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On WWE: Fighting Spirit Magazine editor on Ultimate Warrior memories

Posted: Apr 10th 2014 By: Brian Elliot

When I reached out to The Ultimate Warrior for an interview in September 2013, it was with a hint of trepidation. Still seemingly as intense as his pro wrestling character at the peak of its powers, I knew that Warrior (his legal name, changed from his birth name of Jim Hellwig in 1993) would defend the character with his life. Yet, to give Fighting Spirit Magazine readers the best interview possible, it was my role to question that stance and ask the tough questions.

In the end, duty called for me elsewhere, and our trusted writer Luke Dormehl conducted the interview in my absence. It went off without a hitch. Despite his fierce reputation, Warrior was willing to discuss his character in detail and, without saying as much, asked only that we respected what he had tried to achieve throughout his career.

As Luke offered him that kudos, Warrior was open to talking about any subject, including his mistakes in the past. For example, I had planned to ask Warrior directly about his purchase of human growth hormome in 1992, but spoken with the acknowledgement that it was a human error. He replied with good grace. Later, his agent told me, ?No one has ever dared ask him that.?

After the interview had gone so well, I spoke to the same agent and asked him to set up a telephone conversation between Warrior and I, so that I could thank him personally for his honesty, and the trust that FSM would quote him accurately. The agent's response again stuck with me as he said, ?He'll appreciate that. It's rare anyone says thank you.?

In New Orleans this week, however, there were thousands who couldn't wait to show their appreciation at the Hall of Fame on Saturday evening, at WrestleMania on Sunday, and on Raw the following day. For Warrior, it must have been a great vindication to be recognised for what he accomplished with his television character, and the staunch manner in which he'd defended it down the years.

Today in particular, but surely for years to come, the Ultimate Warrior will be mourned by wrestling fans, especially those who grew up with him as an icon of their childhood. A goal-orientated individual with a crystal-clear vision of how he wanted to achieve those targets, amidst the tragic nature of his death it seems almost fitting that Warrior's final deeds were to preserve the character's legacy for all time.

Not for nothing, his latter-day catchphrase was simply, "Always believe."