“Allow Me to Introduce…”

Hello warriors! Hope everyone is enjoying this time of year as we continue on with month 5️⃣ . You will notice that pic of Ultimate Warrior below ⬇️ from his title reign after winning the WWF belt from Hulk Hogan. Yes, I am back with those types of photos for most of this month after using a few from his younger years. Well, what I have today is from April 14, 1990 when Howard Finkel, a.k.a. “the Fink” introduced the NEWWWW champ to fans. Had they done that when Hulk beat the Sheik? I don’t know. Maybe with the new year and decade, it was time for a different approach. As Vince had said~ Warrior was: “gracing us with his presence.” Hard to imagine how 24 years after that initial date, WWE would show a tribute celebrating the life of the Ultimate Warrior and even Warrior himself after he passed. Many of those dates lined up that way for him, it’s so surreal. I can’t say that about me unless I do some serious recollecting. I’m sure many other athletes might have similarities but with Warrior, there were A LOT…😬

Let’s move onto the topic of introductions, applause, and even standing ovations. When famous like Warrior was, that comes with the territory. Some love the praise while others just accept it as their new “norm.” I bet there were plenty of times that U.W. enjoyed that attention but then, possibly not always in the spotlighted way we as fans expected. Much is asked of you when aspiring to that level of celebrity and finding privacy despite being noticed is quite the task. When is it too much or even the opposite of not enough? I say the latter because those of us absent from the entertainment industry maybe, just maybe want those big intros to others or to the world in our own way. Celebrate your accomplishments remember? We can or should celebrate other things and want recognition for those times as well.

Here’s a little story similar, which happened to me many years ago. When my husband and I started dating, there would be those occasions when we’d be with other adults and only one knew the group. Think work parties like Christmas or other family gatherings. We officially became a couple and for the longest time- seriously- he’d always just say: “this is Kathy.” That’s it. It probably was enough for him, but the others and especially ME wanted more. Um~ yeah. Sometimes (rarely) I would respond: ” I’m his girlfriend.” Then the crowd accepted the rest of the missing statement. I would feel kind of hurt but understood how difficult that was at times considering his past with gf’s. I had never been anyone’s girlfriend, I was only ever a “date” so hearing it for the first time floored me. It felt so real and yet I needed to stay composed. My husband hates lots of attention but at times, I find it necessary. Titles are good as long as there isn’t a brag fest, just like introductions.

Have you been introduced in certain situations and how did you respond? We still need humility, but it is OK to feel good about that possible praise or even acknowledgment. Is it comfortable for you or awkward? There are moments when we actually don’t want or need those extra “woo-hoos” of attention. Case in point here is after my car accident of almost ( this month) 24 years ago. I had to miss the last two weeks of teaching and my oldest kids were set to graduate preschool. I got a ride from a coworker to see them get those diplomas and went despite desperately wanting to shield my still healing face. After my substitute led the class in a couple songs, I got up to speak. A few staff members rose and then with them, the entire group of parents in that room also did. Here came the ovations as I just stood there too emotional for words. 🙂‍↕️ Even though their actions were so affectionate for all I had been through, nobody wants applause for that type of particular experience.

Many of you readers may recall that huge audience reaction my senior year of choir when we sang a beautiful Christmas hymn. That was well-deserved warriors and definitely something one would want accolades for. What memories come to mind where you felt deserving of such an honor? As parents, we applaud our kids for little things when younger and then support them throughout the school years with awards of achievement at different levels. It is with pride that we look on for all their hard work and effort. No, I didn’t like my introduction of receiving that perfect attendance mentioned last week but nowadays, you bet.

Gorilla Monsoon even made a comment once after the Ultimate Warrior was introduced for an interview segment with Mean Gene. His response was: ” listen to that ovation!” Yes, another time of being well-deserved. Warrior also addressed fans of the WCW days with these words: …”there are those who anticipated my arrival!” He mentioned how no formal introduction was going to be necessary (as many did know he’d be showing up,) but you get my point here, don’t ya? There are plenty of moments in life where intros, applause, and ovations are needed and then times where they are not based on our feelings. Save it all for the right reasons warriors as I will for sure when my girl’s graduation nears only a few weeks away… 💗 From preschool in another time and place to High School of today… I will always applaud and stand proud for my kids at any age. Even those I taught way back when. 🙋🏻‍♀️👏🏻👍

P.S. 24 years from 1990-2014 (talked about today)

24 years from 2000-2024 ( my accident/ preschool grads story to my girl’s high school grad coming up…)

🥹🥲👩🏻‍🎓

P.P.S Well, this was going to be a reminder but guess it is no more until further notice- hopefully… The “Most Wanted Treasures” episode on A & E originally thought to be aired on the Ultimate Warrior this coming Sunday was scrapped. No idea why…. Sorry to all those looking forward to it like I was… 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤬🙄😩

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Author: Kathy Pickett

I'm a wife, mom of 2 and have always been a huge fan of WWE’s the Ultimate Warrior despite his passing. I created this blog to share my stories relating to him that happened years ago and some are continuing today with his Spirit alive and well! I hope some fans out there relate and enjoy my blog!!! Check out my book “Spirit and Belief” on how Warrior influenced me in spirit. It is filled with humor, family stories, psychic terms, following my intuition, and how everyone has natural abilities we can tap into or get guidance upon.

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