10 Best Super Mario Fan Theories That Explain Everything
5. Wario Is A Mario Fanboy
The Super Mario Land 2 instruction manual states that Wario has been jealous of Mario since they were children, which spurred him to become his arch-rival. But that doesn't mean Wario hates him.
In more recent games, he acts more like an anti-hero rather than an outright scoundrel. One theory suggests that the real reason why Wario is obsessed with Mario is because he wants to be him.
When the player first enters Wario's estate in Super Mario Land 2, you can see he has a colossal statue of Mario. Why would he have this unless he has absolutely crazy about him? He also seems to copy everything about the Italian plumber. Not only does he have a similar hat, overalls, and moustache, the final battle has Wario copying all of Mario's abilities, insinuating that he's trying to emulate him.
The sequel, Super Mario Land 3: Wario Land has Wario going on his own adventure to further imitate his supposed-rival. The fact he calls his brother "Waluigi" may be an unsubtle sign he is mocking Mario's sibling, Luigi.
Considering his name literally translates into "bad Mario", it's possible "Wario" isn't his real name and he chose it to tease his idol.