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The Ultimate Warrior died at the age of 54 late Tuesday night, just days after being inducted to the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame, according to the WWE.



Wrestling icon The Ultimate Warrior has died, World Wrestling Entertainment has announced. He was 54.

"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," the organization said via its website.

The news comes less than 24 hours after Warrior, born James Brian Hellwig, spoke on Monday Night Raw and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of WrestleMania weekend.

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly became one of the biggest stars in the franchise's history. He received the agency's top honor — a WWE Champion reign — after defeating Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania VI.

Hellwig legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993. He was known best for his intricate face-paint and a frenetic entrance where he would sprint to the ring and shake the ropes violently.

Warrior retired in 1998 after working for several months with WWE's main rival, World Championship Wrestling. He competed in one final match in 2008.

Saturday's Hall of Fame induction marked Warrior's return to WWE after an 18-year absence.

"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," the WWE said in its announcement.

The organization also said it extends its "sincere condolences" to the famed wrestler's family, friends and fans. Warrior is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

During this week's episode of "Monday Night Raw" he slipped on a mask, embracing his character a final time.

"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own," Warrior said. "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them bleed deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers — by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever."

A cause of death has not yet been released. TMZ reported Warrior collapsed outside of an Arizona hotel Tuesday and was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

News of his death was met with sadness and shock on social media. Current and former wrestlers including Hulk Hogan, Triple H and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took to Twitter to reflect on Warrior's legacy, as did WWE CEO and chairman Vince McMahon.

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