The Renegade Riders

The Renegade Riders, comprised of "The Outlaw" Jesse Hawkins and Tommy Tucker, were a pivotal tag team in the Great Western Wrestling Alliance (GWA), leaving an indelible mark on the tag team division. Formed in February 1971, they quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of Hawkins' rugged, outlaw charisma and Tucker's youthful vigor and technical prowess.

The Riders' significance in the GWA was highlighted by their intense rivalries and memorable matches. One of their most notable feuds was with The Iron Alliance, a team that contrasted their agility and cunning with sheer brute strength. These clashes were not just about winning titles but also about proving the Riders' worth as a top-tier team. Another significant rivalry was against The Midnight Maracas, a team known for their speed and high-flying maneuvers, challenging the Riders to adapt and evolve.

Their impact was also felt in major GWA events. At the annual Showdown Spectacle, the Renegade Riders consistently delivered some of the most electrifying and talked-about matches. Their showdown with Dynasty Destroyers at this event is still remembered for its high stakes and the Riders' triumphant victory, solidifying their status as fan favorites.

The Renegade Riders were instrumental in elevating the tag team division, bringing a level of storytelling and character development that was rare at the time. Their matches were a blend of athleticism and drama, captivating fans and setting a new standard for tag team wrestling.

Their legacy extends beyond their championships and victories; they were trailblazers who influenced subsequent generations of tag teams. Their synergy in the ring, ability to engage with the audience, and memorable feuds left a lasting impact on the GWA, making the Renegade Riders an iconic and revered tag team in the world of professional wrestling.

Team Members' Profiles

In early 1971, "The Outlaw" Jesse Hawkins was a name long whispered through the corridors of the Great Western Wrestling Alliance (GWA). Having been a steady presence since its inception in 1957, Jesse had carved out a reputation as a solid mid-card wrestler, a veteran of the mat who could always be relied upon for a match that was equal parts technical skill and roughhouse tactics. He wasn't the man the crowds loved to hate, but rather one they respected with a touch of wary distance. His heel alignment was mild; he played the outlaw, not as a lawless villain, but as a renegade bound by his own set of rules.

Enter Tommy Tucker, a greenhorn with a glint of ambition in his eyes and a jaw set on making a name for himself in the rough world of professional wrestling. Tommy was the archetype of youthful exuberance, with a clean-cut image and an earnestness that resonated well with fans. His inexperience in the ring was as clear as his desire to rise above it, and he knew he needed guidance, a mentor who could show him the ropes—both literally and figuratively. His declaration was heartfelt and bold: "I wanna earn my bonafides!"

Formation of the Team

%% The story of how the wrestlers came together to form the tag team, including any previous individual careers or storylines that led to their partnership. %%

Hawkins saw in Tommy a reflection of his own beginnings—an eager spirit hungry for the fight and the fame that came with it. Despite the vast gap in their experience, Jesse saw potential in the kid, a potential that could be honed into something that not only the fans but also the promoters would notice. Initially, he took Tommy under his wing unofficially, sharing tips and tricks before and after matches, critiquing the young wrestler's performances with a critical yet constructive eye.

It wasn't long before the GWA took notice of their budding camaraderie. Promoters, ever vigilant for fresh narratives, saw a goldmine in the odd coupling of the seasoned heel and the up-and-coming babyface. They proposed a tag team, a partnership that would bring together the best of both worlds—The Outlaw's hard-earned experience and Tommy's raw, infectious energy. The duo hesitated, both aware of the risks involved in such an alliance, but the allure of greater fame and the promise of better bouts won out. They agreed, and so The Renegade Riders were born.

Their early matches were a study in contrasts. Tommy's clean techniques and by-the-book approach clashed with Jesse's rougher style. But as they battled side by side, a surprising synergy emerged. Tommy's enthusiasm pushed Jesse to rediscover a passion for wrestling he thought he had lost, while Jesse's seasoned perspective kept Tommy grounded and focused.

The turning point came when The Outlaw and Tommy Tucker, now firmly established as the Renegade Riders, faced off against the reigning tag team champions. The match was a grueling testament to their growth as partners. Though they fell just short of victory, the performance they delivered was electric, and the crowd roared their approval. In that moment of near-triumph, the Renegade Riders were solidified as a main event attraction, their names chanted long after the lights dimmed.

From that day forward, the Renegade Riders rode a wave of success, a blend of old school and new hope, each teaching the other valuable lessons about life in and out of the ring. Their story was one of mentorship turned partnership, of individual strengths forged into a unified force. Together, The Outlaw and Tommy Tucker were no longer just veterans and rookies; they were symbols of evolution and the enduring spirit of professional wrestling.

Signature Style and Moves

The Renegade Riders were renowned in the Great Western Wrestling Alliance (GWA) for their distinctive wrestling style and signature moves that perfectly complemented each other's strengths and personas. Jesse, with his rugged and brawler-like approach, brought raw power and resilience to the team. His style was grounded in traditional wrestling techniques, combined with a no-holds-barred attitude that made him unpredictable and formidable in the ring. Tommy, on the other hand, was known for his technical prowess and agility. His wrestling was more methodical, relying on speed and precision, making him the perfect counterbalance to Jesse's brute force.

Together, they developed a set of signature moves that capitalized on their individual strengths while creating a seamless and dynamic in-ring presence. One such move was the "Renegade Rush," where Tommy would execute a rapid series of strikes to an opponent, wearing them down, followed by Jesse coming in with a powerful clothesline or body slam to capitalize on the weakened state of their opponent. Another hallmark move was the "Dusty Dropkick," where Tommy would deliver a precision dropkick to an opponent, often setting them up for Jesse's "Outlaw Powerbomb," a move where he would lift the opponent high and slam them down with immense force.

Their finishing maneuver, known as the "Renegade Reckoning," was a testament to their teamwork and in-ring chemistry. It typically began with Jesse lifting the opponent onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry position, showcasing his strength, while Tommy climbed to the top rope. As Jesse threw the opponent off his shoulders, Tommy would simultaneously leap, connecting with a flying elbow drop or a leg drop. This high-impact finisher was not only a crowd-pleaser but also a symbol of their united front in the ring - a combination of Jesse's power and Tommy's aerial finesse. The Renegade Riders' style was a harmonious blend of force and finesse, making them one of the most revered and effective tag teams in the history of the GWA.

Ring Entrance

The use of Bad Company's song "Bad Company" as the entrance theme for the Renegade Riders, the iconic tag team of "The Outlaw" Jesse Hawkins and Tommy Tucker, played a pivotal role in their rise to popularity in the Great Western Wrestling Alliance (GWA). The song, with its rebellious and gritty undertones, perfectly encapsulated the duo's renegade spirit and rugged charisma, resonating deeply with the audience's love for anti-heroes. As the opening piano chords of the song hit, anticipation and excitement surged through the crowd, signaling the arrival of a tag team that was not just formidable in the ring but also captivating in their defiance of the norm. The song became synonymous with the Riders, enhancing their allure and helping to establish them as one of the most beloved and memorable teams in professional wrestling history.

Championships and Accomplishments

The Riders accumulated an impressive list of achievements and accolades in the Great Western Wrestling Alliance (GWA). Their synergy and dynamic performances in the ring led to numerous title reigns, tournament victories, and notable recognitions. Here's an overview of their key accomplishments:

1. GWA Tag Team Championship: The Renegade Riders won the [[GWA World Tag Team Championship]] multiple times, showcasing their dominance and teamwork in the tag team division.
2. Great Western Tag Team Round-up Tournament Winners: They emerged victorious in the GWA's prestigious Annual Tag Team Tournament on several occasions, further cementing their reputation as one of the top tag teams in the promotion.
3. Main Event Victories at Showdown Spectacle: The Riders headlined and triumphed in several main events at the Showdown Spectacle, GWA's premier annual event, delivering some of the most memorable matches in its history.
4. Feud of the Year Awards: Their intense rivalries, particularly against teams like The Iron Alliance and The Midnight Maracas, earned them the Feud of the Year award, highlighting the impact of their storytelling in the ring.
5. GWA Hall of Fame Inductees: Both Jesse Hawkins and Tommy Tucker were inducted into the GWA Hall of Fame, both as individual wrestlers and as a tag team, recognizing their significant contributions to the sport.
6. Fan Favorite Awards: Due to their immense popularity with the audience, the Renegade Riders received multiple Fan Favorite awards throughout their career, underscoring their connection with the wrestling fanbase.

These achievements reflect the Renegade Riders' significant impact and success within the GWA, both as competitive athletes and as influential figures in the world of professional wrestling.

Memorable Matches and Rivalries

In the early days of the Renegade Riders, their rise to prominence was marked by rivalries that not only tested their skills but also solidified their legacy.

• The First Rivals - The Midnight Maracas The Renegade Riders' journey began with a heated rivalry against The Midnight Maracas, a duo known for their lightning-quick maneuvers and flair for drama. The Midnight Maracas, with their flashy style and penchant for theatrics, were the perfect antithesis to the rugged, straightforward approach of the Renegade Riders. Early matches between these two teams were electric, drawing huge crowds and setting the tone for the Riders' path in the GWA. Each bout was a lesson in contrasts - the raw power and resilience of the Renegade Riders against the speed and agility of The Midnight Maracas.
• The Power Challenge - The Pacific Powerhouses As their reputation grew, the Renegade Riders found themselves up against The Pacific Powerhouses, a tag team that boasted some of the most formidable wrestlers in the GWA. "Redwood" Jack Carson and "Tsunami Sam" were behemoths, each move echoing power and dominance. These matches were a true test of endurance for the Renegade Riders. Facing such overwhelming strength, Jesse and Tommy had to rely on strategy and teamwork, pushing their limits and showcasing their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
• The Clash of Styles - Southern Comfort Another notable rivalry was with The Southern Comfort, a team that brought a unique mix of styles to the ring. "Bayou" Benny Lacroix’s unorthodox techniques and "The Gentleman" James Montgomery’s charismatic power wrestling presented a diverse challenge. The matches with Southern Comfort were unpredictable and often spilled out of the ring, creating a spectacle that enthralled the fans. It was against this team that the Renegade Riders really honed their adaptive strategies, learning to counter and capitalize on a wide range of wrestling styles.
• The Gritty Confrontation - The Iron Alliance Then came the battles with The Iron Alliance. This faction, known for its no-nonsense, gritty approach to wrestling, was a throwback to the old-school style. "Ironside" Ivan Gregorovich and "Steel Hammer" Hank Roberts were tough as nails, and their matches with the Renegade Riders were intense, often turning into brawls that tested the physical limits of both teams. These encounters were less about technical prowess and more about sheer willpower and the ability to endure.
• The High-Flying Spectacle - The Lucha Legends Finally, the Renegade Riders' confrontations with The Lucha Legends brought an entirely different dimension to their matches. The high-flying, fast-paced style of the Lucha Legends forced Jesse and Tommy to adapt to a faster, more acrobatic form of wrestling. These matches were a spectacle of athleticism, showcasing the versatility and growth of the Renegade Riders.

Each of these rivalries played a crucial role in shaping the Renegade Riders. They were not just opponents; they were catalysts that propelled Jesse and Tommy to refine their skills, adapt to different styles, and ultimately, become one of the most revered tag teams in the GWA's history.