In a report on Wednesday from The Courier, the Arena Football League announced the name and logo of the Waterloo franchise at Silver Eagle Harley Davidson, which was inspired by a WWE Hall of Famer.
It was noted in the report that according to a press release from the league, the logo and team name allude to Waterloo’s railroad history with the name “Woo” which is meant to be a callback to the blaring of train whistles. The release also stated that the logo pays homage to Waterloo’s wrestling history through WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair’s signature “Woo” known throughout the professional wrestling world.
Executive Director of Experience Waterloo Tavis Hall unveiled the Waterloo Woo to the thundering sounds of Harley Davidson motorcycle engines and also the sounds of plastic whistles and the shouts of the crowd.
The image of the logo below is courtesy of The Courier. The logo, designed by Ryan Foose, for the Woo includes an eccentrically-dressed wolf striking the Heisman pose—a la league commissioner Tim Brown—while sporting a blond mullet and wayfarer-style sunglasses.
“Waterloo is really rich in diversity,” Hall said. “Who we are matters. Part of that story of who we are is based on the railroad. There is that tie. This name has a tie to our community…We also like wrestling around here. Not just wrestling, but ‘rassling.’”
Waterloo Woo General Manager Bailey McRae said in the press release they “hope to hear fans Wooing so loudly that it echoes through the Hippodrome and the visiting teams can’t hear in their huddles.”
The Waterloo Woo, which is one of four teams in the league, will kick off their season in June 2024.