The Ultimate Warrior is the most charismatic and polarizing in WWE history, drawing in audiences with his electrifying energy and greater-than-under persona but few knew the man behind the ring, except for a select few, like Steve Lombardi , better known to fans as the Brooklyn Brawler He was famous.
In a candid interview on Chris Van Vliet’s “Insight” podcast, Lombardi shared insights from his time with Warrior, recalling their first meeting in 1987 when Warrior, as it was then called no The Dingo Warrior, debuted in WWE’s The Ultimate Warrior from Lombardi’s point of view -There was a rare glimpse of the real man behind the character, and dispelling myths about his supposedly evil character from there it reveals the relationship they formed
A Behind-the-Scenes Friendship
“I wrestled him about 47 days, and one day during our tenure they came to me and they said, ‘We’re going to ask Warrior to have you win today to test his attitude,'” Lombardi revealed. The WWE’s plan was to gauge Warrior’s professionalism and willingness to put others over, a crucial aspect of the business.
Lombardi, who had developed a camaraderie with Warrior, decided to approach him directly. “He liked me, and I took him in a room and I said, ‘Jim, I don’t know if I should do this or shouldn’t do this, but you’re my friend and I care about you. They’re going to ask you to do a job for me, what I want you to do, and this is your choice, is to say, ‘Anything for the business. I will do anything,’ and he did it. I beat The Ultimate Warrior.”
A Test of Character
This incident, where Warrior agreed to lose a match to Lombardi, not only tested his attitude but also solidified the trust between the two men. Lombardi’s advice and Warrior’s acceptance showcased a side of Warrior that many never saw—his dedication to the business and his respect for his peers. This willingness to put the business first contradicted the often-circulated narrative of Warrior having a bad attitude.
The Man Behind the Character
Their professional relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship, one that lasted until Warrior’s untimely death in 2014. Warrior even mentioned Lombardi in his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech that year, a testament to their enduring bond. Lombardi used this opportunity to refute the negative stories about Warrior, stating, “The talk of Warrior having a bad attitude is nonsense. People didn’t bother to understand him.”
Understanding Warrior
Lombardi’s stories paint a picture of a man misunderstood by many. While Warrior’s intense persona on-screen was often mistaken for his real-life demeanor, Lombardi saw the softer, more complex side of him. He shared how Warrior’s commitment to the wrestling business and his friendships behind the scenes often went unnoticed by the public and critics alike.
Warrior’s career was marked by high-profile feuds and memorable matches, but it’s the behind-the-scenes interactions that truly define his legacy. Lombardi’s anecdotes highlight the importance of camaraderie and mutual respect in the wrestling world, values that Warrior upheld despite his fierce exterior.
A Legacy Remembered
As the wrestling community continues to reflect on Warrior’s impact, stories like Lombardi’s remind fans of the person behind the character. Warrior’s dedication, his willingness to help others succeed, and his ability to form genuine friendships offer a more nuanced view of his legacy.
In wrestling, where larger-than-life personas often overshadow personal stories, Lombardi’s recollections bring a much-needed human touch to Warrior’s narrative. They serve as a reminder that behind every iconic character is a real person, with complexities and relationships that define their true legacy.
