10 Best Video Game Wrestlers (And Who Would Sign Them In Real Life)
Some virtual grapplers are pop culture icons, but how would they fare as actual superstars ?
WWE billed the Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg Survivor Series clash as 'Fantasy Warfare Becomes Reality' but In truth, most 2K17 matches last longer than the couple of minutes showcased in Toronto . The fight was still comparable to the fast and furious action experienced by gamers - particularly those who enjoy the beat 'em up genre. Often featuring large rosters of unique characters, these fighting games cater for every fighting style imaginable, and one form that appears in most of them is wrestling.
Over the years there have been countless games across all platforms that have introduced fictitious wrestling champions - sometimes even unlockable characters in licensed wrestling simulators. The immense popularity of some of these fabricated superstars has occasionally eclipsed their real life counter parts -and in at least one instance was used to introduce a gimmick before making it's debut (Suicide was a character exclusive to the TNA Impact! game before being used on programming).
But how would the most popular of these imaginary wrestlers fare if they were suddenly brought to life ? Would they achieve mainstream success or would they be destined to fail?
Here are the 10 best video game wrestlers and where we would likely find them in today's world of wrestling ...
10. Mike Haggar (Final Fight) - WWE Legends Contract
In a universe where Drew Carey and Donald Trump are residents of the WWE Hall of Fame (celebrity wing) Mike Haggar would be a shoe in for an induction if he was flesh and blood. A Legends contract and performance centre role would be most fitting for one of the fictitious wrestling forefathers.
First introduced in Final Fight (1989) Haggar is described as a former professional wrestler turned mayor. He would appear in multiple sequels, then as a playable character in the Saturday Night Slam Masters series. In more recent times he has appeared in various 'Vs Capcom' titles and as an Easter egg in the background of several Street Fighter games. Haggar is a character that has done it all and worldwide respect for his accomplishments would parallel those regularly celebrated by long time fans.
If Haggar was flesh and blood, he would be an elder statesmen who had spent time in all the major promotions, likely showing his brutal side in ECW, his old school side in WWF, and his political nous in WCW before embarking on a full scale government career. There are undeniable parallels between Haggar and Jesse Ventura already, so perhaps he too would boast an '80s film portfolio. As he was a training gym owner in Final Fight: Streetwise, Haggar would be at home showing the rookies of NXT the ropes. WWE would definitely capitalise on his experience and would likely want to secure the strong social media attention his political background would generate.