Man accuses pro wrestler of fraud

SANTA FE (KRQE) - A pro wrestling legend, a pair of his old trunks, a twenty-something New York entrepreneur and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department -- it's a bizarre mix.

Deputies are investigating the wrestling legend, the Ultimate Warrior , who now lives in New Mexico, after a sports memorabilia collector claimed he swindled tens of thousands of dollars.

"I'm out $40,000," said sports collector Christopher Elias.

Elias, 23, of Staten Island, New York, claimed he signed a contract with Warrior in January to buy his old ring-worn gear with autographs for $27,800. Elias said he sent Warrior a check and another $10,000 worth of belts and posters for him to sign,  to the Warrior's home near Nambe, just outside Santa Fe.

"I had a signed contract between me and him, and I was supposed to have everything by March 31, 2012," said Elias. "The last time I talked to him, [Warrior] said he shipped the product."

Elias said that was two months ago, and he still hasn't received anything. He hired an attorney and sent Warrior a demand letter in June to return his money by July 13. When he didn't get his money, Elias said he filed a police report with the sheriff's office on Monday, accusing Warrior of fraud.

"We're trying to determine if this is a civil matter or whether or not this is a criminal matter," said Capt. Adan Mendoza of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.

Elias said he wants all his money back.

"It's just the principle now you know? I don't want the memorabilia. It's not worth it to me," said Elias.

Late Wednesday, Warrior's attorney confirmed the two did have a deal. He also admitted Warrior has been late in delivering some of the items.

"Warrior has delivered a portion of the items to the buyer and issue that has arisen is one of timing," said Santa Fe attorney Joseph Karnes. "Counsel for both parties are in communication regarding the matter."

Karnes said deputies told him they had investigated the police report and deemed the issue a civil matter. Capt. Mendoza told KRQE News 13 no determination had been made.

No criminal charges have been filed against Warrior, said Mendoza.

The Ultimate Warrior was a famous performer in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the late 80's and 90's. Born James Brian Hellwig, the wrestling legend, now 53-years-old, legally changed his name to Warrior in 1993.