Warrior (wrestler)

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Warrior (wrestler) : biography

16 June 1959 –

On September 27, 2005, WWE released a DVD documentary focusing on Warrior’s retrospective 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.The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior DVD The DVD has provoked some controversy due to Warrior’s own allegations of libel 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 promotion), there has been some resulting animosity between Warrior and WWE over the Warrior claiming bias on the part of WWE. 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.. Wrestlemag.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-05. On September 18, 2009, Warrior’s lawsuit in Arizona was dismissed.

Motivational speaking

Warrior formally retired from wrestling in 1999 and had a short-lived career as a 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.. Video.google.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-05. Warrior explained those comments on his website as meaning that the human race would die out if everyone were a homosexual.

Writing

In May 1996, Warrior began publishing a comic book, titled Warrior, featuring himself as the main character. The series was co-written with Jim Callahan and illustrated by the Sharp Brothers. The title sold well for the first two months, before sales slowed down. The comic was canceled in early 1997.

Warrior maintains a blog on his personal website titled "Warrior’s Machete", where he discusses his personal life, his personal views on politics, sexuality, patriotism, and his legacy as a wrestler, amongst other topics. There have been numerous instances where Warrior has 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);. Ultimatewarrior.com (2006-12-14). Retrieved on 2012-01-05. historical (Martin Luther King, George Washington) or religious figures (Jesus).. Ultimatewarrior.com (2007-02-21). Retrieved on 2012-01-05. Warrior depicts celebrities who were newsworthy at the time of his blog (Heath Ledger and Paris Hilton). Warrior occasionally references his respect for the Founding Fathers of the United States, and also enjoys books like Homer’s "Odyssey" and James Allen "As A Man Thinketh".. Ultimatewarrior.com. (2008-01-23). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.. Ultimatewarrior.com. (2007-06-13). Retrieved on 2012-01-05. In 2012 started selling "Weapons of Wisdom", inspirational 6×9 pieces of watercolor paper with drawings, quotes and doodles on them by the Warrior himself.http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/?page_id=710 He has also used the blog to post replies to letters from fans.. Ultimatewarrior.com. (2007-05-30). Retrieved on 2012-01-05.

Bodybuilding career

Prior to his career in professional wrestling Hellwig was an amateur bodybuilder, competing in a number of NPC contests and winning the 1984 NPC Mr. Georgia crown.. Georgia Bodybuilding. Retrieved on 2012-01-05. Hellwig started training with weights when he was 11 years old and has described himself as "the small, insecure kid who wasn’t into any sports". He moved to California where, after seeing bodybuilder Robby Robinson, 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 AAU Collegiate 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 USA’s, which was won by future IFBB Pro, Ron Love. Hellwig finished 5th.

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 Steve "Flash" Borden – who were attempting to make the transition into professional wrestlers. Warrior accepted the invitation and abandoned his bodybuilding career and his plans to become a chiropractor.

Championships and accomplishments

  • Nu-Wrestling Evolution
    • NWE World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
    • PWI Comeback of the Year (1992)
    • PWI Feud of the Year (1991) vs. The Undertaker
    • PWI Match of the Year (1990) vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI
    • PWI ranked him #101 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
  • World Class Wrestling Association
    • WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
    • WCWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Lance Von Erich
  • World Wrestling Federation
    • WWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
    • WWF Intercontinental Championship (2 times)
  • World Wrestling Superstars
    • WWS Heavyweight Championship (1 time)