THE ROAD WARRIORS: ANIMAL AND HAWK
One of wrestling's greatest legends, Road Warrior Animal, passed away on Wednesday. He was 60 years of age. Road Warrior Animal (real name Joe Laurinaitis) was one half of The Road Warriors, a tag team that wrestled around the world. Animal and his tag team partner Road Warrior Hawk were big muscular men that wore face paint and spiked shoulder pads inspired by the Mad Max movies.
Hawk and Animal debuted in 1983 and for a decade they won tag team championships and drew millions of fans to arenas all around the world in promotions like the American Wrestling Association, National Wrestling Association, and World Wrestling Entertainment. The Road Warriors were also international stars winning titles and appearing in Japan from 1985 to 1990.
The Road Warriors were presented to fans as being invincible. When they began in wrestling they were villains that beat up their opponents in an overwhelming fashion. They were street fighters who brought their skills to the wrestling ring. Their style enthralled fans and made them heroes because they would fight anyone. The Road Warriors feuded with legends like Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen, The Koloff's, and The Fabulous Freebirds.
In 2003, Road Warrior Hawk died at the age of 46 after he suffered a heart attack. For the last 17 years, Road Warrior Animal carried on the tradition of The Road Warriors until his death. Thank you Mr. Laurinaitis, you created a legacy that will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace.
THE PROFESSOR
