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What’s the story?
The Ultimate Warrior’s controversial comments have made the WWE’s 'Unleash Your Warrior 'campaign a divisive topic and has prompted a response from Dana Warrior, wife of Ultimate Warrior, in a Vice Sports article.
In case you didn’t know...
The Ultimate Warrior is remembered by most wrestling fans for his promos and career highlights in the WWF, but his comments regarding Hurricane Katrina, Bobby Heenan, and other issues has been a polarising subject for many.
The Ultimate Warrior responded to the Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior DVD in 2005 by reprimanding several WWE employees. He singled out Heenan in his comments and said that Heenan’s cancer was “karma” and that “not even Vince could come up with a better finish than this.”
The heart of the matter
Dana Warrior responded to these controversial comments in an article published by Vice Sports where she said her husband changed prior to his death.
“I will not be disloyal to my husband's memory or speak ill of a man who is not here to defend himself. I can, however, tell you his heart was changed by conversations with his two daughters. The true testament of the man behind the character is his ability to evolve. My husband did just that.”
The Ultimate Warrior was at odds with the WWE for years following the Self-Destruction DVD release, but reconciled with the company in 2014 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame days before his death.
What’s next?
With the month of October coming to an end soon, the WWE isn’t likely to comment on the controversy regarding the Unleash Your Warrior campaign.
If the WWE attempts to continue the campaign with The Ultimate Warrior’s likeness at the forefront next year, then the campaign may face even further scrutiny.
Author’s Take
With no public apologies or signs of change on the record aside from Dana’s words, the reprehensible words of the Ultimate Warrior will remain a lasting part of his legacy.
