It is hard to imagine but, while Hulk Hogan may have been the biggest draw for WWE from 1988 until 1990, The Ultimate Warrior very well may have been its hottest star. Donning colorful face paint, arm tassels and trunks that matched, and sprinting to the ring to demolish his next opponent, the oftentimes unintelligible star was a favorite of many, thanks to his larger-than-life persona. He was so full of energy and intensity that it was absolutely impossible not to be captivated by the guy. That he rarely showed weakness, rolling over opponents in impressive fashion only further endeared him to a growing audience looking for exciting and fresh new talent. In 1988, he would arrive on the Survivor Series stage as the intercontinental champion and begin a run that would be matched by only one other man. There, he captained a team consisting of Brutus Beefcake, Jim Brunzell, Sam Houston and the Blue Blazer into battle against Danny Davis, Bad News Brown Greg Valentine, Ron Bass and Honky Tonk Man. Of course, since the majority of his partners were glorified jobbers, he was left in a two-on-one situation with Bass and Valentine. Neither of those men was a match for the IC champion, though, as he used two double ax handles to fell them. In 1989, Warrior's war with the Heenan Family and Andre the Giant reached its boiling point as he partnered with The Rockers and Jim Neidhart to meet Arn Anderson, Haku, Andre and Heenan. More importantly, Warrior had achieved such popularity that the decision was made to book him in the main event as opposed to Hulk Hogan, who had carried WWE on his back for five years. Fans rejoiced as they watched the surging young star eliminate Arn Anderson, then turn his focus toward Heenan. The loudmouthed manager finally got his comeuppance as Warrior delivered his trademark gorilla press slam and splash combination for the win. One year later, both Ax of Demolition and IC champion Mr. Perfect would fall victim to the same maneuvers as Warrior again celebrated as the sole survivor. To remain consistently over to the point that Vince McMahon has enough confidence to book a Superstar as strongly as he did Warrior during that three-year stretch is a testament to the performer himself. Warrior, for all of the criticisms (just and unjust), had a connection with the audience that allowed him to remain as relevant and over for as long as he was and did, regardless of the fact that he never really changed up the character to any great degree.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
