Ultimate Warrior's last words in public: My spirit 'will run forever'

James Hellwig, aka The Ultimate Warrior, and his daughters at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. (Jonathan Bachman/AP Images for WWE, File)

The Ultimate Warrior spoke about death and his own legacy the day before he tragically passed away.

The late WWE legend said his "spirit" would "run on forever" as he made an impassioned speech during his appearance on TV show 'RAW' on Monday night just hours before he died aged 54 on Tuesday.

Addressing an arena full of fans in New Orleans, Ultimate Warrior - real name James Hellwig - said: "No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own. Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe a final breath and if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them bleed deeper and something larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalised.

"In the back I see many potential legends. Some with warrior spirits and you will do the same for them. You will decide if they lived with the passion and the intensity. So much so that you will tell your stories and you will make them legends as well. You are the Ultimate Warrior fans and the spirit of Ultimate Warrior will run forever."

Ultimate Warrior made his return to WWE television after an 18-year absence over the weekend when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday night and he then appeared at 'WrestleMania XXX' on Sunday evening at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed but WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) announced the news on its official website saying they were "shocked and deeply saddened" by his sudden passing.

Since then, numerous WWE stars both past and present have sent their tributes to the Ultimate Warrior via Twitter.

Triple H posted: "Saddened to announce the passing of the Ultimate Warrior. Icon and friend. My sympathy to his wife Dana and his daughters."

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan tweeted: "Heartbroken. My sincerest condolences go out to The Warrior's family. Seeing how much he loved his daughters and his wife this weekend ... makes it all the more heartbreaking. The Ultimate Warrior was my favorite as a kid, and getting to speak to him this weekend was one ... of my favorite moments. He was so nice to me. #RIPWarrior (sic)"

Kevin Nash posted: "So happy I embraced Warrior with a hug when we saw each other backstage Saturday night. My heart goes out to his family. Always Believe."