MUMBAI: In a rude shock to the WWE universe, news broke that the latest and much deserved inductee to the Hall of Fame class of 2014, The Ultimate Warrior is no more.

A press statement from the company said: “WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior.”

Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly went on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI, defeating Hulk Hogan in an epic encounter.

“We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans,” the release added.

Death is always a sobering topic to deal with. In Warrior’s case, however, it was his final public appearance - eerily serving as own eulogy - on Monday Night Raw and a quote that will forever send chills down the spines, “Every man’s heart one day beats it final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath.”

Warrior was 54 and is survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.