DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: A look back at WCW’s Renegade
On this week’s DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, we look at the late Renegade of WCW fame, using his Wrestling Observer Newsletter obituary as a guide.
Formerly known as Rio Lord of the Jungle, Richard Wilson was brought into WCW by Hulk Hogan and the creative team when they failed to get Ultimate Warrior (Jim Hellwig) to sign so Hogan could “get his win back” from WrestleMania VI.
Even as far as Dollar General knockoffs goes, the Renegade gimmick was pretty embarrassing. This, and other matters, took a personal toll on Wilson who committed suicide at the age of 33.
Karl Stern is a pro wrestling historian specializing in the 1980s and pioneer era (pre-1900) of pro wrestling. He is an author who has written several books on wrestling and independently runs the When It Was Cool retro pop culture website.