After keeping her children in a "cocoon" for a week, Dana Warrior is breaking her silence.
In a letter addressed to her husband's fans, Mrs. Warrior described how she has spent the days since The Ultimate Warrior's death.
"Since the passing of my husband, I have been fortunate enough to insulate my sweet girls from the outside world. In this bubble we have grieved and continue to do so," she wrote.
James Hellwig, who legally changed his name to "Warrior" in 1993, died after suffering a massive heart attack on April 8at the age of 54.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) paid tribute to the former wrestler in a special episode on Sunday, April 13. Mrs. Warrior, who had kept all media away from her children after their father passed, turned on every television in the house to watch the event.
Viewing the tribute proved cathartic for the family.
"As the scene unfolded with that amazing roster of talent gathered donning Ultimate Warrior shirts and even his face paint, we cheered and sobbed simultaneously," she wrote.
"I cannot put words to what that video tribute meant. We watched it multiple times and, this morning, it was how I started my day; mornings are the hardest for me."
In the letter, Mrs. Warrior described the pain of witnessing her husband's heart attack, but also how blessed she is to have loved him.
"I fought and screamed and cried for him not to leave me, but I wasn't to win this round," she wrote.
"Heaven won and I lost, but I had the ULTIMATE love for 20 years and my children learned to be Warriors from THE ULTIMATE DAD.
"I wouldn't trade a moment of the life we shared, good or bad, for anything on God's green earth.
"He is the love of my life and gave me the gift of our beautiful, sweet, amazing girls. He was loyal and kind and strong and brave."
Warrior was married to Dana for over 15 years. They had two daughters, Indiana, 14, and Mattigan, 11. His wife and daughters use "Warrior" as their last name.
