Wrestling icon Ultimate Warrior passes away

Professional wrestling icon Ultimate Warrior, who electrified fans with his intensity in the ring since the late 1980s, died on Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time).

World Wrestling Entertainment, where Warrior made his name in the late 80’s and early 90’s, announced the news on its website and expressed shock and sorrow over his death.

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

The wrestler, born James Hellwig, but who legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993, captured the then-WWF championship at WrestleMania VI at the expense of Hulk Hogan.

According to WWE, Warrior's death came shortly after he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and appeared at Wrestlemania XXX and Monday Night Raw.

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

A separate report by TMZ.com said Warrior died in Arizona.

Warrior's fellow wrestlers took to Twitter to express their sorrow.
 
"Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters," said Triple H (Paul Michael Levesque).

 "RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH," added Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea). - Joel Locsin / AMD, GMA News