fame – mywarriorwritings.com

Behind the Scenes 🎥📺🤔

Oh, this is a fun topic to explore isn’t it warriors? Nope, not talking about Warrior’s life behind the scenes or out of the ring for that matter. I’ve had this one on my brain for a while now and every time I’d watch some U.W. promos, my thoughts would think of something that kind of goes behind the scenes. No, it’s not really about that pic from RAW above which by the way is another “newbie”for me. Ponytail and ball cap. That’s exactly what I said the first time watching it. I KNOW why he wore all that but moving on… I didn’t want to use one from the “Crash the Plane” promo as it has been used already but that interview gets me laughing. 🤣 No way is it because of a simulated plane crash where both pilots perish and Hulk Hogan needs to take over the plane! How did Warrior ever come up with that? Good thing I wasn’t a little kid listening to him then. I’d probably run out of the room crying or something. 🥺 It isn’t real girl! Good luck convincing my thoughts of that...

I often wondered what the cameramen thought of while filming. Do they really listen or are they just doing their job? Do they try not to laugh or even think this guy is a crazy wacko! I always imagined a joke on a new guy back then. It’s his first filming the Ultimate Warrior but are they prepped ahead of time on a character or maybe they just don’t care? Well, let’s say this cameraman has no idea and he’s new to all of it. He truly listens to U.W.’s rants and is just stunned by the insanity. He’s literally scared. 😳 He thought this was just a “normal” promo, boy was he wrong! Yeah, there are plenty of other crazy interviews with him too but that one stands out to me. I’d be laughing so hard, the camera would shake and they’d probably have to do 100 takes or something. Does WWE have women camera operators now? They should but maybe women aren’t pursuing that job, I don’t know. Do they exist in other sports? I think they do. Someone has got to have that answer.

My other behind the scenes issue is all those cords. I’m not sure how they do it now but I was always thinking the wrestlers would trip on them around the ring! They can hide many under mats and such but what about when U. W. ran around. I’d always think “don’t trip!” Now, I heard they might put a cameraman IN the ring. I still wonder how that’s gonna work but guess if you want more close-up action. They already might be doing this, who knows? All these behind the scenes people that make the shows run.

Some of them that have quite possibly been long term WWE employees should get an award like Warrior mentioned in his HOF speech. Oh wait, they started the Warrior Award… It is wonderful giving it to those affected by life-changing events but I for one was happy seeing it go to people behind the scenes. Sue Aitchison and Rich Hering come to my mind. They perhaps are more well-known but so many many others are not. Are they deserving of an award? I bet there are those that are which in my opinion, WWE should consider. Behind the scenes indeed.

I remember being in PTA for years and even chairing some committees. Yes, when you are in charge front and center it becomes but there are plenty who won’t or don’t get recognized behind the scenes. I have been on both sides with this as I’m sure you all can attest at times. Think about going to a Broadway show or musical. Sure, the actors take center stage and we watch them. Those scenery, props, lighting, make up, and sound editors do the work too. Behind the scenes makes the show go and then go on. We all have our talents and just might enjoy staying in the background. Some may eventually want that spotlight in a new way and a new behind-the-scenes person will take their place.

Which are you and what do you prefer? Like I said, I have done both but it does depend on the passion you are pursuing. Some moments, we have to make ourselves known more to get noticed. Other times, we just do enough and are happy with that. If you want to change, go for it in a way that will suit you. Warrior took his character to an ultimate level where: “there’s no way that they can’t pay attention.” . It all depends on what you plan to do and how far you want to take it.

I have had offers to make my book into a movie for years now. For anyone who has read it, can you just imagine? First off, um- no thank you and second, I am not ever going to expose my memoir/autobiography/biography in a movie format. I’m not that money hungry and besides, I never saw it that way. Most book companies actually DO have that option as you may notice from popular movies of today where it states: “based on the book…” or something similar. You know what I mean. My offers are never fully “legit” anyways and quite laughable. Many are Asian companies out for a buck themselves with fake American names, broken English, and emails with too many grammatical errors to mention. I am NOT dissing Asians here, don’t get me wrong but there are scam companies out there, believe me. Who knows what better projects will maybe come my way but that will not be one of them.

I am not totally behind the scenes but it would have to be the RIGHT idea for me moving forward as respect is always given to Warrior, not just myself. There’s some ideas worth considering like podcasts (which I love!) or other interviews. A documentary on Warrior in a different way and being interviewed for THAT would be interesting. A few topics about Warrior are off-limits to me so some burning questions might not ever be answered. That’s behind the scenes too as I honor my gifts always… 🙏🏻💙Well, enough of that.

I will still laugh at my possible cameraman story of filming Ultimate Warrior doing promos but especially the more nutty ones! I do know most of “Crash the Plane” but I also like what Warrior says in that photo above to Jerry Lawler on RAW. “The battleground doesn’t matter!” No, it doesn’t Warrior. It’s all in how we handle what gets thrown to us along the way. Behind the scenes? In front of the camera? Always up to you. We all have lives behind the scenes. Some stuff we share, some we don’t. Just don’t trip on any camera cords, he-he…

P.S. BTW- for any interested- my book “Spirit and Belief” is out there on Amazon and other retailers (: Thank you to those who have given me support or left a review, it is very much appreciated! 📗

P.P.S. My girl got a 29/30 on her Self-Reliance paper of last week! So proud of her. Warrior would be too… 😉

Gotta get a Gimmick 👏🏻😲

We are back to Warrior pics these last two weeks of September and I haven’t used a black-and-white one in a long time. This one is so similar to the WCW/NWO magazine cover I used a few years back when Warrior unleashed OWN in 1998. I decided to look up some photos and this pose was chosen. So hard to believe I have never used the word gimmick in a post, not ever. Yes, I had to check on that to make sure but an idea came to me. I was listening to a podcast and of course that word of gimmick comes up when talking about wrestling. The Ultimate Warrior had his gimmick as did others which does continue today just in a different way.

They knew back then how getting a gimmick would take you far in the business but actually, we all need one. Yes, you read that right. Have you looked up what it means? There are several definitions but the most obvious is doing something that stands out or makes an impression. It usually involves a business or product more but we can have our OWN gimmick too. No, you don’t need to paint your face, run around, or anything else the character of U.W. did. What makes YOU stand out though? Some may not truly want to but we all need to be remembered for our unique brand of intensity. We want to bring it all to the squared circle that is our life.

Gee, let’s see here. Our gimmick is our personality but it can be so much more. If one is going for fame, it gets amped up and expands into a lot but for regular folks~~~ it sounds intimidating. It’s not a word I use to describe someone as I’m sure you don’t either. Beyond a personality, it’s all in how we convey it to others but also in our attitude behind it. There are many traits that make up one’s gimmick so to speak. We as fans know several facets of the Ultimate Warrior that contributed to his gimmick which in turn made him successful. He even had some attributes that other guys didn’t but the opposite is true too. If you are unaware, just look him up. You can find plenty out there.

In these last several years, my gimmick would be writing. Believe it or not, I don’t share everything and despite some stories that are seemingly extroverted~~~I really am not. Extroverts will do much more to publicize a gimmick which is a natural fit to them. Some of us work in a different way which seems like we are really selling that gimmick but not doing everything. Let’s say being on most social media sites for example. That just isn’t me and it doesn’t bug me one bit. Sure, I could do so much more but for now, this is who I am. Will it change over time? Possibly and there’s that word of last week again but it’s all in how we project that gimmick to the world. For all those “out of the loop” about Warrior, no he was not an extrovert even though it could seem that way. I wrote about that too...

Over the years, your gimmick will evolve with the times as creatively you see fit. Look at Warrior. He advertised his gimmick all over from trunks, kneepads, dusters, hats, and any other gear. It then moved into some of his business ventures outside of wrestling like his gym, comic books, speaking, writing, or even artwork. Still has gimmick but just presented in various ways. Most of us will never have those items as part of our gimmicks but think of how else you can present yourself and how it can work in your life. You gotta get one and make sure it sticks. I guess if you are a pro wrestler, you can and possibly will have several. Many performers come to my mind that switched their looks or even aspects of the character around. Their gimmick might’ve gotten rebranded in a way but it still worked. We have our favorite of theirs but it’s them who decides how the “new” gimmick gets out there.

The risk is always around though when trying to change or improve an existing gimmick. You may lose fans, money, or even a project idea if it isn’t recognizable enough and others can’t relate. We do need to expand despite those possible risks but again, the cost is up to you. Warrior lived with his consequences and had said he didn’t have regrets. It’s difficult saying the same but there will always be lessons, not failures. You are in control of how your gimmick goes and if it goes well.

Some may say the gimmick of Ultimate Warrior waned but others always loved it as evidenced by many fans all over the world. Yes, there were those “squash” matches that became iconic with U.W. getting a crowd pop and then letting his gimmick take over. That’s how he wanted to do it but then again, his major feuds with opponents would usually be a much longer match that played out a great storyline. When I looked up more on gimmicks, pro wrestling was listed first among a few other sports. This makes total sense as their in ring persona defines how they are viewed by an audience and in turn accepted or not. Gimmicks can range also in terms of heel/ face, comics, (like Ultimate Warrior!) horror, (I think Undertaker!) ethnic, or so many more. Vince was always contributing to a character’s gimmick with mainstream culture and what was popular at the time.

I know you all that are wrestling fans recall many gimmicks of then and now as it is such a part of sports entertainment. I will always remember mine from the Golden Era and even today, laughter comes when thinking of some! Let’s all get a gimmick and work on it. It’ll go over with some but maybe not all. Keep the fans who love your gimmick as there is a reason why they do. I always loved the Ultimate Warrior gimmick despite never fully knowing his other wrestling personas. I know he likes mine too (: Get your OWN and continue doing the work, the right audience will be there.

***P.S. Don’t be confused by this post today. Warrior used his U.W. gimmick for certain aspects in his life but our TRUE gimmicks go deeper than anything one could put out there publicly. Know that. You are more than a gimmick. You have one but remember to be MORE than what it is... 👊🏻💙🙋🏻‍♀️Have that self- belief and discipline as your guide which will make your gimmick truly WORK…

www.spiritandbelief.com

*** Find me here along with book info on how Warrior’s energy ignited my intuition! I share dreams, family stories, psychic terms explained in a fun way, and lots more.. I write a more in-depth spiritual blog over there as well. *** The book is also on Amazon and other outlets (: I’d love a review or any feedback.., You can connect with me too over on Twitter and YouTube where I post more spiritual content and even some Warrior tidbit videos! *** check out a U.W. fb group too if you were or are a fan still of his!!! 🫵🏻💪🏻🥰

Then and Now… 🫶🏻💪🏻☺️

How is it August already? This summer is going way too fast but guess when you’re crazy busy, it does. The topic today is so broad as it really applies to anything in our lives, doesn’t it? A million ideas come to mind for me but let’s concentrate on gee– I dunno, maybe meeting a famous person? Yeah, that works. I guess I was thinking of fans that possibly met the Ultimate Warrior when young (or any other celebrity) and then got another opportunity many years later. I know there are plenty of you out there and what a huge thrill that must be! Treasure those times… Oh, I didn’t come up with this title based on WWE’s slogan at all.

I would always wonder about those little boys or maybe girls who would get that chance and as adults, get another. Lucky ducks indeed! I have so many questions about their feelings then and now. When we are younger, we tend to just go with our parents and all is innocent. We’re just around but don’t truly know more about life, careers, education, and all that until we age. I’m sure several people had related to Warrior their chance encounters as youngsters and then seeing him again overtime with much that had changed. Back in the day, I’m sure it was extremely rushed meeting someone, getting an autograph, posing for a pic, and all that. Maybe today is still somewhat similar but fans definitely have much more time to interact with their favorite. The pressure of that career is over and it’s more on their own time. They aren’t feeling time moving quickly getting to another event so it matters more. I’m speaking of those not actively in their profession so much anymore.

That takes me into another similar topic of just approaching something differently as an adult compared to a kid. This still irks me… 😡 10 years ago as a wonderful early 40th birthday present, my husband fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams that was to swim with a dolphin! 🐬 I couldn’t believe how excited I was. We headed out to Seaworld in San Diego, CA for a really great trip that remains one of our favorites today. Then and now. My day had finally come and I have the photos to prove it! The group consisted of me and some young girls with a dad. It was a 12th birthday present for one of them so we had that in common. It started out great until those 12 year old attitudes came in. I get it, I was that girl once but NEVER would I ever complain at any age for an unbelievable experience like this.

The water is too cold, the wetsuit itches, it’s taking too long for my turn, WHAT? I literally wanted to clothesline both of them! I wanted my time with the dolphin to be longer of course but it’s all so rushed yet again… Their parents just spent money and time planning this huge event for them and they did not even seem the slightest bit grateful at all. This clearly was not a group I wanted to be in but had to suck it up as I’m sure Warrior would say. Wait, he DID say that but oh, another story that was… 😉 Maybe now those girls appreciate that time in their lives better or perhaps got to swim with a dolphin again, who knows? They were typical preteens but if dolphins don’t fully interest you, why do it? UGH, it just gets to me but it does connect with meeting someone famous as kids may not fully GET IT in the same way as adults which is understandable. Although, sometimes us adults act like those kids when interacting with someone in fame.

I have always said I’m grateful I was older when pro wrestling invaded my living room instead of just saying: “Yay, my favorite is on!” and that’s about it. No doubt kids would be devastated when something “bad” would happen to their guy (as it was then) so in that respect again, glad I was older. Even being a teen, I still was affected as some of you readers know but not in the same way as a young child would be.

Then and now. Boy, is that true for me~~~ especially regarding Warrior. I honestly can’t say for sure how I would’ve been having met him as a younger version of myself. I’d probably have been so introverted or wanting to hide as he would place his really large hand in my small one or reach out to hug. Can you say blank stare or no words? 😳 There’s always so much we want to say but can’t. How about that teen girl who did follow? She would’ve been a little different that’s for sure. I’d be having that smile that doesn’t go away while trying to remain calm. 🥰 The heart would be pounding (that’s happened too only in other ways… I digress) but this time words would come out of my mouth. I never even saw Ultimate Warrior perform but thinking more, my brother probably wouldn’t have wanted to sit anywhere near me! 😬

So, warriors~~~ what does your then and now look or feel like? Are there parts of you that would be exactly the same? I bet there are but we all grow in ways where our wiser selves respond differently. I think someone out there should make a few videos about this then and now concept with those celebrities including Warrior. Yes, I’ve seen a few in his videos but there are tons I know! Whatever your then and now is, keep those precious memories and pretty soon you’re now will become the next then...

*** P.S. Most recently, the facilitator of my book club decided to move back to Florida to be with some family. We had a small party for her and I will truly miss this Spiritual Earth Mother of mine. The night after the party, I had woken up in bed like I usually do around 3 AM. All of a sudden a few songs were in my head, one we sang that night. I immediately broke out in sobs laying in my bed. She obviously means a lot to me or we may have some kind of spiritual connection. I hadn’t cried like that in 8 years since Warrior had passed. You can read more about her story this week over at my other blog of: Spirit and Belief called: “A Heartfelt Goodbye.”

*** That site is also the title of my book which explores my beginnings in wrestling, psychic terms explained in a fun way, dreams, family stories, AND of course my spiritual connection to Warrior. His energy brought out my intuitive gifts so please check it out if interested. It’s on Amazon and other book retailers so please leave a review, I would greatly appreciate it. (: 📗

*** You can also find me on Twitter, YouTube, and I am in a U.W. fb group…

The Tamer Rockstar 🎼🎸

This photo is somewhat out of center since I had to cut off a little girl who is probably close to 40 by now. Do any of you fans remember “Amanda Ultimate Warrior?” I’ll link her appearance on “The Brother Love Show” at the end. It gets my heart every time. I would LOVE chatting with her now, wonder what happened to her? So, most that saw the Ultimate Warrior back then with little face paint or just his logo like above, thought he had softened his image and in many ways he did. He started as a rockstar of sorts who became a little tame as years went on. I always wondered how it all came to be with his changes. Was it mostly Vince or were some of the ideas Warrior’s?

Some say they wanted to soften his look to be more like Hulk Hogan. Not exactly I know but possibly more approachable, less intimidating to fans, or whatever else. I always loved when his face paint peeled off but people liked it on since it identified the character. I have said this before. Let’s see what things changed besides his face. Blonder hair, less screaming in promos with more actual talking, having kids around in interviews like Amanda, etc.

In the beginning, the Ultimate Warrior was like that crazy nonsensical rockstar running around to his “Unstable” theme music, shaking ropes, thumping his chest, and so much more. Sure, he still did those things later on but his physical appearance just changed a bit. He must’ve liked the blonde hair look since that stayed throughout many years after he left the business, came back, and resurfaced yet again in 1998. The length changed too over the years. He even got an earring and tattoo later on which many weren’t doing at the time.

Have you ever felt the need to change something or perhaps many things about yourself to please another? Yes, I know with Warrior it was for different reasons but I always wondered about the stories behind it all. Did he agree just because he was the new Heavyweight champ? O.K., I have had my hair highlighted or done things differently than the norm but never did I feel like I had to do something drastic for a job. Many wrestlers change their look several times over the years but man, the backlash over Warrior and a few “new” things got people talking. Am sure the higher-ups felt some aspects with the character needed to move in a different direction and we as fans embraced it all, well we had to didn’t we? He even become quite smaller which started other rumors…

If any of us reset our physical traits, it’s usually because we want to or at least that’s how it should be. Kids will do things to get approval from friends but we as adults know better. We still want approval but just in other ways. When I became blonde, ( yes there were a few pics on here!) I did it for fun. I even had a pink streak in it for a while. Blondes don’t necessarily have more fun as the saying goes but it’s what we make of it. I just wanted to try something different I hadn’t before. Fame has its own rules though.

Am sure you can possibly think of someone who maybe had a certain reputation for years and then instead of a physical change, it was more of their personality that changed. I had talked about “sowing your wild oats” when younger and then when we age, maturity and tamer ways creep in. Sometimes, it needs to based on our life experiences and yet sometimes people hold on to their old ways. Warrior kept his long hair for a while but then fatherhood later on made him lop off his locks. Some won’t let that go since it so defines them like Hulk or even someone like Bret Hart. Everyone is different but Warrior wanted and needed to move past the hair that defined him.

Well, that’s enough about that as hair was also part of a past post but it is an obvious difference. Warrior bald- now that shocked a lot of people who followed him later on. We all tend to hold on to things in other ways because it’s like our security blanket. Sometimes though, you gotta drop the blanket Linus and move on. Despite all those attributes that made the Ultimate Warrior evolve, he still was that rockstar to me. Of course it was in a much other way and even though he became somewhat tame, it was still him underneath it all.

That’s what we all need to be. No matter what types of changes we go through physically, our inner person will remain the same. We may need to adapt somewhat but our core is still us and Warrior never wavered on his. There were many that have tried to duplicate the Ultimate Warrior but none truly succeeded because they weren’t really him. Maybe some were fooled but I never was. Amanda Ultimate Warrior and those other kids got to see their rockstar hero become a little tamer. It worked for a few but others missed his wilder ways. I loved it all because to me, behind that exterior was a man with a great message of belief in yourself. That meant so much more than any rockstar performance he put on with paint, no paint, blond or no hair, screaming or whispering. Whether or not he wanted to be tamed, the character succeeded. You’ll always be a rockstar Warrior- in or out of the ring. Plus, he ROCKS too as the most ultimate spirit!

https://youtu.be/EAn3rjBpQuw

*** Here is a link to Amanda on the “Brother Love Show.” If it isn’t working, just look up Warrior’s appearances on B.L. or her name…

www.spiritandbelief.com

*** Follow me here for book info on how Warrior’s energy inspired my intuition and psychic gifts to grow. It’s filled with wrestling tidbits, family stories, humor, dreams, and more. You can find it on Amazon and other outlets too. *** I also write a more spiritual blog over there on various topics such as psychic development, intuition, meditation, and lots of other goodies!

*** I am also on some U.W. Facebook groups, Twitter, and YouTube where I just posted an end of the year video! Check it out… 💙🙏🏻🙋🏻‍♀️

Looks and Locks 🤷🏻🏢

Are you aging gracefully or are you fighting it? Most like myself probably do both. Some things we accept but then some, well- we aren’t quite ready for. I found that video pic of Warrior in a hotel room courtesy of Andrew William Wright once again. Yes, I realize most prefer Ultimate Warrior photos and there’s always plenty of those but mixing it up is what I do! Warrior would attest to looks and locks for sure but being a celebrity means that microscope is constantly on you.

His looks changed somewhat over the years as U.W. but those locks never fully left until his girls were young. Some guys of WWE fame have kept their locks intact while maybe letting the color change. For women, it’s a different story but vanity connects us all. They want to keep that image fans recognize. Their outward appearance became such a part of them and yet they might find it hard letting go.

Are you insecure about letting change happen to you physically? I’ve mentioned this a little before but never regarding aging. Age has that way of sneaking up behind us while putting a sleeper hold across our head and neck! Do we submit or fight back? When younger, we can’t wait to get older but when older, we crave that youth. We want the younger skin, no gray hair, no reading glasses, and the like. Those that embrace aging- I applaud you. I don’t try and hide every wrinkle or fit into skinny jeans anymore. I still have my hair colored just a little and that moisturizer needs to be applied. You won’t find me getting botox, a facelift, or any injections ever. Fame influences that though.

We do change as we age, that’s a fact. Yes, I still workout but not as much cardio as even a few years ago. Hormones are telling me- nope, not gonna happen so I am listening. It upsets me but I am active in other ways just with more naps. It’s similar to a change in diet. We all know to eat healthier as time goes by.

Sometimes we give up younger looks of the past anyway. Warrior did and I was glad. Did fans really think he’d still have the long hair or exact same body at 50? Maybe so since he still worked his body hard but I knew he wouldn’t look the same. He felt it was time to move on to a new phase of his life and one never filled with regrets. Was that selfish to not think of being automatically recognized much? No, not at all. He felt personally despite others in the business that it was the right time to move on from younger ways. Some things or ideas are so easy to say: “See ya!” to but others we become attached with and it is difficult parting ways.

What is one thing- either a physicality, relationship, concept, or younger idea do you find hard giving up? It doesn’t have to be looks or locks but how about an outfit from decades ago you can’t donate. Maybe you have the first car you ever owned and it still runs. You barely drive it but can’t seem to sell it. Why? We do like to hold onto things but as warriors- we must move on to newer and better. I’m not saying give everything away or keep it all either but getting that balance is what wins the match. I’m guilty too, believe me!

Some stuff we are forced to change like when flat screens came out or music cassette tapes switched to CD’s. That’s exactly what Warrior was talking about on the video pic of him above. We do need to ask the question of why change happens. Is it for you or others? You might just try something new but maybe you want to please others. Sometimes we don’t even have a choice. With celebrities, it becomes tricky because they may need to make a change but don’t want to disappoint fans. The Ultimate Warrior character was able to alter some physical traits and fans still loved it all. Years later, he changed more dramatically of course. I’ve always wondered if he stayed in the business would the look be the same or change over time and age? Hmmm, I do wonder. 🤔

Looks, locks, and everything in between that we may switch up or perhaps don’t much at all. We know our flaws and try so hard covering them up but for how long? This is true for all of us- men and women and you will know your traits right away. We do need to age gracefully but it is ok to still have some vanity. After all, we are human and like what we like.

It can be our faces, bodies, clothes, hair, or anything that might mean moving on from. It’s up to you with how you age but just be happy. It’s your life so you get to decide. Fight like that warrior but then know when to put aside your sword to acceptance. ⚔️

~~~Check out Andrew William Wright’s YouTube channel for some great wrestling documentaries including several on Warrior! I’ve been referencing the London Expo of 2005 and there are a few uploaded. I thank him for keeping these around for us fans to see!👍💙

P.S. Follow me on my other site for book info, a more spiritual blog, and connect for tips on intuition!

www.spiritandbelief.com

~~~ You can find me also on Twitter, youtube, and Pinterest (: