The Ultimate Warrior
WWE Hall of Fame 2014
The final entry on this list isn't a match, a promo, or an in-ring segment, but it is quite possible the most important moment from the historic and legendary career of The Ultimate Warrior. On April 5th, 2014, Warrior made his long anticipated return to the WWE as the headlining act in the Hall of Fame. His speech was everything you'd expect and more. Long-winded, full of energy, confusing at times, somewhat controversial, but full of rocket fuel and distinctly owned by the one-and-only Ultimate Warrior.
Given all the drama and bad blood built up over two decades of absence, having the Warrior back in the WWE was something many of us never foresaw happening. During his speech, he announced his excitement for a brand new two-year deal that would see him working as an official WWE Ambassador, taking his skills as a motivation speaker on the road to do some real good in the world. He appeared on-stage at WrestleMania 30 alongside the rest of the legends inducted into the Hall of Fame, a first since his brief return and match against Triple H in 1996. And finally, Warrior took to the ring, shaking the ropes one last time on Monday Night Raw, delivering an emotional speech that would serve, unknown to him, as his own eulogy.
The Ultimate Warrior passed away the next day.
I will miss the Warrior, as will millions of wrestling fans around the world. My heart goes out to his family, whom he loved so much, as we all saw at the Hall of Fame ceremony. The timing of his death has left us all in a state of shock, and certainly nothing can make the situation OK. But I take comfort in the face that the last thing The Ultimate Warrior did on this planet was inspire others, be appreciated for his legacy, and shake the ropes on Monday Night Raw one last time.
.jpg?w=282&h=188&crop=1)
