The Renegade (wrestler)

Richard L. Wilson (October 16, 1965 – February 23, 1999) was an American professional wrestler. During his career, Wilson was best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He was known by the ring name The Renegade. During his time in the wrestling, Wilson was a one-time WCW World Television Champion. He was also a one-time OVW Southern Tag Team Champion with Kasey James in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). His gimmick was an imitation of the popular World Wrestling Federation (WWF) wrestler The Ultimate Warrior.

Career
After weeks of a build to an Ultimate Surprise by Hulk Hogan, it was teased that The Ultimate Warrior was going to show up in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Finally at Uncensored, it was revealed that Wilson was the Ultimate Surprise and he debuted under the name The Renegade while wearing attire that closely resembled that of The Ultimate Warrior. He was in the corner for Hogan that night as he defeated Vader. On June 18, 1995 at The Great American Bash, Renegade defeated Arn Anderson to become the new World Television Championship. It was his first championship in WCW and it was also his only. He successfully defended his championship against "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff twice. At Fall Brawl '95: War Games, Renegade lost the championship to Diamond Dallas Page. On the November 6 episode of Nitro, Renegade lost to Kevin Sullivan and his manager Jimmy Hart then turned heel on him by splashing water onto him and wiping off his facepaint before berating him. Wilson returned with a new gimmick and began teaming with Joe Gomez but found no success. He was mainly used as a jobber for the rest of his tenure in the company. On the December 7, 1998 episode of Nitro, Renegade wrestled in his final match for WCW and lost to Wrath. He was released shortly afterwards.

Personal life and death
Before becoming a professional wrestler, Wilson worked as an exotic dancer. On February 23, 1999, Wilson got into an argument with his wife. During the argument, he pulled out a .380 caliber pistol and put it to his head before shooting and killing himself. He was said to have fallen into a deep depression after being released by WCW.

 References 

Category:1976 births
Category:1999 deaths
Category:American erotic dancers
Category:American professional wrestlers
Category:People from Marietta, Georgia
Category:Sportspeople from Georgia (U.S. state)
Category:Sportspeople who committed suicide
Category:Suicides by firearm in the United States