10 Wrestlers You Didn't Know Were In Non-Wrestling Video Games

Namco missed a trick on a possible John Cena/Dig Dug crossover.

by Benjamin Richardson
Batista Gears of War
Microsoft

Wrestling games down the years have seen a number of unusual crossover cameos on the flimsiest of pretences. WWF Attitude saw Turok's Joshua Fireseed make the short trip across Acclaim's development desk, whilst the terrible WCW Thunder contained a sailor straight outta Shenmue (honest). Things arguably reached their nadir (or apex, if you're disinclined to taste), with Fred Durst's rubbish rapping ruining the otherwise excellent SmackDown: Just Bring It!

What about the other direction? The sheer glut of grappling games since MicroLeague Wrestling hit the Commodore 64 way back in 1987 means that some superstars have had more digitised outings than even some of the industry's most established icons, but seldom have their sprites broke free of the silicon squared circle.

Big Dave Bautista looks to be the latest to make that elite list, after it was revealed the Guardians of the Galaxy star will make a cameo appearance as a multiplayer character in the next Gears of War. Sure, he might have officially hung his boots up at WrestleMania 35, but WWE weren't about to let such facts prevent them promoting his impending crossover. He's in the MCU, you know.

Being a wrestler in the Marvel Universe with a ludography is now an honour he shares with another ex-WWE star. It may not be who you'd think...

10. Shad Gaspard (God Of War)

Batista Gears of War
Sony

You probably didn't realise it, but when you were trawling the mythical realm of Midgard with son firmly planted on your shoulders, you were doing it as former Cryme Tyme gang star Shad Gaspard.

You might be asking, to paraphrase former partner JTG: "Damn! Why didn't I notice?" Well, Gaspard wasn't quite digitally whited up and flung into a chiton, but near enough, as his body was scanned as the basis for Kratos' literal God-ly physique. Whilst he was at the studio, Gaspard also put on a load of funny little silver balls and provided the MoCap for the hero's hand-to-hand combat.

Shad Gaspard: the star of one of 2018's most critically acclaimed games. What a time to be alive.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.