Way of the Warrior

Yesterday was an unforgettable day. When my art can make someone cry.... that is something I have to write about.

For those of you who know me that I am a huge wrestling fan! At one point my favorite Wrestler in the year 1996 was the Ultimate Warrior when he returned from a 4 year absence.

My favorite wrestle at the time Razor Ramon made the jump to WCW and had to pick a new favorite... and I went the "Way of the Warrior" [blogger's note.... the title is actually a nod to my friend Billy Tucci]. That same year Warrior launched his own comic book series (which was quite Bizarre) which I went nuts over. Shortly months later the Ultimate Warrior was suspended indefinitely and was dismissed the same way Hogan was from WWF (getting his ass badly beat by the bad guys)... not a way to go. And yet i was without a favorite until one year later when Stone Cold Steve Austin turned Anti-Hero.

I will admit  Before 1996 I was against the Warrior cause well I was a Hulkamaniac  and I took Hulk's defeat to the Warrior the same as I took Godzilla's [alleged] defeat to King Kong.

But what can I say he grew on me. And like Hogan's departure I waited months for Warrior to return and had to realize that was not going to happen.

Eight Years later it was announced he was doing an Autograph signing at Caroline's comedy club in NYC. I said he was once a favorite and rare to meet so why not.

So I went there when I saw him I saw shocked how much he changed

(This is not a real picture I photshopped how i looked in 2004 with him at the event) 

He looked like Tony Robbins. But he was a very nice guy. And I was happy to get my autograph.

I was happy to see him get inducted into the Hall Of Fame on the eve of WrestleMania 30 and give his speech to the fans two nights later on Raw. The following night  I was asleep in bed and my wife woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me the Ultimate Warrior had collapsed and died. And my first response was I'm tired of all the rumors that he died back in 1991, and second was that it was impossible I just saw him on tv nights ago. Turns out it was real and made major headlines.

2015 - Wrestlemania 31
The WWE started an Annual tradition at the Hall Of Fame to give a special award called the "Warrior Award" and award given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior.

Warrior's widow Dana presented the award and we were introduced to the life size Warrior statue.


Yesterday -  Brooklyn, NY

It was announced weeks ago that Dana Warrior would be coming to Brooklyn (my backyard) to sign copies of ULTIMATE WARRIOR: A Life Lived "Forever" and with her appearance would also feature the warrior statue. I just had to go. I remember seeing her next to Warrior in a WWF Magazine back in 1996 and I thought she was really pretty. So I may never had got to make Warrior a sketch when I met him so I did the next best thing. I came up with the idea to draw Dana to be standing beside the Warrior.

I was satisfied with the results especially finishing it last minute.

I got to the Powerhouse Arena and once I saw the statue immediately took a picture with it.

90 minute later Dana shows up with her two daughters and gives an emotional heartfelt speech about how the fans are the ones who got her through the tragedy she had to endure last year and coping with it to this day.

As I got to meet her. Someone did actually gave he ra giant sketch of the Warrior himself but mine I felt was more unique and meaningful.

 She got very emotional and tried very hard not to cry which was impossible seeing her rub the tears from her eyes really made my heart melt. I told her that I met him back in 2004 and said he was a really sweet guy. She thank me for coming and I told her hey thanks for coming to my backyard.

 

Of course before I left I had to take a picture with her, the sketch and the statue. 

After the photo was taken I gave her a hug and said my goodbyes. And she told me she was going to frame the sketch.

Former classmates of mine always gave me the "never give away your work." When I finished the sketch I was skeptical to give away such a nice piece but after giving it to Dana and seeing her emotions and appreciation made me more than happy with my decision.

It was great meeting Dana Warrior and I know she will carry on his legacy for the rest of her days!