Guide Note

The Ultimate Warrior, whose legal name is Warrior, was a wrestler for the WWE in the 1980s and 1990s.

Fast Facts

1. Born: James Hellwig
2. Birthday: June 16, 1959
3. Wrestling Debut: 1985
4. Billed height: 6'3"
5. Billed weight: 275 lbs
6. Finisher: Gorilla Press Slam, Warrior Splash
7. 1-time WWE Champion
8. 2-time Intercontinental Champion
9. Legally changed name to Warrior in 1993

Wrestling Career

Warrior's manic energy and intense ring presence catapulted him to the top of the WWE within a year of his 1987 debut. He won the Intercontinental Title twice, from Honky Tonk Man and Rick Rude respectively, and later defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI for the World Title in what was billed as "The Ultimate Challenge." A little over a year later, he was no longer with the comapny.

Warrior had two more stints with the WWE in 1992 and 1996, both resulting in further disagreements with owner Vince McMahon. After a brief run with WCW, which unsuccessfully tried to rekindle a feud with Hogan, Warrior announced his retirement in 1999.

After nine years, Warrior is billed to return to wrestling in June 2008 for the Italian NWE promotion against Orlando Jordan.

Post-Wrestling

Outside of wrestling, Warrior began a career as a conservative speaker. During a lecture at University of Connecticut in April 2005, Warrior controversially stated that "queering doesn't make the world work." He continues to stir attention with his blog off his official website.