Late, great Shad Gaspard will be honored with the prestigious Warrior Award on 1 April.
The Warrior Award was introduced in 2015 by WWE in the loving memory of the legendary Ultimate Warrior. The award is given to people who have “exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who live life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of the Ultimate Warrior.”
The widow of Ultimate Warrior, Dana Warrior traditionally presents the award. The recipients till now are Connor Michalek, Joan Lunden, Eric LeGrand, Jarrius Robertson, Sue Aitchison, Titus O’Neil, and Rich Hering (from 2015-2021).
Gaspard passed away in May 2020. He was caught along with his son by a rip current while swimming at Venice Beach, California. The 39-year-old had told the lifeguards to save his son before saving him. Soon afterward the former member of Cryme Time disappeared underwater and the search team couldn’t find his body after searching for a couple of days. Three days later after he went missing, his body was washed ashore. Gaspard was identified by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.
Aryeh, Gaspard’s son was saved miraculously thanks to his father’s sacrifice and the lifeguards’ efforts. The Rock had posted back then that “Shad drowned in the ocean, but not before instructing lifeguards to save his son first. That’s the love of a father.”
Shad Gaspard was most popular for his tag team Cryme Tyme alongside partner JTG. He had won quite a few Tag Team Titles across various promotions.
Shad Gaspard won the NWA Wildside Tag Team Championship alongside close friend JTG on one occasion. In the Fighting Evolution Wrestling (FEW) promotions, he won the FEW Tag Team Championship once again with JTG.
In Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), Shad won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on two occasions.
Shad and JTG also plied their trade in the Superstars of Wrestling Foundation (SWF) promotion. They became the SWF Tag Team champion once.
The formidable and successful duo won the Tag Team Championships in two more promotions. The VIP Wrestling and World Wrestling Alliance (WWA) promotions saw them winning the VIP Tag Team Championship and the WWA Championship on one occasion respectively.
Gaspard was honored with the Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award in 2020 by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and he also received the Inspirational Wrestler of the Year from Pro Wrestling Illustrated in the same year.
Shad might not have won any titles in WWE but he was one of the most lovable characters. WWE Universe was in shock. His colleagues were also distraught and many superstars sent their prayers and condolences during the time.
Shad absolutely deserves the award and obviously, everyone is delighted with the choice too.
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