WWE wrestling legend The Ultimate Warrior dies suddenly aged 54

The Ultimate Warrior, one of US professional wrestling's most celebrated stars, has died at the age of 54, days after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

The Ultimate Warrior, whose real name was James Hellwig, died after collapsing in front of a hotel room.

He was walking from his Arizona hotel room to his car with his wife just before 6pm on Tuesday when he suddenly fell to the ground and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to website TMZ.

The Ultimate Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and rose to become one of the biggest stars in wrestling history.

"WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE Superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," the company said on its website.

It highlighted an "epic encounter" in which The Ultimate Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI to become a WWE Champion.

The cause of his death was not given. He was added to the Hall of Fame on April 5.

"We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans."

Supporters and wrestlers took to the internet to express their respect for Hellwig, survived by his wife Dana and his two daughters.