This iconic image of the Ultimate Warrior was everywhere back then and still remains a fan favorite today. I have a connection with it, are you all that shocked? It’s just another fun teen moment that my memory brought out but it does involve a T.V. show in a way. The show was one I mentioned a few years back with “My Pouchie Faith” but more on that shortly.
Years ago when I roamed the mall as a teen it was cool to just hang out, go shopping, possibly meet up with friends, or whatever. No, I was never a “mall rat” but did use my babysitting money to buy a few fun things for myself. I always used the same entrance by JCPenney’s and TGIFriday’s restaurant. The people eating could look at shoppers through the windows coming and going. I miss that place. So, one day I went in and to the right was the GNC store. As I got closer, my steps slowed almost to a halt. Right in front of the store larger than life was a giant Ultimate Warrior cut-out with products next to him on the floor! It was that photo you see above. I just stopped and stared as again, something unexpected in front of me.
I did try to find out if Warrior ever endorsed their products since would they be allowed to use his image? Not sure but let’s just say I left the mall the same way I came in. I would’ve anyway but this cut-out made it extra special. Too bad I didn’t have a camera but who took one to the mall back then? No phones, people!
Now, we’ll connect the T.V. show. Any guesses? It’s “The Goldbergs” which still airs on ABC. The creator Adam Goldberg was a huge fan of the ‘ol WWF and even did a wrestling theme based episode once. They posted a tribute to Warrior at the end in 2014 but was that my favorite episode? Nope, not at all. The guys mentioned in that were mostly of the generation before Warrior but still, I loved it! The episode I am referencing was from 2015 titled:“DannyDonnieJoeyJonJordan” of New Kids on the Block or NKOTB. I had to look that up. I liked the Boy Bands but never “liked” any of the guys. The name says it all and rarely did I like “boys” if you’re feeling me here…
That episode had Erica’s brothers teasing her for the cut-out she had years prior of Donnie from the group. Donnie Wahlberg that is. She had put all that stuff away with being older and more mature ya know. The boys remake some of NKOTB’s music videos and that gets Erica thinking of her collection while feeling nostalgic. Adult Adam narrates the whole time and his reflection at the end got to me. I had put my small collection of Warrior stuff away because it didn’t need to be around and I didn’t need the reminder back then.
What he said though made sense. We can put our things away from those younger years but they are never forgotten. You can look back and reminisce but just not for too long. Erica didn’t bring back her Donnie cut-out permanently but just for a bit to hold onto again. I remember watching this in my bedroom while tears formed. I got what Adam meant and what Erica did. Most of you know, I am not a collector of U.W. memorabilia much at all and treasure my little things. I got it all out again instead of trying to pretend it never existed or that I’d be too sad to look at it once more after Warrior’s passing- even a year later.
Those collectibles of mine are part of me and I didn’t want to hide them in the attic anymore. They became my work for this blog, the book Spirit and Belief, and all that I put out there for fans like me. Just because I lived elsewhere, got married, had kids, and was older, it didn’t all have to go away. I don’t just admire what I own, I use it and it has helped with my healing. I can’t do Adam’s speech justice but it made me look at my situation better than I had before. That still remains my favorite episode and the other storyline involves the kids artwork over the years so similar with Erica and the boys of NKOTB. It was so funny and touching all at once.
I know most of you huge collectors have additional storage for all your U.W. stuff and it becomes a business like I blogged about as well. I will never sell my collection though. 😉I also would never have a huge U.W. cut-out in my room but to each their OWN. My things will stay forever a part of me in a special way. Oh-“Macho King” Randy Savage tears up that iconic poster of Warrior on a clip of “The Ultimate Collection” DVD and during their WMVII contract signing he says this: …” and I’m gonna take you Ultimate Warrior and I’m gonna make you extinct, oh yeah I am!” *** Even though Warrior is physically gone along with Randy, both will never be extinct to me!
P.S. Did you know Mike “The Miz” of the WWE was recently on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune?” I never watch that but so glad I did! He played for Connor’s Cure… He also is a contestant this season on “Dancing with the Stars” AND the Ultimate Warrior was the reason he got into wrestling! He’s from Ohio like me… Thanks to Miz for mentioning Warrior on both shows!!! 🥰👏🏻
*** Find me here for book info on how Warrior’s energy inspired me to trust signs I was getting.. It’s filled with humor, some psychic info but nothing too serious, family stories, and more! You can also find it on Amazon and other outlets. I write a more spiritual blog there too so check it out!
*** You will see me also on Twitter, YouTube, and some U.W. Facebook groups (:
mywarriorwritings.com 