Wilson was born in Marietta, Georgia, and lived an abusive childhood; his father was in jail for his involvement in a car accident, and his stepfather frequently beat him.

In 1992, he joined Killer Kowalski's International Wrestling Federation under the ring name "Rio, Lord of the Jungle"; the character included him banging on his chest like a gorilla and wearing a loincloth.

"[7][8][9] Soon after his debut, The Renegade acquired Jimmy Hart as his manager and soon defeated several heels while utilizing mannerisms, moves and entrance music very similar to the Ultimate Warrior's.

[12] After wrestling sporadically throughout house shows, Renegade returned on the July 1 episode of Nitro, where he teamed up with Joe Gomez and The Rock 'n' Roll Express in a losing effort to The Four Horsemen.

[13] After competing in the World War 3 battle royal, which was won by The Giant,[2] Renegade formed a short-lived tag team with Joe Gomez in late 1996.

[9][14][15] After their team ended in early 1997, Renegade turned heel for the first time in his career during a match with Scotty Riggs on the March 22 episode of Saturday Night, which he lost.

[18] Renegade would remain utilized as a jobber throughout the rest of 1997 and 1998 (as well as being used for stunt double for the actual Ultimate Warrior during his 1998 WCW run)[19] before wrestling the final match of his career on the December 7 episode of Nitro, which he lost to Wrath.

[5] Severe depression continued to increase for Wilson after being released from WCW as well as a bad financial situation, and the fact that no other wrestling companies had made any offers to him.