By ALISSA PETSCHE
Contributing Writer
On Tuesday, April 8, 2014 the passing of a cultural icon that shaped many superstars seen in wrestling rings across the world today shocked wrestling fans.
Less than a day after being seen on live television for World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) Monday Night Raw and three days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, James Hellwig, or better known to fans as “The Ultimate Warrior,” died unexpectedly.
The 54-year-old former wrestler collapsed suddenly outside a hotel in Arizona Tuesday night while he and his wife were walking to their car. After being transported to a nearby hospital, Hellwig was pronounced dead.
Hellwig’s death was officially announced via a tweet from WWE Chief Operating Officer Paul Levesque (better known as “Triple H” by fans). Fans and wrestlers alike took to social media platforms to mourn the death of Hellwig. During the 24-hour time period after his death there were four trending topics on twitter related to it: #RIPWarrior, #RIPUltimateWarrior, #ThankyouWarrior and #Ultimate Warrior.
When speaking to wrestling fans the response to the death of a wrestler tends to be the same; it’s like losing a friend. After speaking with a few long-time fans, one woman, Kim Sherman, put it best: “You grew up with them, watched their moments of victory and defeat. You really loved them for everything they were and stood for. And deep down you really know a part of you won’t be the same without them.”
Hellwig joins a long list of wrestlers from his generation who have died prematurely. There are entire tribute sites to wrestlers who have died young, the most prominent being DeadWrestler.net. According to the site, since 2000 alone, 62 former WWE wrestlers under the age of 60 have passed on, Hellwig making 63.
While the reason behind Hellwig’s unfortunate and sudden passing has yet to be revealed, public speculation continues to lean toward steroid use. In 2007 while on Fox News’ show Hannity & Colmes, Hellwig admitted to using anabolic steroids during his career and added that, “…steroids are used throughout the industry all the way through. I mean it’s easier to say, or point out the number of guys who aren’t doing steroids than those that are.”
Many jump to the conclusion that steroid use is the cause of death of any wrestler that has died young. That is not always case. During a 2007 interview with the Washington Post, WWE veteran Marc Mero talked about how many wrestlers during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s self-medicate with drugs, mainly pain killers, and alcohol in order to perform every night. Despite matches being predetermined, the physicality of the shows cannot be faked.
Much of what happens in the ring is real pain and if it looks like it hurts it probably does. Unlike many other sports, WWE has no offseason. There are about 300 shows a year and if a wrestler is not ready to perform there are others backstage ready to take his or her place. Also, if a wrestler is not in the ring then he or she is not getting paid.
In recent years WWE has revised its wellness policy in an attempt to eliminate the use of drugs by its athletes. The general policy states that, “The ‘non-medical use’ and associated abuse of prescription medications and performance enhancing drugs, as well as the use, possession and/or distribution of illegal drugs, by WWE Talent are unacceptable and prohibited by this Policy, as is the use of masking agents or diuretics taken to conceal or obscure the use of prohibited drugs.”
According to the wellness policy, there is a three-strikes rule for a positive drug test. The first violation will result in a 30-day suspension and fine. A second violation results in a 60-day suspension and higher fine. A third violation results in the immediate termination of the individual from the company. Under any violation WWE will publicly disclose the individual’s name as well as the duration of suspension or termination. With these rules and penalties in place, fans can only hope that a decrease in steroid use can become the new trend in wrestling so that no more legends die prematurely and leave behind family, friends and fans to mourn their loss.
