Ultimate Warrior talks politics at Bentley
By Melissa Beecher
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
WALTHAM - He didn't leap off the top buckle of the squared ring, or even don his infamous face paint and armbands, but make no mistake about it - the Ultimate Warrior was center stage at Bentley College last night.
Hundreds of students - mostly young men - flocked to Bentley's Wilder Pavilion to hear the former World Wrestling Federation superstar discuss his life, conservative politics, the destruction of diversity and Americanism.
Bringing his own flair and four letter words, the Warrior - formally Jim Hellwig who legally changed his name in 1993 - talked to the audience about his perspective on life.
"When I was your age, I would have never attended a speech on politics. Only after doing something so physical like wrestling, I turned to reading, writing and studying the great books of the western world," the 43-year-old Warrior said.
"What I am now is a conservative Republican. I got sick of the degenerate behavior, especially from men, and the way people conduct their lives," said the Warrior.
Daring students to pay closer attention to politics and a changing American society, the Warrior first spoke about his rise to fame.
The Ultimate Warrior first came on the wrestling scene in 1985, but did not achieve stardom in the WWF until 1987.
A fan favorite, the wrestler enjoyed his stardom until 1991, when a legal battle ensued over the rights of his character. After a lengthy battle, the courts ruled in the Warrior's favor and he was able to retain the rights to the Ultimate Warrior.
The character has not been seen on camera since 1998, when the Warrior fought alongside Hulk Hogan, another wrestling icon.
"My advice now to young people is that each time you are at a moral crossroad, do the right thing. Every decision that I have made in my life, I stand by. Men need to evolve beyond the piss and vinegar of their 20s to people that can use their minds and think," the Warrior said.
"I do not miss wrestling because I knew that I could do something beyond it. When I last saw Hulk Hogan it saddened me because here was a man in his 50s that never evolved past the old wrap, 'Say your prayers, take your vitamins.' How about go out and talk about capitalism or the benefits of tax cuts," the Warrior said
The Warrior also spoke about the need for American history to be taught in public schools and against liberal ideology.
"Liberals are trying to create a country that cannot think for themselves. Liberals want to destroy America by deconstructing history in its entirety," the Warrior said. "Our society is choking to death on moral relativity."
Diehard Warrior fans were not let down, however, with the seemingly metamorphosed wrestler. Using obscenities and colorful language, the former WWF champion kept his audience entertained.
Bentley students Randy Reynolds and Tyler Bussmann arrived at the speech dressed as WWF wrestlers. Bussmann, who wore the Ultimate Warrior's face paint, arm bands and red Speedo, posed for pictures with the Warrior. Reynolds, who dressed as Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior's rival, wore the red headband and yellow costume traditionally donned by the 'Hulkster.'
"The school gave us $10 for this event and the Warrior spoke to a packed house. He exceeded all of my expectations," said Andy Prunier, co-vice chairman of the Bentley College Republicans, the group that sponsored the event. "He didn't sugarcoat anything and I appreciated that."
"What you come to college for is to hear a variety of views, both liberal and conservative, and he really let his views be known," said junior Matt Revan. "He is direct and gave it to us straight."
"I really didn't know what to expect, knowing that the Warrior is a rookie as a speaker. But this really was a great event. We couldn't be happier," said Chris DeRose, a freshman co-vice chairman of the Republican group. "He got up there and presented some important issues."
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