Renegade of the Ring: Jay Youngblood

Jay Youngblood, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, left an indelible mark on the sport he loved. Born Steven Nicolas Romero on June 21, 1955, in Amarillo, Texas, Youngblood's larger-than-life persona and daredevil spirit captivated audiences worldwide.

The Early Years

Youngblood's wrestling career began in 1975, when he debuted under his real name, Steve Romero. It wasn't until later that he adopted the moniker Renegade, a nod to his rebellious nature and willingness to push boundaries in the ring. Standing at an imposing 6'0" and weighing in at 242 pounds, Youngblood's physical presence was matched only by his charisma and tenacious wrestling style.

A Career Spun Gold

Youngblood's journey took him to some of the most prominent promotions in the business: World Wrestling Entertainment, All Japan Pro Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, Continental Wrestling Association, and Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. He forged unforgettable moments, earning a slew of titles along the way, including the NWA World Tag Team Championship, PNW Heavyweight Championship, and several regional tag team championships.

Signature Moves

Youngblood's arsenal was as formidable as it was unpredictable. His Flying Tomahawk – a daring, high-flying maneuver that sent opponents crashing to the mat – became an instant fan favorite. The Renegade's unpredictability in the ring made him both revered and feared by his peers.

The Tragic End

On September 2, 1985, Youngblood's wrestling life came to a sudden and tragic end. Suffering from a heart attack during a match, he succumbed to the devastating consequences of his physical toll on the human body. The wrestling world was left reeling in shock, mourning the loss of a true giant in every sense.

Legacy Lives On

Jay Youngblood's remarkable journey may have been cut short, but its impact continues to inspire generations of wrestlers and fans alike. His daredevil spirit, unwavering passion for the sport, and unforgettable performances have cemented his place as one of the greatest wrestling legends of all time.
Name: Jay Youngblood
Real Name: Steven Nicolas Romero
Ring Names: Renegade, Silver Streak, Steve Romero
Date of Birth: 21 June 1955
Age: 68 Years
Died On: 02 September 1985
Born In: Amarillo, Texas, United States

Facts

Here are ten interesting facts and tidbits about Jay Youngblood:

• Jay Youngblood's earliest professional wrestling appearances were under the ring name Renegade in the early 1980s for various independent promotions on the West Coast.

• In 1983, he began competing for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) as Silver Streak, a fan-favorite babyface who battled some of the promotion's top stars, including Gino Hernandez and Bill Irwin.

• Youngblood was one half of the tag team known as The Youngbloods with his partner, Kelly Kiniski, competing in WCCW and later World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the name Steve Romero.

• He enjoyed a successful singles run in the WWF during the late 1980s, winning the WWF Intercontinental Championship from The Honky Tonk Man in November 1988.

• Jay Youngblood's feud with Randy Savage for the WWF Championship is often cited as one of the greatest rivalries of the era, marked by intense matches and memorable promos.

• He was a key player in the development of the WWF's tag team division during the early 1990s, forming alliances with men like Jim Brunzell and The Hart Foundation.

• Youngblood had a notable stint as an instructor at the famed Killer Kowalski's Professional Wrestling School, training a generation of up-and-coming wrestlers.

• He appeared for various promotions on the East Coast in the mid-to-late 1990s, including Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

• Jay Youngblood was an early advocate for the use of weightlifting as a means to improve his in-ring physique and strength, often incorporating exercises into his training regimen.

• Despite his successful career spanning multiple promotions and eras, Jay Youngblood has largely remained out of the wrestling spotlight since retiring from active competition in the early 2000s.

Signature Moves

  • Flying Tomahawk