WWE legend The Ultimate Warrior dies at 54

STAMFORD (WABC) -- The WWE is saying goodbye to a legend of the ring Wednesday.

James Hellwig, better known as former heavyweight, intercontinental and tag team champion The Ultimate Warrior, died Tuesday at the age of 54.

Warrior, one of the most iconic WWE superstars ever, began his career in 1987 and quickly skyrocketed up the ranks before winning the belt in an epic defeat of Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI.

Over the weekend, he appeared at WrestleMania 30 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame after an 18-year absence. The cause of his death was not revealed. He also appeared on Monday Night Raw to address his legion of fans with an eerie speech.

"Every man's heart one day beats its final beat," he told a cheering crowd. "His lungs breath their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others, it makes them bleed deeper in something larger than life, then his essence, his spirit will be immortalized by the storytellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him...You, you, you, you, you, you, you are the legendmakers of Ultimate Warrior!"

"I am Ultimate Warrior," he said. "You are the Ultimate Warrior fans and the sprit of Ultimate Warrior will run forever!"

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

Other legends of the ring offered their condolances.

"RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH," Hulk Hogan tweeted.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also took to Twitter, saying, "Loss always has a way of reminding us to live and love as greatly as we can. My prayers and strength to his family. RIP Ultimate Warrior."

"Tomorrow is promised to know one!! Enjoy every second, with a tool called love!! My love to The Warrior and family. RIP" - Rowdy Roddy Piper

"Devastated to hear of the passing of @UltimateWarrior. He was a childhood hero of mine & he vs @HulkHogan WM6 is still one of the best ever." - Chris Jericho

"Deeply saddened. We just had a great talk & buried a senseless hatchet. Talked working together. RIP Warrior. Taking solace we made peace." - Jake "The Snake" Roberts

"We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters." - WWE owner Vince McMahon