James Brian Hellwig, WWE’s The Ultimate Warrior Dies at Age 54 … Rest in Peace … “I would give a few years of the life I have left to go back and experience that kind of thing again.”

REST IN PEACE ULTIMATE WARRIOR …

TMZ is reporting that James Brian Hellwig, better known to Pro-wrestling fans as the Ulimate Warrior has collapsed outside of  an Arizona hotel at 5:50 PM on April 8th while walking to his car with his wife. The Ultimate Warrior was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. No cause of death has been stated. The Warrior was just 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

Triple H just tweeted, “Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters.”

Hulk Hogan — Warrior’s greatest rival — has also tweeted, “RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH”

How very sad, one of the legendary wrestlers from pro-wrestling’s golden age, The Ultimate Warrior has passed. His death comes just mere days after he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, his appearance over the weekend at WrestleMania 30 and on Monday Night Raw. It does seem rather odd after all the bad blood over the years between The Ultimate Warrior and Vince McMahon, CEO of the WWE, that The Warrior would finally be embraced, return to the WWE and be inducted into the Hall of Fame, only to die days later. However, from the video above of The Warriors rather personal and  reflective induction speech, at the 1:18 mark he says, “I would give a few years of the life I have left to go back and experience that kind of thing again.”  Honestly, looking back on it all, he did not look well. More to follow, but I think we will learn that he had an undisclosed illness.

Ultimate Warrior talks about his legendary career

Statement from The WWE:

WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.

We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans.

WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans.

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior: World Championship match at WrestleMania VI from SkyDome on April 1, 1990