WWE’s Warrior Award may not be what Ultimate Warrior suggested during his Hall of Fame induction speech back in 2014, but it’s hard to find to not like the fourth recipient of the honor.
As reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune, in 2018 the honor will go to WWE superfan Jarrius “JJ” Robertson. The 15 year old has been in and out of doctors’ office and hospitals his entire life, including undergoing two liver transplants, while battling biliary atresia - a liver disease which stunted his growth and required a total of 36 surgeries. Throughout it all, he’s maintained a positive attitude and become a popular presence at sports and entertainment media events for the NBA, his hometown New Orleans Saints and, of course, WWE.
Robertson was awarded the Jimmy V Perserverance Award at the 2017 ESPYs, and also received a Hero Award from WWE last year. Now he’ll accept this honor from Dana Warrior at the Hall of Fame ceremony on Fri., April 6 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, an honor “presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.”
Speaking with WWE.com regarding the announcement, Robertson said, “I can’t believe I have been chosen to be the 2018 Warrior Award recipient. Being honored by WWE means the world to me. I feel very blessed.” He also told NOLA.com that he’s picking Roman Reigns to win the Universal title at WrestleMania 34 on April 8, so hopefully no one will boo him (just kidding, I hope).
JJ will join Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Ivory and another Double-J, Jeff Jarrett, as honorees at this year’s Hall induction.
Congratulations, Jarrius!