Only three days after being inducted
into the WWE Hall of Fame, James Hellwig, who wrestled professionally as
"The Ultimate Warrior," reportedly died Tuesday at 54, WWE officials
said in a statement.
Hellwig
appeared on WWE Raw on Monday in New Orleans on USA Network to a rousing
ovation from fans, only a day after WrestleMania XXX.
Known for his extremely muscular physique,
long, shaggy hair and colorful face paint, The Warrior feuded with many of the
then-WWF's biggest stars, including Hulk Hogan and Randy "Macho Man"
Savage during his career. He defeated Hogan at WrestleMania VI to become
champion, and was also an ex-Intercontinental champion.
The Ultimate Warrior's career spanned 13
years, from 1985-98, and included three stints in the then-WWF. His most
memorable run came from 1987-91. He came back for short stints in 1992 and
1996.