With unmatched energy, Ultimate Warrior exploded on the WWF scene in 1987. In record time, the face-painted Superstar became a household name and sports entertainment icon. Ultimate Warrior had a natural charisma that was undeniable. His high-energy entrances and chiseled frame made him an instant hit with fans, while his high threshold for pain and unparalleled power struck instant fear into opponents. Within months of his debut, he had turned back many of WWF's top names on his way to becoming one of the company's top draws.

At SummerSlam 1988, Ultimate Warrior ended Honky Tonk Man's record 15-month Intercontinental Championship reign when he toppled the titleholder in a mere 30 seconds. The dominant victory proved that nobody was safe from the Ultimate Warrior's intensity. With the Intercontinental Championship around his waist, the Ultimate Warrior became one of the World Wrestling Federation's most marketable Superstars. It wasn't long before arenas were filled with Ultimate Warrior T-shirts; fans even began to paint their faces like the eccentric hero.

Ultimate Warrior's superhuman strength carried him to a nearly eight-month Intercontinental Championship reign. It eventually took outside interference from Bobby Heenan for "Ravishing" Rick Rude to wrest the title from Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania V. He later reclaimed the gold from Rude at SummerSlam 1989. {Continue Reading »}