I often times wondered how I’d feel if the Ultimate Warrior was a bad guy and if he would’ve influenced me the same way? He always said that his character was good who got away with being bad. You know– the screaming, running, shaking ropes, crazy interviews, snarling, “not following rules,” and everything in between.
But here’s my question again since I never liked the bad guys. Hardly ever anyway. There were those times that bad guy went against bad guy and it was hard to choose. I’d always go for the one who seemed a little better (or nicer!) in my mind but really– it was neither.
I am so grateful that U.W. was never a character that flip-flopped like many did. In his early years, he went from good to bad and then bad to good. We had the Freedom Fighters (tag team with Sting) — good, Blade Runners (also with Sting) –bad, Dingo Warrior (bad then good), and then of course the Ultimate Warrior (good!) I never even cared that much about any of the talent bad guy characters brought since my mind was stuck on BAD and that was it.
I can name so many performers back then during my years watching where it became hard to follow if they were bad or good! Yes- good drama, action filled storylines, and more ratings but for me– too much emotion. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t do well with shock value although that does matter very much in entertainment. Once a bad guy for me, always a bad guy. It did also change when some formed a tag team like the Ultimate Maniacs. I just had to mention them! Randy Savage was always a bad guy but with U.W., he was good. Am sure fans will remember when Andre the Giant turned good after WrestleMania VI? Of course I’d remember that, guess I’m a little biased! 😉
Who can tell me how many times the Undertaker flip-flopped? Well, for anyone who knows my previous stories– he will always be bad to me! Even if I watched today, his bad status will remain. That old school mentality of mine never really goes away. I know WWE does this today as well and it confuses me!! Once a fan of someone’s you always are so maybe good or bad makes no difference. Does it to some of you?
I can only imagine my feelings had it been that way with the Ultimate Warrior. Deep down, I know I’d feel the same but wouldn’t have liked him bad. Not too sure Warrior’s “beliefs” would’ve resonated the same as a bad guy. O.K.– some of the “gods” up above were bad but his core disciplines, all good. Rick Rude was a good looking guy but I would NEVER admit that. He was bad and off limits to my teenage self!
I always did hear that many of them started bad like Hulk Hogan since being bad gave you a faster push in the business. I wonder why that is? Do most people like bad better? Maybe they get all the “cool” storylines but not always. Good is supposed to triumph over evil, right? I’m a “good” girl so maybe that explains it. I can be “bad” when I want though!
Besides the “Hulkster,” the Ultimate Warrior was the only other top good guy. There were others, I KNOW but popularity matters. The fans back in the day made the Dingo Warrior good because of his resemblance to Kerry Von Erich. Thank you fans for that longevity! So many aspects drew me to the U.W. character and several qualities were better suited to a good guy, not bad. Just my opinion but then again, it becomes a toss-up. Some bad characters could pull off their jargon and catch phrases as good too. Hmmm… 🤔 Such a dilemma. Good or bad– it doesn’t really matter but so interesting to think about. Once someone became that character, it was a big part of them like their twin in a way.
I’m certain that if there happened to be a storyline where U.W. would’ve gone “rogue,” and turned from good to bad, I’d be devastated. Of course that never came to be and honestly, I don’t believe he’d ever go for it at all. Loyalty makes a difference and I know his fans deserved that in return. I realize it’s completely different today but maybe some lose fans if they switch? Women included. Guess you can always gain new ones but I feel it isn’t the same. I’d personally hate being booed but sometimes that’s the way it goes.
I thank Warrior for always being the Ultimate GOOD guy despite critics. Negativity and naysayers sometimes but deep down, his integrity made him good. Whether in or out of the ring, he lived his life dedicated to true beliefs. To me, that’s the ultimate good guy who I will always root for… 💖👏🏻💪🏻
#ultimatewarrior#hulkhogan
#randysavage#wwe#rickrude
#sting#freedomfighters
#bladerunners#andrethegiant
#kerryvonerich#undertaker
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