Chris Benoit In WWE SmackDown Vs Raw 2008: A Retrospective
Chris Benoit's inclusion in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a complex and controversial topic due to the tragic events that occurred shortly after the game's development. Understanding his role and presence in the game requires navigating the circumstances surrounding his career and life. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview, addressing his character, gameplay, and the subsequent removal and legacy within the game.
Chris Benoit: The Rabid Wolverine
Before diving into the game itself, let's remember who Chris Benoit was in the world of professional wrestling. Known as the "Rabid Wolverine," Benoit was celebrated for his incredible technical wrestling skills, intense demeanor, and unwavering dedication to the sport. He wasn't the flashiest guy with the mic, but boy, could he wrestle. His matches were clinics in grappling, submission holds, and pure, unadulterated intensity. From his early days in ECW and WCW to his run in WWE, Benoit earned the respect of fans and peers alike.
Benoit's journey to the top wasn't an easy one. He honed his craft through years of training and performing around the world. His time in Japan significantly influenced his wrestling style, adding a level of stiffness and realism that set him apart. When he finally arrived in WWE, he quickly proved he belonged, capturing multiple championships and delivering memorable performances against top stars like Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Shawn Michaels. He was known for his Crossface submission, a move that ended many matches and cemented his place as a top-tier competitor. His matches were known for their realism and storytelling through in-ring action, something that earned him a dedicated fan base who appreciated the art of wrestling. Benoit was a wrestler's wrestler, admired for his work ethic and commitment to the sport.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008: Game Overview
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 was a significant installment in the popular wrestling game franchise. Released in 2007, the game featured a roster of top WWE superstars, improved gameplay mechanics, and enhanced graphics. It aimed to provide players with the most authentic and immersive wrestling experience possible. Key features included a new fighting style system, allowing each superstar to have unique abilities and attributes based on their real-life counterparts. The game also introduced the ECW brand, expanding the roster and match types available to players.
One of the standout features of SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 was the improved story mode. Players could create their own superstar and guide them through the ranks of WWE, making decisions that affected their career trajectory. The game also featured a robust create-a-superstar mode, allowing players to design their own wrestlers with a high degree of customization. Online multiplayer was another key component, enabling players to compete against each other in a variety of match types. The game's developers put a lot of effort into creating a realistic and engaging wrestling experience, with attention to detail in the arenas, character models, and move sets. This commitment to authenticity helped make SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 a fan favorite and a commercial success.
Benoit's Inclusion and Gameplay
In WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, Chris Benoit was featured as a playable character, reflecting his status as a prominent WWE superstar at the time. His character model accurately represented his physical appearance, and his move set included his signature moves, such as the Crippler Crossface, diving headbutt, and German suplexes. Players could use Benoit in various game modes, including exhibition matches, story mode, and online multiplayer. His in-game attributes were balanced to reflect his real-life wrestling abilities, making him a formidable opponent in the virtual ring.
Benoit's inclusion added a layer of realism to the game, allowing fans to recreate some of his most memorable matches. His character was integrated seamlessly into the game's roster, and his presence was consistent with his role in WWE at the time. Players who enjoyed his wrestling style could appreciate the attention to detail in his move set and animations. Whether you wanted to relive his battles against Triple H or create new dream matches, the game provided the tools to do so. Benoit's virtual self allowed fans to continue enjoying his in-ring persona, even as real-world events were unfolding that would soon change everything.
The Tragedy and Removal
In June 2007, tragedy struck when Chris Benoit, his wife, and his son were found dead in their home. The circumstances surrounding their deaths led to widespread media coverage and public shock. Following the incident, WWE took immediate action to distance itself from Benoit, removing him from their website, television broadcasts, and merchandise. This included removing him from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, though the process wasn't as simple as a quick patch.
Due to the game's production timeline, Benoit was already included in the initial release. However, WWE and the game's publisher, THQ, worked to minimize his presence in subsequent versions. This involved removing his character from the game's roster in later releases and attempting to reduce his visibility in other areas of the game. While it wasn't possible to completely erase him from the initial copies, the efforts to remove him from future versions reflected the WWE's desire to disassociate themselves from the tragedy. This decision was understandable, given the sensitive nature of the events and the potential for negative publicity. The removal of Benoit from the game was a complex process, but it was a necessary step in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Legacy and Impact
The Chris Benoit tragedy had a profound impact on the wrestling world and the WWE. It led to increased scrutiny of wrestler health and wellness, including concerns about the effects of concussions and drug use. WWE implemented new policies and programs aimed at supporting its performers and addressing these issues. The tragedy also sparked debates about the portrayal of violence in professional wrestling and its potential impact on fans.
In the context of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, Benoit's presence and subsequent removal serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the wrestling industry. While the game was intended to be a source of entertainment, it also became entangled with real-life events that had far-reaching consequences. Today, the game is viewed with a mix of nostalgia and sadness, as fans remember Benoit's contributions to wrestling while also acknowledging the tragic circumstances surrounding his life. The legacy of Chris Benoit in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a complex and sensitive topic, one that requires careful consideration and respect for all those affected by the tragedy.
Community Reaction
The community's reaction to Chris Benoit's inclusion and subsequent removal from WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 was varied and complex. Some fans were understanding of WWE's decision to remove him, given the circumstances. They recognized the sensitivity of the situation and the need for the company to distance itself from the tragedy. Others felt that removing Benoit from the game was a form of censorship, arguing that it erased his contributions to the wrestling world. They believed that his accomplishments should be remembered, regardless of the events that occurred later in his life.
There were also those who took a more pragmatic approach, focusing on the gameplay aspects of the game. They acknowledged the tragedy but still enjoyed playing as Benoit in the game, appreciating his move set and wrestling style. Some even created mods and patches to restore his character in versions where he had been removed. This demonstrated a desire to separate the in-game character from the real-life person and to continue enjoying the game as it was originally intended. The community's reaction reflected a wide range of emotions and perspectives, highlighting the complexities of the situation and the challenges of reconciling entertainment with real-life tragedy.
Conclusion
Chris Benoit's presence in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a poignant reminder of the complexities within professional wrestling. His inclusion reflected his standing as a top performer, while his subsequent removal underscored the tragic circumstances that overshadowed his legacy. The game serves as a snapshot in time, capturing a moment before the events that would forever alter perceptions of his career. Understanding his role in the game requires acknowledging both his accomplishments and the tragedy that followed, offering a nuanced perspective on a controversial figure in wrestling history. It's a tough topic, no doubt, but one that's important to understand when looking back at the history of wrestling games and the real-life events that sometimes intertwine with them.