10 Times WWE Were Shamelessly Exploitative

8. The Warrior Award

Melanie Pillman Vince Raw Interview 1997
WWE

When WWE chose to exploit the sudden death of The Ultimate Warrior shortly after his relationship with the company had finally thawed, they seemed to go out their way to make it as distasteful as possible.

During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Warrior had suggested a gong named for long-time WWE merchandiser Jimmy Miranda, with the company's unsung behind-the-scenes heroes in mind. Instead, they came up with an award taking his own name, to recognise those who have "exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who live life with the indomitable spirit of The Warrior."

Which was all well and good - except for the name. Few could argue that those in receipt have deserved it - but should they have accepted it? If they'd stopped to reflect on The Warrior's "true spirit", which extended to telling the LGBT community that "queering don't work", instructing an Iranian student to "get a towel", and openly wishing for Bobby Heenan's death from cancer, then probably not. In reality, the 'Warrior Award' is nothing than faux philanthropy masked behind an exploited, lionised legacy.

In this post: 
Hulk Hogan
 
Posted On: 
Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.