Parts Unknown and the entire wrestling world lost one of its greatest characters this past April when the newly-enshrined Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior unexpected passed away at the age of 54. A captivating performer whose raw energy was unmatched by any of his fellow Superstars, Warrior touched many young fans during his initial run with World Wrestling Entertainment from 1987 to 1991. A former Intercontinental and WWE champion, he achieved great things with the company en route to being recognized as one of the all-time greats the night before this year's WrestleMania 30. His matches with Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage rank among the greatest in the history of the Showcase of the Immortals. His look, his character were so unique and so wildly popular that he was a marketing and merchandising machine for Vince McMahon's promotion. His image was everywhere, from t-shirts to lunchboxes. His promos were completely incoherent and nonsensical but they played perfectly into the maniacal nature of the persona. Warrior was the complete package from a character standpoint. While his ring skills have been hotly debated by many, they had very little impact on what made him as popular as he became. Warrior was an iconic performer for the company, a man that touched fans across the globe, something evidenced by the outpouring of support for he and his family upon his passing. The greatest citizen of Parts Unknown to ever grace a ring, the Ultimate Warrior is and will forever be missed by those lucky enough to grow up watching him.
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.
