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Throughout his career, The Ultimate Warrior developed a reputation as someone who could be difficult to deal with behind the scenes. In a recent interview, former WWE talent Jason Speed disclosed details of a disappointing exchange he once had with the wrestling legend.
Speed worked as a WWE enhancement talent in 1992. He competed in three televised matches, including a one-on-one loss against Shawn Michaels on the June 2, 1992, taping of Wrestling Challenge.
On the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast, Speed recalled how Warrior pretended he did not exist during a backstage interaction before a show:
"The second day I was there, I'm in catering, and I went to get some coffee. He's standing in front of me. I stand next to him, I grab a cup, and I introduce myself, 'I'm Jason Speed. I'm here for the week.' Just turns his back, [and] walked away. No acknowledgment, nothing. So I think what people say about him was accurate." [9:18 – 9:43]
At the same television taping, Speed teamed up with Jay Blade in a losing effort against The Nasty Boys. He also suffered a defeat against Nailz during a Superstars of Wrestling taping on June 29, 1992.
Why The Ultimate Warrior was so controversial
WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon booked The Ultimate Warrior as one of the company's top babyfaces in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The highlight of the fan favorite's career came in 1990 when he dethroned Hulk Hogan in the WrestleMania 6 main event to win the WWE Championship.
While many fans gravitated toward Warrior's larger-than-life persona, the former bodybuilder struggled to win over his fellow wrestlers due to his lack of in-ring skills. In 2021, legendary commentator Jim Ross said on VICE's Dark Side of the Ring that he never met a wrestler with less ability than Warrior.
The one-time WWE Champion had no problem voicing his frustrations when something did not go his way. In 1991, he famously threatened to no-show SummerSlam if McMahon did not give in to his financial demands. The incident resulted in him receiving a suspension.
On April 8, 2014, Warrior passed away at the age of 54 after suffering a heart attack. Three days earlier, Linda McMahon inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame.
What are your thoughts on The Ultimate Warrior? Let us know in the comments section below.
Please credit the Cheap Heat Productions Podcast and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.
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