10 Times Wrestlers Got Away With Ripping Off WWE
4. Renegade
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.