WWE Announces Top 10 Network Shows from Last Week

1. WWE Legends House
2. WrestleMania XXX
3. Ultimate Warrior's Greatest Matches
4. Warrior: The Ultimate Legend
5. WWE Main Event
6. Journey to WrestleMania XXX: Daniel Bryan
7. WWE RAW Pre-show
8. WWE NXT
9. Legends of WrestleMania: Warrior
10. RAW Backstage Pass

Recap of Last Night’s “Warrior: The Ultimate Legend” Special – Vince McMahon, Sting, Triple H & Others Say Goodbye to the Ultimate Warrior

Thursday night WWE aired part three of their three-part Ultimate Warrior tribute series on the WWE Network, as a part of what they are calling "Warrior Week".

Part one focused on Warrior's greatest matches, while part two was centered completely around his epic confrontation with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania.

This week's episode started out with footage of Warrior making his debut in the WWE, with commentary from him, Hulk Hogan, Kofi Kingston, John Cena, Batista, Stephanie McMahon and others. They then move forward through his career, including his WWE Championship match with The Hulkster at WrestleMania, to the point where Warrior was the highest merchandise pusher in the company.

The second part of the video followed Warrior and his family in New Orleans during WrestleMania 30 weekend. Sgt. Slaughter paid a visit to Warrior in his hotel room, followed by a discussion about dropping the title to Slaughter, and the iconic retirement match against "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

Also discussed was Warrior holding up Vince McMahon for $500,000, the litigation between both parties regarding the Ultimate Warrior persona, his run in WCW being a failure, and the infamous "Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior" DVD. Warrior revealed why he refused to shake Vince's hand, Hogan talked about being called into court during the dispute, and several other personal stories.

The final segment saw Warrior arrive at WWE HQ to talk about his return with Triple H. Then, in an extremely emotional moment, they showed Warrior meeting with Vince McMahon for the first time in years, backstage prior to the 2014 Hall of Fame ceremony. The episode ends with Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Sting giving their teary-eyed thoughts on the tragic passing of Warrior, with a few final thoughts from John Cena, Cesaro, and Hulk Hogan.

The entire episode, as well as parts one and two of the Warrior Week tribute videos, are available on the WWE Network right now.

WWE Reportedly Telling Current and Former Talents to Stay Away from Nancy Grace

TMZ reports that Nancy Grace has been blackballed by WWE over the way she covered the death of The Ultimate Warrior. WWE is warning current and former Superstars to stay off her show.

TMZ notes that while WWE hasn't issued any official memos yet, strong word is going around the company that anyone connected to the WWE brand should stay away from Nancy if they want to keep a working relationship.

Ultimate Warrior’s Wife Dana Issues Statement on the Death of Her Husband, Thanks WWE Stars for Raw Tribute

The official WWE website posted the following touching letter from The Ultimate Warrior's wife Dana today:

Dearest Warriors,

It is with an absolutely broken heart I reach out to you. Since the passing of my husband, I have been fortunate enough to insulate my sweet girls and myself from the outside world. In this bubble we have grieved and continue to do so. For a week, I did not allow any television or media to seep through our cocoon. I was told, though, of the outpouring of love for my beloved husband and support for, as he always called us, his Warrior Girls. I can only say thank you.

On Sunday night, I was told WWE would pay tribute to Warrior and so I set the DVR planning to watch it when we were ready. As the hour neared, I broke resolve and turned on every TV in the house to full blast and snuggled our daughters close to me on the couch, unsure what we would see. As the scene unfolded with that amazing roster of talent gathered donning Ultimate Warrior shirts and even his face paint, we cheered and sobbed simultaneously. To everyone who stood there, thank you. My girls will remember your bowed heads for the rest of their lives. You are not just Superstars; you are super people.

I cannot put words to what that video tribute meant. We watched it multiple times and, this morning, it was how I started my day; mornings are the hardest for me. I will treasure that song and those images more than anything I own. Vindication. ULTIMATE PERFECTION.

I was told it was reported WWE was "there" for us. "There" is the understatement of a lifetime. They were a warm blanket to us three and we were quickly absorbed into their family. Words are cheap; promises are forever. This family is one I'm honored to be a member of and will gladly be the warm blanket to any of them who need me next.

My husband's speech had so many highlights for me as I sat proudly in the audience looking on at his moment ... I most loved his request for the Hall of Fame to include the, as he called them, "true Superstars," those behind-the-scenes people who make the machine run. See, I'm the person who puts up the ring in our house. I'm the background person who makes things happen seamlessly. I am surrounded by performers in my husband and children, so I felt a kinship with all the people he wanted to shine a spotlight upon who make WWE work. He loved you all, and knew that each of you made his run there possible. Thank you!

To all the ULTIMATE WARRIOR fans: THANK YOU!! He told me when he shook the ropes it was him gathering strength from each of you. Warrior respected you and loved you as do the girls and I. I will reach out to the ropes for your strength to sustain me in the sad days that the girls and I face. UNWAVERING is what you've been. GRATEFUL is what we are.

The Undertaker and I have a lot more in common than you might think. You see, I had a bit of a streak of my own going for the last 20 years. Yes, Warrior and I would have matches of our own ... He would yell, I would cry, he would submit, I would win - always. My quivering chin and "pooched" lip was always more powerful than any clothesline or gorilla press slam. He'd laugh and shake his head and say,"you win, Pooch," but really we both did.

My streak was broken April 8, 2014 when he collapsed. I fought and screamed and cried for him not to leave me, but I wasn't to win this round. Heaven won and I lost, but I had the ULTIMATE love for 20 years and my children learned to be Warriors from THE ULTIMATE DAD. I wouldn't trade a moment of the life we shared, good or bad, for anything on God's green earth. He is the love of my life and gave me the gift of our beautiful, sweet, amazing girls. He was loyal and kind and strong and brave. He taught me to live by his creed,"Live Strong, Act Bold, Be Brave. Nothing's too hard to do, ALWAYS BELIEVE," and with that creed I will carry on and make him proud.

Streaks are broken but legends live forever.

Always Believe,

Dana A. Warrior

In lieu of donations to the family or flowers please make a donation to our wounded veterans and their families at www.operationfamilyfund.org. Our brave servicemen and women are our true warriors.

Ultimate Warrior's Widow Receiving Special Help From WWE

The WWE is helping Ultimate Warrior's wife cope with her husband's sudden death ... flying two senior WWE officials to Arizona to stand by and help her.

We're told the WWE sent the employees almost immediately after Warrior died ... their main task is helping his wife Dana handle little things -- grocery shopping, letting other family members know what's going on -- so she can focus on being with their daughters.

It's sounds bizarre ... top officials leaving their jobs to handle mundane chores, but that's how important Warrior was to the WWE.

As we previously reported, Warrior died outside an Arizona hotel Tuesday ... after suffering what officials called a "catastrophic medical event."

source: tmz.com

WWE to pay tribute to Ultimate Warrior on 4/14 RAW

WWE would be paying tribute to the late Ultimate Warrior on this Monday's 4/13 WWE RAW from Indianapolis. Warrior (Jim Hellwig) passed away on Tuesday after collapsing in an Arizona hotel after taking part in Wrestlemania 30 weekend in New Orleans and his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Wrestling Columnist Posts "Memo To Nancy Grace"

Source: PWInsider.com

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com has posted a piece entitled Memo to Nancy Grace, Crusading Wrestling Journalist that we wanted to share with all of you:

Dear Nancy Grace,

Thank you for the insightful piece on your CNN Headline News series yesterday on the Ultimate Warrior. I know with the fine journalistic standards you have set for yourself, the facts would certainly be at the forefront of this sad, tragic story.

After all, watching your segment last night, I learned:

*Warrior was found dead.

*There are allegations of "illegal steroid and drug use" in his passing.

*Warrior was a "top WWE Superstar" at the time of his passing.

*Warrior collapsed at his hotel while walking to his car with his wife (Hey....wait a minute, didn't you just say he was found dead?)

*Lots of wrestlers have died young, with implications of drug use - including wrestlers like Mark Curtis (stomach cancer), Owen Hart (fall to his death), Brady Boone (car accident), Joey Marella (actually a referee, car accident), Chris Candido (blood clot following surgery) and DJ Peterson (motorcycle wreck).

*That you have no idea what the term "catastrophic medical event" could mean.

*That you don't recognize Diamond Dallas Page when he's not "half-naked."

*That "not everyone" used steroids back in the day, because you never used them.

*That Warrior was referred to as "Ultimate"....well, at least by you.

Thank you so much for the fine upstanding research your team does on your show. Not since the days where your show told me that Chris Benoit may have committed murder because he was upset that he was demoted from the Four Horsemen to ECW and that wrestling fans looked up to "The Grunge" have we seen such hard-hitting, insightful mainstream media work on professional wrestling and those who populate that unique genre.

This incredible attention to detail and journalistic ethics brings me nothing but confidence that every other story you present will be conveyed to your viewers with the same incredible reporting. Your credibility speaks for itself.

Sincerely,

Mike Johnson

Diamond Dallas Page Issues Statement On Nancy Grace Show Appearance

Diamond Dallas Page has issued the following statement regarding his appearance on Wednesday night's Nancy Grace show on CNN:

"I went on Nancy Grace last night expecting to discuss Warrior the man. Had I known the only topic discussed would be steroids I would not have participated. At the time I was also unaware of the list that was shown to the viewing audience. To imply that all of the wrestlers on that list died from steroids was wrong and for that they owe the families an apology. Again, my only intention was to discuss Warrior the man and share some stories about how dedicated he was to the wrestling business. I am saddened that was not what happened and my thoughts remain with his family. - DDP"

As previously reported, Grace repeatedly insinuated that Warrior's death was caused by steroid use, and she also provided a list of wrestling talent that she claimed had died as a result of steroid use. Some of those talent included Owen Hart, Joey Marella, Brian Hildebrand, and others who had actually died of other causes. Wrestling fans have been in an uproar since Grace's show and her comments Wednesday night, and a Change.org petition has also been launched by a fan calling for CNN to remove Grace from their network because of her coverage of Warrior's death, as well as her incorrect statements.

Recap of DDP on Nancy Grace Tonight; DDP Praises WWE’s Wellness Policy Amidst Grace’s Attempts to Link Warrior’s Death to “Steroids & Drugs”

Former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page appeared on Nancy Grace tonight to speak on the death of the Ultimate Warrior.

Grace began with the news recap of Warrior's death, then continued to reiterate an overly-dramatic subliminal message throughout the segment that "rumors of steroid and drug use are swirling" in the case of Ultimate Warrior's death.

To my knowledge, there hasn't been a single media outlet that has linked steroid or drug use to the sudden death of Ultimate Warrior.

Grace brought a doctor onto the show to discuss the long term effects anabolic steroids have on your body, and the lasting problems they can cause even if you've stopped using them long ago. This was clearly Grace's indirect way to blame Warrior's past steroid use (which he has admitted to) for his death yesterday.

At one point in the segment, she listed numerous pro wrestling names who have died young, and attempted to group them into the same "steroid" umbrella that she was using against Warrior, even if some of the names she mentioned had never been linked to steroid use.

DDP talked briefly about wrestlers using steroids in the past, but praised WWE's Wellness Policy for getting guys like Scott Hall and Jake Roberts the help they needed to get their lives back on track following their past drug use.

Grace continued to reiterate "rumors of steroid and drug use are swirling," and then introduced a correspondent who spoke on the "catastrophic medical condition" Warrior suffered yesterday. Grace asked for clarification of the phrase "catastrophic medical condition," but the correspondent said nothing else is known at this time. She did mention most people believe the cause of Warrior's death to be a heart attack, but those details remain unconfirmed.

DDP mentioned Warrior's vigorous workout habits, and noted he was a very intense man, but added he is not a doctor, and cannot speak to the truth of any drug or steroid related causes of Warrior's death.

The segment closed with Grace reiterating, for the hundredth time, "rumors of steroid and drug use are swirling," and at this point she's said it so many times she has to be the person who started the rumors, and is continuing to "swirl" them.

Triple H Talks to ESPN About The Ultimate Warrior's Death and His Return to the Company

Ultimate Warrior Passes Away

From WWE.com:

WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.

We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans.

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.

From TMZ.com:

Officials tell TMZ ... Warrior collapsed outside an Arizona hotel at 5:50 PM on April 8th ... while walking to his car with his wife.

Warrior was transported to a nearby hospital ... where he was pronounced dead.

Video: The 2014 WWE Hall of Fame Class receive their rings

The Ultimate Warrior Signs a New Multi-Year Deal with WWE

The Ultimate Warrior revealed at tonight's Hall of Fame ceremony that he is now working as an official ambassador with WWE, meaning he's likely signed a Legends contract. Warrior noted that he's signed a multi-year deal with the company.

Linda McMahon to Induct the Ultimate Warrior into the WWE HOF

The Ultimate Warrior posted the following on Twitter this morning:

Fortunetelling pundits lack the integrity it takes to figure me out. I'm honored @Linda_McMahon accepts my request to introduce #wwehof2014. For all the Medicinal Marijuana users & ADD crowd w/ half-ass functioning brains: Introduce=Induct. One more time. Induct=Introduce. Got it?

According to PWInsider.com, while the announcement of Linda McMahon inducting Ultimate Warrior into the Hall of Fame might have come as a surprise to some, it shouldn't, as back in the day Warrior was very close to the McMahon family on a personal level, which is why his falling out with WWE was so difficult.

Ultimate Warrior to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2014

One of WWE’s most iconic and exciting Superstars will take his place in sports-entertainment history on Saturday, April 5, 2014. It was announced today that Ultimate Warrior will return to WWE after an 18-year absence be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame at a ceremony at New Orleans Arena, as a part of the WrestleMania XXX festivities.

"The Ultimate Warrior was the most intense, colorful, competitive and outspoken Superstar in sports-entertainment history, and his contributions to WWE were extraordinary," said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. "We are thrilled to induct The Ultimate Warrior into the WWE Hall of Fame."

When his trademark theme music hit, Warrior would burst out of the dressing room and sprint towards the ring, causing a frenzy of excitement amongst WWE fans. Inside the squared circle, Warrior was an intense competitor and responsible for many of the most memorable moments in WWE history.

At the inaugural SummerSlamin 1988, he defeated the Honky Tonk Man in record time to win his first of two Intercontinental Championships. Two years later, Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI in one of the most exciting matches to ever take place on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

Warrior would continue to captivate audiences around the world with epic encounters against legendary Superstars like Undertaker and Randy “Macho Man” Savage. After a storied career that also saw him rekindle his rivalry with Hogan in WCW, Warrior stepped away from the ring in 1998. Last year, he was featured in the WWE2K14 video game as a downloadable character, giving the next generation of WWE fans a chance to “feel the power of the Ultimate Warrior.”

Additional WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014 inductees will be announced over the coming weeks.

Ultimate Warrior comments on WWE Hall of Fame rumors

Mayer Nissium of Digital Spy is featuring an interview with the Ultimate Warrior where he addresses the possiblity of heading into the WWE Hall of Fame and his interest in it.

Warrior provided a lengthy response not ruling anything out, but that the true story of his career would need to be told first instead of the version released on DVD back in 2005.

"The simple answer is they've got to tell the right story. That's a possibility. Being in the Hall of Fame - Ultimate Warrior being inducted into the Hall of Fame, or me standing there at the Hall of Fame participating in it - is not going to mean anything to my goals in my life and the kind of quality of life I'm going to have, what kind of things I'm going to do, how productive I'm going to be as I move on throughout my life.

I only get this one life, so I'm not going to sit in my own pile of poop and feel sorry that I'm not in the Hall of Fame. The Ultimate Warrior character relative to professional wrestling or WWE, he's definitely a Hall of Famer. He's a Hall of Famer whether he gets into the Hall of Fame or not.

They need to tell the right story. They need to tell the right story for the fans. It's been interesting - years ago they started rewriting the history of the character. Then they came out with the DVD [2005's controversial The Self-Destruction of The Ultimate Warrior]. I see the people who love The Ultimate Warrior. They're grown up now they're out in the world and they've got their own kids. I've seen them, they fight.

"They don't sit back and take it anymore when people are on a bandwagon and spew out all kinds of stuff that's not based on any factual information or anything like that about what kind of impression the Ultimate Warrior made in the business. So they need to tell the right story, and that would be a way to open the door to talking about doing the Hall of Fame."

To check out the full interview with Warrior, click here.

source: digital spy

Rumor Mill - Vince Reportedly Meets with Warrior

While The Ultimate Warrior was in Los Angeles for WWE 2K14 business over SummerSlam weekend, he reportedly met with Vince McMahon. No word yet on what was discussed or how the meeting went.

Cory Ledesma, Triple H reveal ‘30 Years of WrestleMania’ with WWE 2K14 video game project

The upcoming WWE 2K14 is shaping to be one of the most impressive and ambitious sports entertainment video games in history.

Creative director Cory Ledesma revealed the single player campaign for this year’s installment of the popular franchise would be centered on the rich history of WrestleMania. The milestone event will turn 30 when it emanates from New Orleans in 2014.

“This is an announcement all of our fans have been waiting for because it’s such an important part of the game and the mode itself ends up defining a large portion of the game’s roster,” Ledesma said during a conference call with Paul Triple H Levesque.

“…Our new single-player campaign is called ‘30 Years of WrestleMania.’ This will be a nostalgic journey spanning three decades that will allow players to relive the greatest moments and matches of WrestleMania history. It’s all of the unforgettable moments that have defined the greatness of what WrestleMania has become over the last 30 years.”

Gamers will have the opportunity to play in more than 45 matches, reliving some of the biggest showdowns in the most interactive way possible. Among them is the colossal battle between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III.

“That’s right. We just announced Hulk Hogan is in the game,” Ledesma said. “[There is also] WWE 2K14 cover superstar Dwayne The Rock Johnson versus Hulk Hogan billed as an ‘Icon vs. Icon’ match at WrestleMania and also WrestleMania 28’s much anticipated main event of The Rock versus John Cena. This is just a small sampling.”

Ledesma believes the game, which is the first published by 2K Sports, will have the greatest roster ever assembled in a WWE videogame. The official roster reveal occurs Saturday, Aug. 17 at WWE’s SummerSlam Axxess at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.

A close attention to detail was made to ensure all the unique presentation elements were recreated in each historic contest. Everything from the arena, tailored graphics and crowds to superstar ring attire and entrances replicate the matches as it happened.

Ledesma says the vintage screen effects during the 1980s and ‘90s will transform gamers back in time. WWE-produced video packages were made and placed before several bouts as a refresher to the storylines that led to the ‘Mania mat classics. Fans can also look for in-game cinematic cut scenes and historical in-game objectives to reproduce matches as they transpired, rewarding players with unlocked goodies.

Levesque is no stranger to creating history during his legendary career at the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment. WWE’s executive vice president of talent and live events says the company is extremely excited about the videogame concept of “30 years of WrestleMania.” He thinks WWE 2K14 will appeal to all ages, casual and hardcore fans alike.

“A lot of them may have watched all 30 years of WrestleMania as it grew from a closed circuit event to a pay-per-view event with 90,000 people watching at the historic Pontiac Silverdome between Hulk Hogan versus Andre the Giant, which you will be able to play in this game,” Levesque said, “to the global phenomenon it is today, stadiums every year and the global impact that WrestleMania has, and the long-lasting impact WrestleMania has for 30 years. As it has grown, WrestleMania has become the Super Bowl of WWE...It has become an event city after city all across the United States are coming in to bid just like they would a Super Bowl as to who is going to get WrestleMania. We are getting years ahead…

“It has become a cultural event that even if you are not a hardcore WWE fan, it becomes a cultural event that is water cooler talk, if that still exists. I guess that would be social media. It’s a must-see event for everyone. I think this game is going to represent the nostalgia of that, the excitement of that. I’m a real big believer in history and knowing where you came from is important to where you’re going to go. As WrestleMania continues to grow, I think it’s important to see where WrestleMania has been in seeing these iconic moments…”

Levesque, whose nickname is “The Game,” says they are excited about the superstar alum brought back in videogame form. These include “Macho Man” Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior, who was recently announced as pre-order exclusive playable character.

“I’ll go out on a limb and say my match with the Ultimate Warrior might not make it into the greatest moment’s aspect of the greatest moments of WrestleMania history,” Levesque said of his encounter with the man from “Parts Unknown” at WrestleMania XII.

“Although it was a phenomenal moment for me, the opportunity for me to step into the ring with probably one of the greatest icons that there have ever been in this industry, the rest of it didn’t matter. The fact that I stepped in the ring with him on the biggest stage in the world at WrestleMania was all I needed to know at that time. It was moment that I will absolutely never forget. So for me, it is an absolutely incredible WrestleMania moment.”

Levesque has been credited with helping what may have been considered unheard of take place. He was a big part of securing Bruno Sammartino in the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Now the Ultimate Warrior has started working with the company on projects such as the videogame under his watch.

“For me I’m a real big believer in the history of our industry and of WWE,” Levesque said. “I come to this maybe differently. It’s a business, but also just every day I come into my office, and I’m a six-year-old kid on Saturday morning watching Saturday morning wrestling on my TV and thinking it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever seen. So to me, you look at a Hulk Hogan. You look at Ultimate Warrior, these are the guys I grew up watching, and they should be a part of this great business and WWE.

“This is what it is. Vince McMahon had a vision of one global brand that encompasses it all, and I think he succeeded in that vision. They should be a part of it and participate in it. As time goes on, people have their reasons as to why they are here or not here, day-to-day. Everything falls into where it does I guess, but I look at it from a bigger picture.

“Is there not some way we can work together because at the end of the day this is all about the WWE Universe, our fans and what they want and what they want to see. I think they want these people to be a part of it. They want to remember their childhood and remember the past. This is not the only way for them to watch back but participate in it and be a part of it. With this videogame franchise, to me, that is just huge.”

It has been years since Warrior has been associated with a WWE-related production. Levesque thinks the colorful performer was excited about coming back into the fold.

“A lot of water passed under the bridge,” Levesque said. “A lot of time goes by, and I think everybody realizes, ‘What are we doing?’ Everybody grows and everybody becomes different people. I think it happened on all sides. We just decided it was the right time. Him jumping into this videogame I think is a tremendous step forward.

“We are working on a continued relationship. Obviously, this is a great partnership with Warrior, who is one of the most well-known and iconic brands in WWE history. We are excited to have him in this game and that the WWE Universe will be able to play that character and be the Ultimate Warrior. How cool is that? I think he is excited about it, and I look forward to the future in working together in making everything exciting for the fans or our fans.”

source: miamiherald.com

Rumor Mill - DX/Chyna/Ultimate Warrior in the WWE Hall of Fame

Recently there was speculation that Degeneration X would headline the 2014 WWE Hall of Fame inductees with all the members of the group including Chyna being inducted together. However, now it appears the inclusion of Chyna is unlikely due to her recent and continued involvement with the porn industry. There was talk of induction for DX last year as a group but this never materialized due to reports that Triple H wanted to be inducted by himself. Furthermore, the growing speculation is that the Ultimate Warrior will headline the 2014 Hall of Fame class. It is unlikely that either Triple H or Shawn Michaels would want to play second fiddle to the Warrior nor would Warrior want to be pegged behind DX.

source: wrestling observer

WWE Hall of Fame Beckons for Warrior

WRESTLING experts predict the Ultimate Warrior will finally enter the WWE Hall of Fame next year.

The beloved former WWE world champion has long been at odds with company owner Vince McMahon.

But the man with the colourful face paint and personality to match completed an unlikely virtual comeback last week by signing as a character in the new WWE 2K14 console game.

Since then, Warrior has featured heavily on the WWE’s website and even recorded a new interview in which he PRAISED McMahon.

He is yet, however, to appear back inside a WWE ring.

It is now thought the Warrior will follow other former out-of-favour grapplers Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund — who entered the Hall of Fame this year — by headlining the 2014 induction event.

The 54-year-old is fondly remembered by WWE fans for his WrestleMania VI defeat of Hulk Hogan, as well as classic feuds with Rick Rude and Randy Savage.

Multiple fallings-outs with McMahon led to a stop-start WWE career, which finally ended in 1996.

After a failed run in WCW in 1998, Warrior became a writer and motivational speaker — returning to the ring just once a decade later for an independent event in Spain.

Having been welcomed back into the WWE fold by McMahon on Twitter, Warrior replied: “Vince, thank you for your personal welcome back to the WWE Universe. It is noted and appreciated.

“All the Warriors of Parts Unknown take pride in being one of the original galaxies of the universe you created.

“Not one of my days has passed without a flashback to my time in the business and my relationship with you.

“After 17 years of battling one another, perhaps the stars have finally aligned and destiny is prepared to tell one of sports entertainment’s greatest stories.

“I am proud Ultimate Warrior is an iconic, immortal spirit in the universe you created. I know, Vince McMahon, you are proud, too.”

source: the sun