Pro wrestling legend Ultimate Warrior dead at 54

The Ultimate Warrior, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday night and was one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars in the late 1980s and 1990s, has died. The news broke late Tuesday night after Triple H tweeted the news.

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.

The Ultimate Warrior -- he was born James Brian Hellwig, but legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993 -- was an intense character whose pseudonym was a household name for anyone growing up in the late ‘80s and early to mid-‘90s, a man whose trademark face paint was as recognizable as Ric Flair’s hair. He was especially beloved by wrestling fans for his famous defeat of Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania VI.

SB Nation’s Bill Hanstock met him Thursday in New Orleans, and he appeared to be in good health during his appearances at Wrestlemania XXX on Sunday night and on Monday Night Raw the following evening. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.