What's the story?
The latest addition to the WWE Hall of Fame has been announced, as first reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
15-year-old Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, double liver transplant survivor and longtime WWE fan, has been named the recipient of the fourth annual Warrior Award.
In case you didn't know
Named after WWE Hall of Famer Ultimate Warrior, the Warrior Award has been a wonderfully inspiring addition to the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony and is presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, living life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.
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Jarrius joins Connor "The Crusher" Michalek, Joan Lunden and Eric LeGrand as recipients of the Warrior Award.
The heart of the matter
It was announced today that Dana Warrior would present this year's award to Jarrius Robertson on Friday, April 6, from the Smoothie King Center in Robertson's home of New Orleans.
It is a privilege to present Jarrius with this year’s Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. He lives every day with the Warrior spirit and is an inspiration to people of all ages.
While battling biliary atresia, a rare chronic liver disease, Jarrius has undergone dozens of surgeries and has had two liver transplants in his short life.
Jarrius lives his life in encouragement of organ donation, living by the motto, “It takes lives to save lives."
Jarrius Robertson himself commented:
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.
Robertson has also been honored by the New Orleans Saints and the NBA, being the recipient of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2017 ESPYS.
Last year, Stephanie McMahon presented Robertson with a WWE Hero award for his courage, perseverance, and dedication to helping others.
Having presented Jarrius with a WWE Hero award last year for his courage, perseverance and dedication to helping others, Stephanie McMahon said of this year's Warrior Award Recipient:
“Jarrius has shown immeasurable amounts of courage, strength and positivity during the hardest of times. His infectious smile and personality light up any room, with no one the wiser of the pain he could have been enduring at any given moment.
Stephanie McMahon went on to add that Jarrius is a true warrior.
His determination to help others fight their toughest battles and his work to bring awareness to organ donation make him a true Warrior and the perfect recipient of this year’s award in his hometown of New Orleans.”
What's next?
The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony kicks off WrestleMania weekend.
Jarrius will be honored on Friday, April 6, from the Smoothie King Center on the same night as Goldberg, The Dudley Boyz, Jeff Jarrett, and Ivory are inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Author's take
Jarrius Robertson definitely embodies the spirit of the Warrior and, being in New Orleans, it's definitely a pretty cool choice to honor this incredibly inspiring young man.
We at Sportskeeda would like to congratulate Jarrius on his honor, and I can't wait to hear his induction speech.
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