Tag: Warrior Award

Shad Gaspard To Receive Warrior Award At This Year’s WWE Hall Of Fame

With only a week to go until the ceremony takes place, only three inductees have been announced. The Undertaker, Vader, and Sharmell

WWE has now officially confirmed Shad Gaspard will receive the Warrior Award at next week’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1507363868070273033

Gaspard passed away in May 2020 when he was caught in a riptide while swimming with his son of Venice Beach. One of Gaspard’s last acts before passing away was to direct rescuers towards his son before they rescued him. Sadly, after safely making sure Gaspard’s son made it to shore, his rescuers were too late to save the former WWE Superstar and his body was found days later.

Gaspard’s passing came years after he competed in WWE as one half of the tag team Cryme Tyme alongside JTG. While it would have been cool to see him eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame, it’s hard to argue that his time in WWE merits that. The Warrior Award, on the other hand, which is “presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance” is undoubtedly something Gaspard’s legacy deserves.

Source: TheSportster

WWE Officially Announces Titus O’Neil As Warrior Award Recipient

WWE today officially announced that WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil been named the recipient of the 2020 Warrior Award.

“Titus is a dedicated father, humanitarian and WWE Global Ambassador. His unwavering passion to help others in need is simply unmatched,” said WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon. “Although he does not seek recognition, I am thrilled that his work will be spotlighted to WWE fans around the world.”

WWE introduced the Warrior Award in 2015, in honor of WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior. According to WWE, the award is “presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.” Past recipients of the award are Connor “The Crusher” Michalek in 2015; Joan Lunden in 2016; Eric LeGrand in 2017; Jarrius “JJ” Robertson in 2018 and Sue Aitchison in 2019.

The Warrior Award presentation will be part of the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which airs this Tuesday, April 6 at 8 PM ET on Peacock in the U.S. and on WWE Network internationally. The ceremony will include both the 2020 and 2021 classes, and was taped last week.

Davey Boy Smith, JBL, Jushin Liger, The nWo, The Bella Twins, William Shatner, Molly Holly, Eric Bischoff, Rob Van Dam, Kane, The Great Khali and Ozzy Osbourne are also part of the 2020 and 2021 WWE Hall of Fame classes.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Longtime WWE Employee Sue Aitchison To Receive Warrior Award At 2019 WWE Hall Of Fame Ceremony

WWE has announced that longtime company employee Sue Aitchison will receive The Warrior Award at the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Below is WWE’s full announcement on Aitchison, with comments from Dana and Stephanie McMahon:

Longtime WWE employee Sue Aitchison to receive Warrior Award at 2019 WWE Hall of Fame CeremonySue Aitchison, a 30-year veteran of WWE’s corporate office, has been named the recipient of the fifth-annual Warrior Award. Named after WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior, the Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.

The award will be presented to Aitchison by Dana Warrior, WWE Ambassador and widow of The Ultimate Warrior, at the 2019 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will stream live on WWE Network at 7 ET/4 PT on Saturday, April 6 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The news was first reported by The Stamford Advocate.

A WWE employee for more than 30 years, Sue Aitchison is widely credited with spearheading WWE’s community outreach programs. Over the course of her storied career, she built a long-term partnership with Make-A-Wish and helped grant WWE wishes to more than 6,000 children. Aitchison also pioneered WWE’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge, inspiring a love of reading for millions of children around the world. Because of her commitment to giving back, Aitchison has also been the recipient of Make-A-Wish’s Chris Greicius Award.

“Sue has dedicated her entire career to helping Wish kids fulfill their dreams and putting smiles on countless families’ faces. Her heart and character epitomize the essence of the Warrior Award,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “She is an unsung hero who deserves to be recognized and immortalized in the WWE Hall of Fame.”

“It is an incredible privilege to present Sue with this year’s Warrior Award,” Dana Warrior said. “My husband saw Sue’s efforts firsthand throughout his WWE career. She displays the Warrior spirit every single day and is an inspiration to us all.”

“I am humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Sue Aitchison said. “I look forward to continuing WWE’s efforts with Make-A-Wish and other organizations to make a positive impact on children and their families around the world.”

WWE Announces 2018 Warrior Award Recipient – Jarrius “JJ” Robertson

Image result for Jarrius “JJ” Robertson to receive Warrior Award at 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

WWE has announced that Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, a double liver transplant survivor and longtime WWE fan that was previously named Honorary WWE Superstar, will receive the 2018 Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

 Below is WWE’s full announcement:

Jarrius “JJ” Robertson to receive Warrior Award at 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyAs first reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune, WWE announced today that 15-year-old Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, double liver transplant survivor and longtime WWE fan, has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Warrior Award. Named after WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.

The award will be presented to Robertson by Dana Warrior, widow of Ultimate Warrior, at the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will stream live on WWE Network at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. USA Network will broadcast a special presentation of the ceremony on Saturday, April 7, at 10 ET/10 PT and on Monday, April 9, at 11 ET/11 PT, immediately following Raw.

While battling biliary atresia, a rare chronic liver disease, Jarrius has undergone dozens of surgeries and has had two liver transplants in his short life. Through these trials and tribulations, Jarrius has not let this disease define who he is. His charismatic, lively and positive attitude throughout his journey has captured the attention of athletes, celebrities and people around the world. Living by the motto “It takes lives to save lives,” Jarrius strives to encourage everyone to become an organ donor.

“I can’t believe I have been chosen to be the 2018 Warrior Award recipient,” said Robertson. “Being honored by WWE means the world to me. I feel very blessed.”

“Jarrius has shown immeasurable amounts of courage, strength and positivity during the hardest of times. His infectious smile and personality light up any room, with no one the wiser of the pain he could have been enduring at any given moment,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “His determination to help others fight their toughest battles and his work to bring awareness to organ donation make him a true Warrior and the perfect recipient of this year’s award in his hometown of New Orleans.”

“It is a privilege to present Jarrius with this year’s Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Dana Warrior. “He lives every day with the Warrior spirit and is an inspiration to people of all ages.”

Robertson has received honors from the New Orleans Saints and the NBA and was the recipient of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2017 ESPYS. Last year, Stephanie McMahon presented Robertson with a WWE Hero award for his courage, perseverance and dedication to helping others.

WWE Announces 2017 Warrior Award Recipient For The WWE Hall Of Fame Ceremony

Image result for Eric LeGrand to receive Warrior Award at 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

 

WWE announced the following today:

Eric LeGrand to receive Warrior Award at 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyEric LeGrand, a former standout for the Rutgers University football team-turned-motivational speaker, has been named the recipient of the third annual Warrior Award. The news was first reported by ESPN.com.

Named after WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.

The award will be presented to LeGrand by Dana Warrior, widow of Ultimate Warrior, at the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will broadcast from Orlando, Florida’s Amway Center live on WWE Network at 8 ET/5 PT on Friday, March 31. USA Network will also broadcast a special presentation of the ceremony on Monday, April 3 at 11 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following Raw.

LeGrand was a key player on the Rutgers University football team, before a spinal cord injury sustained during a game in October 2010 left him paralyzed from the neck down. LeGrand’s tremendous courage and unwavering strength throughout his rehabilitation captured the attention of the nation. He resumed his college classes via Skype and launched his sports broadcasting career as an analyst for Rutgers Football Radio Network. LeGrand founded the charity Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation in 2013, and is now a highly sought-after motivational speaker. In support of LeGrand’s mission – raising funds for research to find a cure for paralysis and to help improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries – WWE will make a $25,000 donation to Team LeGrand.

“It is an absolute honor to be named the 2017 Warrior Award recipient,” said LeGrand. “I am truly grateful for WWE’s support of my personal journey, and I am proud to continue to be an example of strength for people everywhere.”

“Eric LeGrand has shown incredible perseverance and unwavering positivity throughout his recovery,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “From the work he does helping others with spinal cord injuries to his motivational speaking, Eric is the perfect choice for this prestigious award.”

“Eric LeGrand truly embodies the Warrior spirit with his determination and positive outlook,” said Dana Warrior. “I am honored to present this year’s Warrior Award to Eric at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”

Last year, The Warrior Award was presented to Joan Lunden, an award-winning journalist, best-selling author and breast cancer survivor. In 2015, the award was presented for the first time to Connor Michalek, a Pittsburgh native and passionate WWE fan who passed away after battling cancer. In his honor, Connor’s Cure was created as a fund to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world.

WWE Announces 2016 Warrior Award Recipient

WWE issued the following today:

Joan Lunden to receive 2016 Warrior Award at 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction CeremonyJoan Lunden, an award-winning journalist, best-selling author and breast cancer survivor, has been named the recipient of the second annual Warrior Award, which will be presented at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 2 from American Airlines Center in Dallas, live on WWE Network at 8 ET/5 PT. The announcement was made by WWE Superstar John Cena on NBC’s “TODAY.”

The Warrior Award is given to someone who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior. The award will be presented to Lunden by The Ultimate Warrior’s widow, Dana Warrior. In June 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which required chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Lunden made the decision to take her battle public and has since shared her journey through cancer treatment, becoming a prominent voice in the breast cancer community.

“It is truly humbling to be honored by WWE and receive this year’s Warrior Award at the 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” Lunden said. “After being diagnosed with cancer, my first thought was to survive, but soon after, I changed my focus from my cancer to the fight against cancer and my life took on a whole new purpose. WWE has welcomed me into their family, offering me warmth and support, as have so many of the WWE fans from around the world. It is a privilege to receive this honor.”

“On behalf of my family, we are proud to present this year’s Warrior Award to Joan Lunden,” said Dana Warrior. “Joan embodies all that this award was meant to capture. She is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the quintessential Warrior woman. It will be an honor to recognize her at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”

“Joan Lunden has been an incredible role model to so many people and it is an honor to recognize her as the second annual Warrior Award recipient,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “The will and perseverance she gracefully displayed in her fight against breast cancer is an inspiration to millions of women around the world.”

An eternal optimist, Lunden decided to turn her diagnosis into an opportunity to inspire others in the breast cancer community. Through her website, JoanLunden.com, and her social media channels, Lunden has created an online community dedicated to people living with and surviving from breast cancer. From her consistent journaling throughout her breast cancer treatment, Lunden wrote her most recent book, “Had I Known: A Memoir of Survival,” which documents her battle with cancer and provides a reflective look back at her life and career. Lunden continues to be an advocate for those diagnosed with the disease, making trips to Capitol Hill, and as a special correspondent for “TODAY’s” Pink Power series.

Last year, the Warrior Award was presented for the first time ever to Connor Michalek, a Pittsburgh native and passionate WWE fan who passed away from cancer. In his honor, Connor’s Cure was created as a fund within Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to support pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer research. To date, Connor’s Cure has raised $1 million and assisted more than 100 families around the world.

The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airs live on the eve of WrestleMania, Saturday, April 2, at 8 ET/5 PT, only on WWE Network.

WWE Hall Of Fame Warrior Award Recipient Revealed

Source: WrestlingINC

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE is looking at giving Joan Lunden the Warrior Award for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame Class. Lunden, a breast cancer survivor, hosted Good Morning America for years and recently partnered with WWE and Susan G. Komen for some of their their breast cancer awareness efforts.