Thursday, March 28, 2024
EditorialWarrior Induction May Be a Show of Class from WWE

Warrior Induction May Be a Show of Class from WWE

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I have to confess that I am writing very prematurely.  We all know by now that we have lost a Hall of Famer in the last 24 hours, but we don’t know exactly why or what happened.

Warrior, born James Hellwig, was a fixture in the WWF for several years.  His high energy, high adrenaline ring entrances and performance style were unique enough that we can all see him shaking the ropes today.  However, his career ended in controversy.  Then, after almost 20 years of bitterness between the parties, Warrior reconciled with WWE, was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, and made his first (and last) appearance in years on RAW on Monday Night.  By Tuesday night, he was dead.

As I think back to Warrior’s Hall of Fame speech, his demeanor stood in stark contrast to the character we knew and loved.   Instead of the high energy, powerful, optimist being fueled by the Warrior Nation, he seemed like a quiet and contrite man who wanted to cement his legacy.  His speech was somewhat disjointed (as were most of his promos), but it was emotional and heartfelt.  When the crowd kept asking for one more match, Warrior didn’t respond with the typical “never say never” response most people do. Warrior clearly said it would never happen and continued with his remarks.

On Monday night, Warrior’s music hit, but he didn’t run down the ramp and do laps around the ring.  He walked down calmly and stepped through the ropes.  He didn’t shake the ropes so violently that the it could be felt in the rafters, he shook them tamely as if he just wanted to give fans that moment.  Then he spoke for a minute before putting on a paper Warrior mask and delivering the rest his comments in a toned down version of his classic Warrior promo style.  You can see his final remarks in the image above. (here is the video and transcript)

Now, here is why I said I was writing prematurely.  

We don’t know for sure, but I have a distinct feeling Warrior knew his days were numbered.  I think WWE knew his days were numbered.  However, the thing we all have to realize is that regardless of who bore the responsibility for the discord between them, WWE held all the cards.   Unless it was pure coincidence that Warrior left us just days after being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I think it is likely that WWE showed great class in honoring the wishes of dying man to bury the hatchet, recognize his accomplishments,  and give him a chance on their biggest stage and their flagship show to say goodbye to his fans.

I am sure we will know more in the coming days regarding exactly what happened, but I think credit should be given where it is due.   Their handling of Warrior and the induction of Paul Bearer (see my comments on that here) have made me proud to be fan.  In spite of trying to run a billion dollar business, these things show the true humanity of the McMahons.

As sad as it is to have lost Warrior, I am glad he got his chance to make everything right and address the WWE Universe one last time.

I think I join everyone in sending my sincere condolences to the Warrior/Hellwig family.

Of course, thoughts and comments are always welcome.

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