indeed, WWF writers had originally intended that the Ultimate Warrior should be the one to accept Mr Perfect's services - up for offer to either Summerslam main event competitor<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/10-fascinating-wwe-summerslam-1992-facts?page=8|title = 10 Fascinating WWE SummerSlam 1992 Facts - 3) WWF Wanted Ultimate Warrior to turn heel |date = 6 July 2017}}</ref> - turning heel in the process of winning the title. However these plans were scrapped at a late stage due to the Warrior's refusal to turn heel after considering the collapse in merchandise sales which would have resulted.<ref name=warriorafter>{{cite book|title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling|last=Baer|first=Randy|author2=R.D. Reynolds|publisher=ECW Press|year=2003|isbn=1-55022-584-7|page=[https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/74 74]|url=https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/74}}</ref>  Furthermore, his return coincided with the government's crackdown on steroids in wrestling. Warrior was admittedly a heavy user of steroids during his professional wrestling career.<ref name=caldwell>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE NEWS: Report - Ultimate Warrior cause of death|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77724.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 15, 2014}}</ref> In his book ''Sex, Lies and Headlocks'', [[ESPN]] writer [[Shaun Assael]] stated that Canadian chemist [[Mauro Di Pasquale]], who had been hired in June to monitor the WWF's new drug testing program and was known for being tough towards anyone who failed a drug test,<ref name=pppafmaro/> nailed Warrior for steroid use in September and was able to successfully persuade McMahon, who was under federal scrutiny at the time for allegations of illegally supplying steroids to some of his wrestlers, to release Warrior from the company.<ref name=pppafmaro>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fhNgjI3pSPkC&q=mauro+di+pasquale+steroid+hunter+sex+lies+and+headlocks&pg=PA117|title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment|author1=Shaun Assael |author2=Mike Mooneyham |page=117|publisher=Crown Publishing|date=February 24, 2004|isbn=978-1-4000-5143-4|access-date=July 15, 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ultimatelegend"/> Warrior left the company on November 21, 1992, with his last match being a victory over [[Kamala (wrestler)|Kamala]] on November 8 in [[Orlando, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/92.htm |title=1992 |website=thehistoryofwwe.com|date=January 16, 2023 }}</ref>

=== Semi-retirement (1992–1996) ===
Between November 1992 and July 1995, Warrior was semi-retired. During his time away from the WWF, Warrior opened the short-lived "Warrior University", a [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|professional wrestling school]] based in [[Scottsdale, Arizona]].<ref name="Torch">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_13728.shtml|last=Burgan|first=Derek|date=June 28, 2005|access-date=April 9, 2014|title= DVD Review: Burgan reviews Shoot Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – WWE, WCW, Von Erichs, Sting |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

In January 1993 he wrestled as the Dingo Warrior, defeating [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules Hernandez]] in Billerica, Massachusetts, for [[Killer Kowalski]]'s International Wrestling Federation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=84&page=4&year=1993&search=01.1993 |title = Matches « Ultimate Warrior « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

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 (1993 film)|Firepower]]''.<ref>{{IMDb title|0106915|Firepower}}</ref>

On July 22, 1995, he returned to the ring for the National Wrestling Conference (NWC) promotion in Las Vegas, defeating [[The Honky Tonk Man]]. He had also wrestled a tour of Germany for [[Otto Wanz]]'s [[Catch Wrestling Association]] (CWA) promotion where he defeated [[Ulf Herman]].<ref name="Torch" />

On February 10, 1996, he defeated [[Jimmy Garvin]] in an independent show in Princeton, West Virginia.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=84&page=4&year=1996&promotion=2382 |title = Matches « Ultimate Warrior « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH – the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

=== Return to the World Wrestling Federation (1996) ===
Warrior returned to the WWF on March 31, 1996, defeating [[Triple H|Hunter Hearst Helmsley]] at [[WrestleMania XII]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=WWE WrestleMania Countdown – 1996 PPV Report (WM 12): Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart Iron Man match, Ultimate Warrior vs. Triple H|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_39837.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323021237/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_39837.shtml|url-status=dead|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 23, 2010|access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref> He made his first appearance on ''[[WWE Raw|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]].<ref name="PWInsider" /> Warrior challenged for Goldust's Intercontinental Championship at [[In Your House 7: Good Friends, Better Enemies|In Your House 7]]; Warrior won the match by countout, but did not win the title.<ref name="OWoW" /> The following night on ''Monday Night Raw'', Warrior defeated [[Kane (wrestler)|Isaac Yankem, DDS]].<ref name="OWoW" /> A rematch with Intercontinental Champion Goldust, on the May 27 episode of the show, ended in a double countout, thus eliminating both men from the tournament and eventually giving [[Big Van Vader|Vader]] a bye into the semi-finals.<ref name="OWoW" /> Warrior defeated [[Jerry Lawler]] at [[King of the Ring (1996)|King of the Ring]],<ref name="OWoW" /> and defeated [[Owen Hart]] by disqualification on the July 8 episode of ''Monday Night Raw''.<ref name="OWoW" />

Warrior was scheduled to team with [[Shawn Michaels]] and [[Ahmed Johnson]] to face Owen Hart, [[Davey Boy Smith]], and Vader at [[In Your House 9: International Incident|In Your House 9]] later that month, but the WWF terminated Warrior's contract when he missed several house shows, taking time off allegedly to grieve the death of his father. WWF owner [[Vince McMahon]] claimed that Warrior had not seen his father in ten years and did not care much for him; therefore, he did not take Warrior's excuse for missing house shows at face value. Warrior disputes McMahon's explanation, claiming that the real reason why he did not show up to those events was a breach of contract by McMahon, in which WWF sold Warrior's merchandise without giving him a percentage. He was replaced by [[Sid Eudy|Sycho Sid]] at [[In Your House 9: International Incident|In Your House 9]].<ref name=PWInsider>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/59105/the-many-comebacks-of-the-ultimate-warrior-part-2-warrior-returns-to-the-wwf-for-the-final-time-in-1996-squashes-a-mcmahon-at-wrestlemania-and-has-a-cigar-party-with-goldust-and-marlena.html?p=1|title=THE MANY COMEBACKS OF THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR, PART 2: WARRIOR RETURNS TO THE WWF FOR THE FINAL TIME IN 1996, SQUASHES A MCMAHON AT WRESTLEMANIA, AND HAS A CIGAR PARTY WITH GOLDUST AND MARLENA|access-date=April 9, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref>

=== World Championship Wrestling (1998) ===
WCW signed Warrior "at great expense" in May 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Martin|first=Fin|date=February 1999|title=1998 Power Slam Reader Awards|magazine=[[Power Slam]]|issue=55|pages=13|quote=WCW hired Warrior at great expense in May 1998.}}</ref> He formed a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] opposing Hollywood Hulk Hogan's [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order (nWo)]]:<ref>{{Citation|title=The Ultimate Warrior's full in ring debut in WCW, 1998|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/Mu8rKpDpwkxJ/|language=en|access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref> the "One Warrior Nation" using the initialism oWn as a play on the name nWo.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Ultimate Warrior gives speech, WCW 1998|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/dqo6P1cuVqX0/|language=en|access-date=May 23, 2021}}</ref> Highlights of the storyline included Warrior [[kidnapping]] and "converting" [[Brutus Beefcake|The Disciple]] and frequent instances of "magic smoke" knocking out all of the nWo members except for Hollywood Hogan and covering Warrior's movement through a trapdoor in the ring. The trapdoor was responsible for nearly paralyzing [[Davey Boy Smith]], when he awkwardly fell on it during a match at [[Fall Brawl (1998)|Fall Brawl 98]]. Though [[Alex Wright]], who was also hurt in that match, didn't blame Warrior for the accident. But did blame management for not warning them about the trapdoor.<ref>Reynolds, R.D. (2003). Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling. ECW Press. pp. 77–78. {{ISBN|978-1-55022-584-6}}.</ref> Warrior's debut promo lasted 13 minutes, though [[Eric Bischoff]] would claim it unexpectedly lasted over 27 minutes, which was more than 20 minutes over its allotted time and forced Eric to do a massive rewrite of ''Nitro'' on the spot, including re-adding a [[Television commercial|commercial break]] that was supposed to take place during the promo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/08/eric-bischoff-rips-ultimate-warrior-20-minute-wcw-promo-673790/|title=Eric Bischoff Rips Ultimate Warrior's 20+ Minute WCW Promo, Reveals Warrior's Response After|date=August 20, 2020|website=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref>

Warrior only participated in three matches in WCW. The first was the [[WarGames match#1998|WarGames]] match at [[Fall Brawl (1998)|Fall Brawl]], where he competed as a member of Team WCW, competing against 8 other wrestlers for a shot at [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]]'s [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] at [[Halloween Havoc (1998)|Halloween Havoc]]. [[Diamond Dallas Page]] won the match by pinning [[Stevie Ray]]. On the October 12 edition of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Monday Nitro]]'', he teamed with Sting to defeat Hogan and [[Bret Hart]] by disqualification. The third was his loss to Hogan at Halloween Havoc, in what is considered by many to be one of the worst wrestling matches ever staged.<ref>''The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior''. [[WWE Home Video]]. 2005. 85–88 minutes.</ref> 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. The match came to an end when [[Horace Hogan]] hit Warrior in the back with a chair, allowing Hogan to score the pinfall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Today_2/article_74139.shtml|title=Oct. 25 in history: Hogan vs. Warrior on WCW PPV 15 years ago today, plus Goldberg vs. DDP main event|access-date=April 9, 2014|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

WCW claimed that attempts were made to save the storyline though Warrior claimed in interviews and convention appearances that the only reason he was brought back was so Hogan could get a win over Warrior in return for Hogan's WrestleMania job. Warrior's last appearance in WCW was on the November 9, 1998, episode of ''Monday Nitro'', when he came to the rescue of The Disciple who was being attacked by members of The nWo. Warrior retired from wrestling that year.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-ultimate-warrior-dies-at-54-pro-wrestling-mourns-loss-of-one-of-its-greats/|title=The Ultimate Warrior dies at 54: Pro wrestling mourns loss of one of its greats|access-date=April 9, 2014|publisher=Fox News}} "Warrior retired from the ring in 1998 after briefly working for WWE's rival, World Championship Wrestling"</ref>

=== Nu-Wrestling Evolution (2008) ===
After retiring in 1998, Warrior only wrestled a single match on June 25, 2008, against [[Orlando Jordan]] in Barcelona, Spain.<ref>{{cite web|last=Varsallone|first=Jim|title=WWE announces death of WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior|url=http://www.bradenton.com/2014/04/09/5093575/wwe-announces-death-of-wwe-hall.html?sp=/99/217|publisher=Bradenton Herald|access-date=April 9, 2014|date=April 9, 2014}}</ref> Warrior won the match and the Nu-Wrestling Evolution World Heavyweight Championship, but immediately vacated the title.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ultimate Warrior return ultimately brief in NWE title match|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/ultimate-warrior-return-ultimately-nwe-title-match-article-1.346340|work=New York Daily News|access-date=April 9, 2014|date=July 3, 2008}}</ref>

=== WWE Hall of Fame (2013–2014) ===
{{external media
| float  =right
| video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR08M6EUd0g Warrior's speech from his final public appearance on Monday Night RAW]
}}
[[File:THE Ultimate Warrior WWE Hall of Fame induction.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Warrior during his speech of induction at the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] in April 2014]]
On February 20, 2013, Warrior confirmed on his official YouTube channel that he would appear at "WrestleCon" on April 7, 2013. In the same clip he spoke positively about [[Vince McMahon]] for the first time on his channel. His appearance was so popular that a second print run of tickets had to be ordered.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ultimate Warrior speaks on first WrestleMania weekend signing and WWE WrestleMania 29|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUJmgu-hc20 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/wUJmgu-hc20 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|date=February 20, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2015|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k14/the-ultimate-warrior-is-back-in-wwe-2k14|title=The Ultimate Warrior is back in "WWE 2K14"!|publisher=WWE.com|date=July 15, 2013|access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref>

On April 5, 2014, The Ultimate Warrior was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] Class of 2014.<ref name=WWEHOF>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/26003291/ultimate-warrior-wwe-hall-of-fame-2014-26175605|title=WWE Hall of Fame|website=WWE|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> The next day, Warrior appeared at [[WrestleMania XXX]], and the following night delivered a promo on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', his first appearance on the show since his final televised WWF match in 1996.<ref>[http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/raw96.htm 1996 ''RAW'' results, from TheHistoryOfWWE.com]</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Raw news: Bryan's first night as champ, Taker update, Cesaro joins Heyman, Warrior returns, RVD returns, Paige debuts & wins Divas Title, other NXT intros, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77549.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> During what turned out to be his final public appearance, Warrior gave a speech to the fans and wrestlers past and present as his Ultimate Warrior character.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ultimate-warrior-dead-at-54-just-a-day-after-wwe-raw-and-wrestlemania-30-appearances-9247869.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ultimate-warrior-dead-at-54-just-a-day-after-wwe-raw-and-wrestlemania-30-appearances-9247869.html |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Ultimate Warrior dead days after WrestleMania 30 and Raw appearances|date=April 9, 2014|access-date=April 10, 2014|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
{{Infobox social media personality
| youtube_handle       = @UltimateWarriorOfficial
| youtube_display_name = Ultimate Warrior
| youtube_years_active = 2012–2022
| youtube_genre        = Podcasting
| youtube_subscribers  = 46.4 thousand
| youtube_views        = 5.5 million
| stats_update         = June 28, 2025
}}

Warrior married Shari Lynn Tyree on October 2, 1982.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} They remained together for the majority of Warrior's WWF career before divorcing on March 22, 1991, two days before [[WrestleMania VII]].<ref>[http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/31992?c=search&first=shari&last=hellwig Texas Divorces]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527175036/http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/31992?c=search&first=shari&last=hellwig |date=May 27, 2013 }}</ref> Warrior married for the second time to Dana Viale on January 31, 1999. The couple had two daughters together.<ref name="Steele"/>

Between 1987 and 1989, he appeared in several TV ads for Westway Ford, a car dealership in [[Irving, Texas]]. Warrior interacted in full wrestling costume with Westway's wacky character, "Mean Joe Greed."<ref>{{Cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaSsMLD2XyY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/UaSsMLD2XyY |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|title=1989 Westway Ford Commercial with Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior|people=Warrior, Mean Joe Greed|publisher="ntnwebpro"|date=1989 |access-date=June 15, 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qoRfmcZY8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/q_qoRfmcZY8 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|title=1988 Westway Ford Commercial with Dingo (Ultimate) Warrior|people=Warrior, Mean Joe Greed|publisher="ntnwebpro"|date=1988 |access-date=June 15, 2010}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Death rumors ===
Warrior returned to the WWF at [[WrestleMania VIII]] after nearly eight months on hiatus since [[SummerSlam (1991)|SummerSlam 1991]]. 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. At the time it was rumored to be [[Kerry Von Erich]], who was then under contract to the WWF. Some said Warrior died from [[liver failure]] due to years of steroid abuse or that his signature arm tassels cut off his blood circulation.<ref name=DeathRumors>{{cite web|url=https://deadspin.com/the-ultimate-warriors-rumored-death-1559112088|title=The Ultimate Warrior's Rumored Death|first=Sean|last=Newell|website=Deadspin|date=April 5, 2014 |access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> WWE claims that the theory that a different man returned to play The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VIII remains "perhaps the longest standing urban legend in WWE history".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/8-wwe-urban-legends/page-8|title=The truth behind 8 WWE urban legends|first=Kevin|last=Powers|publisher=WWE}}</ref> WWE announcer [[Tom Phillips (wrestling)|Tom Phillips]] claims that the rumors likely originated from [[Gene Okerlund]]'s WCW Hotline as well as the WCW debut of Warrior doppelgänger [[The Renegade (wrestler)|The Renegade]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuy5ZYr9V-A |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/fuy5ZYr9V-A |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|title=5 WWE Myths Busted – 5 Things|date=March 4, 2015 |publisher=WWE}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== Trademark and slander litigation ===
In 1993, Hellwig legally changed his name to the [[mononymous person|mononym]] Warrior.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&q=ultimate+warrior+changed+name&pg=PA305 |title=Historical Dictionary of Wrestling – John Grasso – Google Books |date= March 6, 2014|access-date=April 11, 2014|isbn=9780810879263 |last1=Grasso |first1=John |publisher=Scarecrow Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first1= R.D. |first2=Bryan |last1= Reynolds |last2=Alvarez |year= 2014 |title= The Death of WCW: 10th Anniversary Edition of the Bestselling Classic — Revised and Expanded |publisher= ECW Press |isbn= 978-1770411753|author-link1=R.D. Reynolds|author-link2=Bryan Alvarez}}</ref> This one-word name appears on all legal documents pertaining to Warrior, and his children carry the Warrior name as their legal surname.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/ultimate-warrior-legend/story?id=23254308|title=Why the Ultimate Warrior Was Such a Legend|access-date=April 9, 2014|work=ABC}} "The Ultimate Warrior, born James Brian Hellwig, legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993 ... It's also the last name of his wife and children."</ref>

Warrior and the WWF engaged in a series of lawsuits and legal actions in 1996 and 1998,<ref>[http://sec.edgar-online.com/1999/12/13/15/0000950130-99-007020/Section7.asp WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC – WWE Quarterly Report (10-Q) NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703015917/http://sec.edgar-online.com/1999/12/13/15/0000950130-99-007020/Section7.asp |date=July 3, 2008 }}. Sec.edgar-online.com (December 13, 1999). Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> where both parties sought a declaration that they owned the characters, Warrior and Ultimate Warrior, under both contract and copyright law. The court ruled that Warrior was legally entitled to use the gimmick, costuming, face paint designs, and mannerisms of the "Warrior" character.<ref name="Flynn3">{{cite web|url=http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior3.htm|last=Flynn|first=Daniel|title=Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 3 of 4|publisher=FlynnFiles.com|access-date=May 18, 2008|date=June 28, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419060342/http://www.flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior3.htm|archive-date=April 19, 2008}}</ref>

On September 27, 2005, WWE released a DVD documentary focusing on Warrior's wrestling career, titled ''[[The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior]]''. The DVD featured clips of his more notable feuds and matches along with commentary from WWE stars past and present (most of which are unflattering), with [[Triple H]] (by this point one of WWE's top main eventers and the husband of Vince McMahon's daughter [[Stephanie McMahon]]) adding that his WrestleMania debut loss against Warrior at [[WrestleMania XII]] left him with mixed emotions, saying that Warrior "ruined the experience" for him and was "one of the most unprofessional guys" he's ever performed with.<ref>''The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior'' DVD</ref> The DVD has provoked some controversy due to Warrior's own allegations of slander by WWE against him. Originally, Warrior was asked to help with the production of the DVD, but as he refused to work with WWE (citing he did not want to be associated with their [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]]), there had been some resulting animosity between Warrior and WWE over the Warrior claiming bias on the part of WWE.<ref name="Sokol">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/05/1127823.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101005403/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/07/05/1127823.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 1, 2013|last=Sokol|first=Chris|title=Warrior speaks his mind in new shoot|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]| access-date=May 18, 2008|date=July 5, 2005}}</ref> In January 2006, Warrior filed another lawsuit against WWE in an [[Arizona]] court over the depiction of his wrestling career in ''The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior'' DVD.<ref>[http://www.wrestlemag.com/2006/01/19/wwe-ultimate-warrior-files-lawsuit-against-world-wrestling-entertainment/ WWE: Ultimate Warrior files lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment]. Wrestlemag.com. Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> On September 18, 2009, Warrior's lawsuit in Arizona was dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theinsider.com/news/2862325_The_Ultimate_Warrior_Loses_Lawsuit_Against_WWE |title=The Ultimate Warrior Loses Lawsuit Against WWE |access-date=December 18, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

=== Public speaking ===
Warrior formally retired from wrestling in 1999 and had a short-lived career as a [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] speaker and commentator, partnering with conservative spokesman Daniel Pinheiro, denouncing [[left-wing politics]]. In one instance, he mentioned that "queering doesn't make the world work" during a speech at the [[University of Connecticut]].<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2392306821800666246 (44:20–46:50 of the video)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610171125/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2392306821800666246 |date=June 10, 2011 }}. Video.google.com. Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> Warrior explained those comments on his website as meaning that the human race would die out if everyone were a homosexual.<ref name="Flynn4">{{cite web|url=http://flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior4.htm|last=Flynn|first=Daniel|title=Interview with the Ultimate Warrior – Part 4 of 4|publisher=FlynnFiles.com|access-date=May 18, 2008|date=June 28, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530223813/http://www.flynnfiles.com/blog/warrior/warrior4.htm|archive-date=May 30, 2008}}</ref>

=== Writing ===
In 1996, Warrior published a comic book titled ''Warrior'', featuring himself as the main character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/illustrated-history-wrestling-comic-books-26133511/page-6|title=An illustrated history of wrestling comic books|access-date=April 9, 2014|publisher=WWE|archive-date=June 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614090245/http://www.wwe.com/classics/illustrated-history-wrestling-comic-books-26133511/page-6|url-status=dead}}</ref> The series was co-written with Jim Callahan and illustrated by the Sharp Brothers.

Warrior maintained a blog on his personal website titled "Warrior's Machete", where he discussed his personal life, his personal views on politics, [[sexual orientation|sexuality]], patriotism, and his legacy as a wrestler, amongst other topics. There were numerous instances where Warrior used his blog to address his viewpoint on members of his wrestling past (Vince McMahon, Road Warrior Animal, The British Bulldog, Owen Hart, Hulk Hogan, [[Lex Luger]]);<ref>[http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/warriorsmachete/?p=20 Warrior's Machete: Myspace?] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130105022045/http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/warriorsmachete/?p=20 |date=January 5, 2013 }}. Ultimatewarrior.com (December 14, 2006). Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> historical ([[Martin Luther King Jr.]], [[George Washington]]) or religious figures (Jesus).<ref>[http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/warriorsmachete/?p=28 Warrior's Machete: Sluts or a Saint?] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130105071218/http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/warriorsmachete/?p=28 |date=January 5, 2013 }}. Ultimatewarrior.com (February 21, 2007). Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> Warrior depicted celebrities who were newsworthy at the time of his blog ([[Heath Ledger]] and [[Paris Hilton]]).
Warrior occasionally referenced his respect for the Founding Fathers of the United States, and also enjoyed books like Homer's ''Odyssey'' and James Allen's ''[[As a Man Thinketh]]''.<ref>[http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/2008/01/23/dead-long-before-28/ Warrior's Machete: Dead long before 28]. Ultimatewarrior.com. (January 23, 2008). Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/2007/06/13/before-the-house-of-hilton-bred-whores/ Warrior's Machete: Before the House of Hilton Bred Whores…]. Ultimatewarrior.com. (June 13, 2007). Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref> In 2012, he started selling "Weapons of Wisdom", inspirational 6×9 pieces of watercolor paper with drawings, quotes, and doodles on them by the Warrior himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/?page_id=710 |title=Weapons of Wisdom : Warrior's Machete |publisher=Ultimatewarrior.com |access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref> He also used the blog to post replies to letters from fans.<ref>[http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/2007/05/30/warrior-wins-warrior-haters-lose-again/ Warrior's Machete: Warrior wins. Warrior haters lose –again]. Ultimatewarrior.com. (May 30, 2007). Retrieved on January 5, 2012.</ref>

== Death ==
[[File:The Ultimate Warrior RAW April 2014.jpg|right|thumb|The Ultimate Warrior in a mask depicting his trademark face paint, on what would prove to be his final public appearance (the {{nowrap|April 7, 2014}} edition of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'') one day before his death]]
Warrior died on April 8, 2014, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He had been inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] on April 5, appeared at [[WrestleMania XXX]] on April 6, and made his first ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' appearance in almost 18 years on April 7, the day before his death.<ref name="death">{{cite web|title=Ultimate Warrior passes away |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/ultimate-warrior-passes-away-26223975 |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109111045/http://www.wwe.com/inside/ultimate-warrior-passes-away-26223975 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 }}</ref> According to reports, Warrior clutched his chest and collapsed at 5:50&nbsp;p.m. while walking to his car with his wife outside of their hotel in Arizona. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at age 54.<ref>{{cite web|title=WARRIOR NEWS: Report - Reported circumstances of Ultimate Warrior's death in Phoenix|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77608.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 9, 2014}}</ref> Warrior's colleagues said Warrior appeared frail during WrestleMania weekend, and said that he was sweating profusely and breathing heavily backstage.<ref>{{cite web|title=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|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77620.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 9, 2014}}</ref>

An autopsy revealed Warrior died of a heart attack.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ultimate Warrior autopsy: Wrestler died of heart disease|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ultimate-warrior-autopsy-20140415,0,6649218.story|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=April 22, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422043733/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ultimate-warrior-autopsy-20140415,0,6649218.story|archive-date=April 22, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Warrior' had cardiovascular disease|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/10782037/ultimate-warrior-died-cardiovascular-disease|agency=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=April 15, 2014|date=April 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ultimate Warrior suffered fatal heart attack – autopsy shows|date=April 14, 2014 |url=http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/14/ultimate-warrior-heart-attack-autopsy/|publisher=TMZ|access-date=April 22, 2014}}</ref> He is buried in West Point Cemetery in [[West Point, Indiana]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGPzonGVu4c&t=390s|title=Famous Grave : The Ultimate Warrior : Jim Hellwig : World Wrestling Federation : WWF : Indiana|publisher=YouTube|author=Launch Ramp Productions|accessdate=August 24, 2025}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
[[File:The Ultimate Warrior.jpg|upright|left|thumb|The Ultimate Warrior in 1987.]]
Although Warrior's relationship with WWE was strained at times,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/ultimate-warrior-talks-about-his-legendary-career-wwecom-exclusive-july-19-2013-26133462|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722101114/http://www.wwe.com/videos/ultimate-warrior-talks-about-his-legendary-career-wwecom-exclusive-july-19-2013-26133462|url-status=dead|title=WWE.com – Ultimate Warrior talks about his legendary career: WWE.com Exclusive|archive-date=July 22, 2013|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref> more recently WWE has recognized him as one of the company's most popular legends.<ref name=WWEWarrior>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/ultimatewarrior|title=Ultimate Warrior|publisher=WWE.com|access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref> WWE described him as being "As devastating and intense as any Superstar who stepped through the ropes...", further saying that "The Ultimate Warrior may be the most enigmatic man to ever hold the WWE Championship."<ref>Profile description on WWE. com</ref> In 2011, WWE called him "one of the most recognizable" wrestlers in WWE history, praising his ability to draw power from "the WWE Universe", and further spoke of his impact as having "brought [[Hulk Hogan#Rise of Hulkamania (1983–1984)|Hulkamania]] to its knees" at [[WrestleMania VI]], "retired the [[Randy Savage|Madness]] at [[WrestleMania VII]] and press slammed a slew of the greatest legends of his era".<ref>{{cite web|last=Tello|first=Craig|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/mattel/clash-cena-ultimate-warrior|title=Clash of the Toy-tans II: John Cena vs. The Ultimate Warrior|publisher=WWE.com |date=July 27, 2011 |access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref>

Warrior appeared in the [[Mattel]] Legends figures line in both Series 4 and Series 6. He was also chosen as one of six legends to be included in the Defining Moments series of action figures. Most recently he was one of a number of figures in the WWE Superstars line of Mattel action figures in an assortment called "World Champions". Warrior further appears as a playable character in ''[[WWE All Stars]]'', ''[[WWE Legends of WrestleMania]]'', ''[[WWE 2K14]]'', ''[[WWE 2K15]]'', ''[[WWE 2K16]]'', ''[[WWE 2K17]]'', ''[[WWE 2K18]]'', ''[[WWE 2K19]]'', ''[[WWE 2K20]]'', ''[[WWE 2K22]]'', ''[[WWE 2K23]]'', and ''[[WWE 2K24]]''. 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".<ref>Commentary in the Fantasy Warfare package in ''[[WWE All Stars]]''</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/e3-2016-sasha-banks-to-be-part-of-wwe-2k17-roster-3440530 |title = E3 2016: Sasha Banks to be part of WWE 2K17 roster|date = June 15, 2016}}</ref> In 2005, WWE released ''The Self-Destruction of The Ultimate Warrior'' DVD, which portrayed Warrior in a negative light. 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nissim |first=Mayer |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s216/wwe/interviews/a534846/ultimate-warrior-on-wwe-hall-of-fame-they-need-to-tell-the-right-story.html#~oBRQtINpETO2dV |title= Ultimate Warrior on WWE Hall of Fame: They need to tell the right story |publisher=Digital Spy |date=November 29, 2013 |access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Castillo |first=Alfonso|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s216/wwe/interviews/a534846/ultimate-warrior-on-wwe-hall-of-fame-they-need-to-tell-the-right-story.html#~oBRQtINpETO2dV |title=Ultimate Warrior's best tribute is new DVD set|publisher=Newsday|date=April 16, 2014|access-date=April 19, 2014}}</ref> Warrior was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 5, 2014, the night before [[WrestleMania XXX]].<ref name="WWEHOF" />

Warrior had been largely alienated from his peers in professional wrestling in the decade before his death, and was sometimes described as a bitter man on bad terms with various wrestling figures such as [[Vince McMahon]], [[Hulk Hogan]] and [[Jake Roberts]]. Hogan even questioned Warrior's value, saying, "You gave the [WWF Championship] belt to The Ultimate Warrior... and right away the revenue went down."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/art/interviews/266/hogan-i-want-to-induct-macho-man-into-hall-of-fame|title=Hogan: I Want To Induct Macho Man Into Hall of Fame|date=March 21, 2013|website=[[Fighting Spirit Magazine]]|access-date=November 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114745/http://www.fightingspiritmagazine.co.uk/art/interviews/266/hogan-i-want-to-induct-macho-man-into-hall-of-fame|archive-date=January 28, 2015}}</ref> With Warrior's reconciling with the professional wrestling industry just before his death, some of his former adversaries offered their condolences. McMahon stated that "We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters." Hogan said, "RIP WARRIOR. only love ... We talked, both forgave each other, we hugged, we shook hands as we told each other I love you, I am so sad, God bless his beautiful family". Roberts said that he was "Deeply saddened. We just had a great talk & buried a senseless hatchet. Talked working together. RIP Warrior. Taking solace we made peace." News of his death spread the next day on sites such as Bing, Facebook, and Twitter. It was also mentioned on ABC News, HLN and CNN.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/09/ultimate-warrior-death-rections-wwe-stars/|title=WWE Stars React to the Ultimate Warrior's Death|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=April 9, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131356/http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/09/ultimate-warrior-death-rections-wwe-stars/|archive-date=April 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Wrestlers, Celebrities, and Wrestling Fans Are Heartbroken Over the News About The Ultimate Warrior's Death|url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2014/04/wwe-wrestlers-celebrities-fans-react-ultimate-warriors-death|publisher=Complex Sports|access-date=April 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Jamie|title=Ultimate Warrior dies: WWE and beyond react to loss of Hall of Famer|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s216/wwe/news/a563427/ultimate-warrior-dies-wwe-and-beyond-react-to-loss-of-hall-of-famer.html|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=April 11, 2014|date=April 9, 2014}}</ref> Reportedly almost immediately after Warrior's death, WWE sent two senior officials to Arizona to assist his widow in handling personal things such as grocery shopping so that she could focus on being with her and Warrior's daughters.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Officials Sent to Arizona to Help Ultimate Warrior's Widow|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/319411/WWE-Officials-Sent-to-Arizona-to-Help-Ultimate-Warriors-Widow.htm|publisher=411Mania|access-date=April 12, 2014}}</ref>

WWE paid tribute to Warrior on the April 14 episode of ''Raw'' with a ten bell salute and a video.<ref>{{cite web|title=See the WWE's touching tribute to the Ultimate Warrior|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/wwe-ultimate-warrior-tribute/|work=USA Today|access-date=April 15, 2014|date=April 15, 2014}}</ref> The [[WWE Network]] aired a lineup dubbed "Warrior Week" in Warrior's memory. The lineup included a four-part special.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE to pay tribute to Ultimate Warrior tonight on 'Monday Night Raw'|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-wwe-ultimate-warrior-20140414,0,7500022.story#axzz2z1YuZfg3|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 15, 2014|date=April 14, 2014}}</ref> A wrestling themed episode of ''[[The Goldbergs (2013 TV series)|The Goldbergs]]'', which aired on May 6, was dedicated in Warrior's memory.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Molloy |first1=Tim |title='Goldbergs' Plans Ultimate Warrior Tribute Episode |url=https://www.thewrap.com/goldbergs-plans-ultimate-warrior-tribute-episode/ |website=The Wrap |access-date=August 25, 2020 |date=April 21, 2014}}</ref> The 2015 film ''[[The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!]]'', which stars ''[[The Flintstones]]'' and WWE Superstars and [[WWE Diva|Divas]], was dedicated to Warrior's memory.

At the ''[[UFC Fight Night 40]]'' weigh-ins, fighter [[Lorenz Larkin]] wore an Ultimate Warrior mask, tassels and wristbands as a tribute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwmania.com/ufc-fighter-pays-tribute-to-ultimate-warrior-socal-val-attends-nxt-event-birthdays|title=UFC Fighter Pays Tribute To Ultimate Warrior, SoCal Val Attends NXT Event, Birthdays|first=PWMania com|last=Staff|work=PWMania - Wrestling News - WWE News, Payback 2023, Spoilers, Results, Rumors, AEW |date=May 10, 2014|access-date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>

Warrior was awarded a posthumous [[Slammy Award]] for Return of the Year in December 2014. A WWE-sponsored biography, entitled ''Ultimate Warrior: A Life Lived Forever: The Legend of a WWE Hero'', was released in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title= WWE News: Official details on Ultimate Warrior book project – scheduled release date, content, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82318.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=December 16, 2014}}</ref>

In 2021, Warrior's life was chronicled on [[A&E (TV network)|A&E]]'s ''[[Biography: WWE Legends]]'' and [[Viceland]]'s ''[[Dark Side of the Ring]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lambert |first1=Jeremy |title=Dana Warrior Had No Part Of 'Smut And Filth' Dark Side Of The Ring Episode On Ultimate Warrior |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/dana-warrior-had-no-part-smut-and-filth-dark-side-ring-episode-ultimate-warrior |website=Fightful |access-date=June 3, 2021 |date=May 24, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

===Warrior Award; Unleash Your Warrior===
[[File:Dana Warrior Award.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Dana Warrior presents the inaugural Warrior Award at the 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony]]

During his April 2014 Hall of Fame speech shortly before his death, Warrior proposed that the "Jimmy Miranda Award" should be created to honour WWE's behind-the-scenes employees.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=2014 WWE Hall of Fame live coverage: Ultimate Warrior, Jake Roberts, Lita, Razor Ramon, Paul Bearer, and Carlos Colon|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?36479|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Warrior had cardiovascular disease|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/10782037/ultimate-warrior-died-cardiovascular-disease|agency=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=April 4, 2015|date=April 14, 2014}}</ref> Miranda, who died in 2002, was part of the WWE merchandise department for more than 20 years.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|title=WWE Raw Results (July 15, 2002)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/82.shtml|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref>

In 2015, WWE introduced the Warrior Award for those who have "exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior."<ref name="Connor">{{cite web|title=WWE fan Connor Michalek to receive first-ever Warrior Award at 2015 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/wwe-hall-of-fame/connor-michalek-warrior-award-2015-27168837|publisher=WWE|date=March 9, 2015|access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Former WWE ring announcer [[Justin Roberts]] expressed disappointment at how WWE used portions of Warrior's Hall of Fame speech to promote the award, but left out Warrior's intentions of honoring WWE's off-screen employees.<ref name=RobertsTorch>{{cite web|title=[Updated with WWE statement] former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts blogs on Connor induction to WWE Hall of Fame, WWE's usage of Conner|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=92820|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=April 4, 2015|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike}}</ref><ref name=RobertsInsider>{{cite web|title=Former ring announcer Justin Roberts questions sincerity of WWE's relationship with Connor the Crusher|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_84260.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> WWE responded, "It is offensive to suggest that WWE and its executives had anything but altruistic intentions in honouring [[Connor Michalek|Connor]] and his legacy with the Warrior Award", adding that "moving forward the award will be given annually to acknowledge other unsung heroes among WWE's employees and fans."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=[Updated With WWE Statement] Former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts blogs on Connor Induction to WWE Hall Of Fame, WWE's usage of Conner|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=92820|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=October 28, 2017}}</ref> As of 2019, Sue Aitchison would be the first WWE employee to be given the warrior award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand to receive WWE® "Warrior Award"|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2017/13-03-2017|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=October 28, 2017}}</ref>

In 2017, WWE started promoting the "Unleash Your Warrior" [[breast cancer]] awareness campaign in partnership with the [[Susan G. Komen Foundation]], where Warrior's likeness was promoted on television by WWE wrestlers and breast cancer survivors. WWE has been criticized for using Warrior as the inspirational "emblem" of the campaign. ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' described Warrior in real-life having made public "vile, bigoted, hateful, judgmental comments about a cancer victim, [[Hurricane Katrina]] victims, homosexual people, a woman defending a gay man, and even Martin Luther King Jr." For example, when Bobby Heenan contracted cancer, Warrior said, "Karma is just a beautiful thing to behold."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keller|first1=Wade|title=Unleash Your Warrior under fire|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/10/27/kellers-take-unleash-warrior-fire-vice-revisits-warriors-vile-comments-heenan-getting-cancer-karma-just-beautiful-thing/|website=pwtorch.com|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=October 27, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' wrote that "completely whitewashing his past and elevating his likeness to a bland symbol of corporate altruism is shockingly tone-deaf, especially for a company that's at least outwardly trying to appear progressive, inclusive and diverse". In response, WWE said that the Unleash Your Warrior campaign and the Warrior Award "recognize individuals that exhibit the strength and courage of WWE's legendary character The Ultimate Warrior. Any attempt to distract from the mission of these initiatives and take the spotlight away from the honorees is unfortunately misguided."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rousseau|first1=Rob|title=WWE is Whitewashing The Ultimate Warrior's Bigoted Past|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wwe-is-whitewashing-the-ultimate-warriors-bigoted-past/|website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|access-date=October 28, 2017|date=October 27, 2017}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
* '''Nu-Wrestling Evolution'''
** NWE World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=309 | title=NWE World Heavyweight Title History | access-date=July 11, 2008|publisher=cagematch.net}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** [[PWI Comeback of the Year|Comeback of the Year]] (1992)
** [[PWI Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (1991) <small>vs. [[The Undertaker]]</small>
** [[PWI Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (1990) <small>vs. [[Hulk Hogan]] at [[WrestleMania VI]]</small>
** Ranked No. 9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/1992.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1992|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 11, 2015}}</ref>
** Ranked. 101 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years |access-date=September 15, 2010 |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227054535/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |archive-date=February 27, 2009 }}</ref>
* '''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|World Class Wrestling Association]]'''
** [[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship|WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="Duncan2"/><ref name=TexasBook>{{cite book| last1=Will | first1=Gary | first2=Royal | last2= Duncan | title=Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2000 | location=Pennsylvania | chapter=Texas: NWA Texas Heavyweight Title [Von Erich] | isbn=0-9698161-5-4 | pages=268–269}}</ref><ref name=TexasWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/tx-h.html | title= NWA Texas Heavyweight Title | access-date=March 30, 2017 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
** [[WCWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WCWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Lance Von Erich]]<ref name="Duncan1" /><ref name=WCCWAmTag>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories |chapter= (Dallas) Texas: NWA American Tag Team Title [Fritz Von Erich] |  publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2006 | isbn=978-0-9698161-5-7}}</ref><ref name=WCWATagWeb>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/wcwa/wcwa-t.html |title=World Class Wrestling Association Tag Team Title |access-date=December 26, 2019 |work=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/WWE]]'''
** [[WWF Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/304454128|title=The Ultimate Warrior's first WWF Championship reign|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905235756/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/304454128|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWF Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322416|title=The Ultimate Warrior's first Intercontinental Championship reign|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906000720/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322416|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322424|title=The Ultimate Warrior's second Intercontinental Championship reign|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905233042/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/322424|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2014)<ref name="WWEHOF" />
** [[WrestleMania Axxess#WWE Bronze Statues|WWE Bronze Statue]] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smn4pD4C4S4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/Smn4pD4C4S4 |archive-date=December 22, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Ultimate Warrior statue revealed at WrestleMania Axxess|date=March 27, 2015 |access-date=December 19, 2019|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
** [[Slammy Award]] (1 time)
*** Surprise Return of the Year ([[2014 Slammy Awards|2014]])
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Embarrassing Wrestler|Most Embarrassing Wrestler]] (1998)<ref name="auto">{{Cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|year=1999|title=January 11, 1999 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Finger Poke of Doom, Awards results, Plus tons more|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Overrated|Most Overrated]] (1989–1991)<ref name="WONAwards">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 27, 2014|title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|pages=18–33}}</ref>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler|Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler]] (1989–1990)<ref name=WONAwards/>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (1989) <small>vs. [[André the Giant]]</small><ref name=WONAwards/>
** Worst Feud of the Year (1992) <small>vs. [[Charles Wright (wrestler)|Papa Shango]]</small><ref name=WONAwards/>
** Worst Feud of the Year (1998) <small>vs. [[Hulk Hogan]]</small><ref name=WONAwards/>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst on Interviews|Worst on Interviews]] (1989–1992, 1998)<ref name="auto"/>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|Worst Worked Match of the Year]] (1989) <small>vs. André the Giant on October 31</small><ref name=WONAwards/>
** Worst Worked Match of the Year (1998) <small>vs. Hulk Hogan at [[Halloween Havoc (1998)|Halloween Havoc]]</small><ref name=WONAwards/>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Wrestler|Worst Wrestler]] (1988, 1998)<ref name=WONAwards/>

==Bibliography==
*{{Cite journal|title=Issue 1|journal=Warrior comic|year=1996|author=Jim Hellwig/Ultimate Warrior |issn=1521-4875}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|United States}}
*{{annotated link|List of premature professional wrestling deaths}}

{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Warrior (wrestler)}}
* {{official website}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{IMDb name|name = Warrior}}
* {{Find a Grave|127672292}}
{{NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWE Championship}}
{{WWE Intercontinental Championship}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Warrior, The}}
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:2014 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American male bodybuilders]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American motivational speakers]]
[[Category:NWA Texas Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:People from Crawfordsville, Indiana]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Indiana]]
[[Category:WCWA World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WWE Champions]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]