In this article, we will learn more about the recipient of the prestigious Warrior Award for the year 2022 – Shad Gaspard.
The Warrior Award was introduced back 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.”
There have been seven recipients till now – Connor Michalek, Joan Lunden, Eric LeGrand, Jarrius Robertson, Sue Aitchison, Titus O’Neil, and Rich Hering.
Gaspard passed away in May 2020. He and his son Aryeh were caught by a rip current while swimming at Venice Beach, California.
The 39-year-old had told the lifeguards to save his son first and not him. The lifeguards saved Aryeh and soon afterward the former member of Cryme Time vanished 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.
The pro wrestling world was in shock. Gaspard was one of the most lovable characters and formed great in-ring chemistry with close buddy JTG. Gaspard and JTG were part of the Cryme Tyme tag team in WWE between 2006 and 2007, and 2008 and 2010.
Gaspard’s wife Siliana and son Aryeh were accompanied to the ring by JTG at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. JTG and Aryeh did the Cryme Tyme handshake which received a huge ovation from the crowd.
| Wrestling Promotion Name | Championship won | No. of times |
| NWA Wildside | NWA Wildside Tag Team Championship | 1 |
| Fighting Evolution Wrestling | FEW Tag Team Championship | 1 |
| Ohio Valley Wrestling | OVW Southern Tag Team Championship | 2 |
| Superstars of Wrestling Foundation | SWF Tag Team championship | 1 |
| VIP Wrestling | VIP Tag Team Championship | 1 |
| World Wrestling Alliance | WWA Championship | 1 |
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.
Here are a few Twitter reactions from the fans and some popular personalities in the pro wrestling world:
It was an emotional moment for everyone. Gaspard’s wife spoke with passion and pride in an emotional speech. WWE Universe in attendance cheered her on. They chanted “Dad’s a hero” and many have tweeted their love towards the mother and her son.
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