The passing of the Ultimate Warrior in April 2014 shook the wrestling world to its core. Just three days earlier, he was inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame and immortalized forever when he addressed the WWE Universe one last time on Monday Night Raw. In the days and weeks following his untimely passing, the young fans of today's sports-entertainment product were treated to some of the Superstar's greatest matches and moments. His career was celebrated and his memory honored, and rightfully so. But this list would be incomplete without the inclusion of the most unstable, unpredictable and unconventional character in WWE history. With unintelligible promos and an out-of-control style that set him apart from the other larger-than-life stars of the late 1980s, Warrior captivated audiences with his unique brand of crazy. Whether he was snorting, rambling on about tearing down cockpit doors or encouraging the little Warriors in the crowd to join him on his quest to dominate the wrestling world, there was something endearing about the Ultimate Warrior. He was different, in more ways than one, and in an era where everyone was still working under the impression that no gimmicks was what was best for the long-term product, Warrior broke the mold and succeeded at a level that only Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage had experienced before.
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.
