10 Times Wrestlers Got Away With Ripping Off WWE

4. Renegade

Undertaker Sting
PWI/WWE

Renegade, Jesus Christ.

There is a correct way of paying homage, and using the stylistic reference points of a cultural cornerstone to forge a new path. John Cena channelled Hulk Hogan's comeback routine and his Rule of Three lifestyle mantras. The Revival are the Brain Busters wrestling at 2017's warp speed. WCW's Renegade, however, was a skinnier, wimpier Ultimate Warrior who debuted, in 1995, years before the act could develop a nostalgic currency.

It really didn't help that Renegade, even underneath the face paint, was so visibly fresh-faced. He could not have looked more like a prepubescent kid cosplaying Jim Hellwig if he tried. And, God love him, try he did. Renegade, like the Warrior, sprinted to the ring to a thrash metal track. He banged his head and shook his arms. He gurned as if gripped in the throes of insanity, but it just didn't translate. This was more uncanny valley than the real Warrior's unreal intensity. The only thing about this farce that wasn't absolutely stupid was WCW's decision not to use a synonym.

'The Decisive Combatant' may have spared us all the tragic story of Rick Wilson.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!