In 1989-90, the Sportatorium ring had a “Renegades Rampage” logo affixed to the mat. What was that all about?
The Renegades Rampage (sponsored by Renegades — a brand of chewing tobacco, for the uninitiated) was a points-based TV singles tournament that took place over several months. What made this a bit bizarre, at least as far as USWA Dallas was concerned, was the fact that the tournament had taken place in 1988, and was held in Memphis, not Dallas (it was won by a young Scott Steiner). Apparently, the contract for this multi-year sponsorship deal called for the logo to be displayed on all of Jerry Jarrett’s wrestling telecasts, which would have included those in Dallas after the late-1988 takeover. For the wrestlers, however, the in-ring advertisement added a needless element of danger. In the words of former referee James Beard, posting on the Kayfabe Memories board: “One thing I hated about that logo was it was slicker’n owl poop, especially after a few guys had sweated all over it. It’s a wonder more guys didn’t bust their ass because of that thing.
