"Nobody liked the guy!"
For anyone who has been watching WWE profile DVDs and note that very seldom do the talking heads say anything negative about the subject, and wonders "yeah, but what did you REALLY think of the guy," this is mandatory viewing. No one pulls any punches on their thoughts on the colourful career of Jim "Warrior" Hellwig. Vince McMahon, Bobby Heenan, Gene Okerlund, Jerry Lawler and Ric Flair all rag on Warrior for his unprofessionalism or lack of respect for "the business," based on their experiences. Hell, for once even Steve Lombardi is a relevant interviewee! Only Hulk Hogan is more reserved, indicated that Warrior indeed had friends in the locker room and only really criticizing Warrior for holding Vince up for more money (fair enough) and for mentioning their past history on a live Nitro. Hate to burst your bubble Hulkster, but WcW fans, southern rednecks as you may perceive them, will have known the result of your match at WrestleMania VI.
The match is a refreshing biopic due to the honesty of the participants regarding Warrior's shortcomings, but of course the doubt lingers whether it's all genuine or whether it's a simple WWE hatchet job. None the less, it's a concise look back at Warrior's various runs and feuds. The matches selected are five of his most important - his debut, first Intercontinental title win, victory over Hogan, only successful PPV title defence against Rick Rude, and finest match against Randy Savage at WrestleMania VII. If I wanted to nitpick, I'd say his matches with "Ravishing" over the Intercontinental title were superior and perhaps their match at SummerSlam 89 would have been included instead of the cage match.
As it is, that's our lot. Had Warrior acquiesced to participate we may have seen a more flattering documentary portion and he may have received the two disc treatment with an extra batch of matches, like the other discs released of past legends. Then again some would argue that five Warrior matches is enough for anyone! Obviously insight from the man himself would have been great, and as all of his big feuds are with men who have died (Hercules, Andre, Ravishing Rick) or are on bad terms with the company (Savage) it's very much an outsiders view looking in. Still, you buy the DVD for a look back at what Warrior accomplished on the national stage, and that's exactly what you get.
It's far from Ultimate, but it's still a great DVD.Read full review
