Legendary wrestler The Ultimate Warrior, who was infamous for his colorful warpaint and arrogant stage swagger, died at the age of 54, just days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The death of James Hellwig, a longtime star of the sport who appeared at WrestleMania 30 on Sunday, was announced by World Wrestling Entertainment Tuesday night.
The Warrior became champion of what was then known as the WWF at WrestleMania VI in 1990 when he defeated another iconic wrestler, Hulk Hogan.
His longtime nemesis sent his condolences on Twitter early Wednesday.
“RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH,” tweeted Hulk Hogan.
The WWE said they were “shocked and deeply saddened” to learn of his passing.
Hellwig leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
WWE boss Vince McMahon tweeted: “We are all so sad that Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters.”
The circumstances of his death were not clear early Wednesday.
TMZ reports officials said Hellwig was walking outside an Arizona hotel with his wife when he collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
Hellwig made his final appearance on WWE’s Monday Night Raw, thanking fans and acknowledging the future stars of the business.
“No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own,” Hellwig told the crowd on Monday. “Every man’s heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if that man did in his life what makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them bleed deeper and something larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized.”
He continued: “By the story tellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him and make the running the man did live forever. You, you, you, you, you, you are the legend makers of Ultimate Warrior.”