Chris Benoit In WWE 2K17: A Look Back

Hey wrestling fans, let's dive into something that's a bit of a mixed bag – the presence (or rather, the absence) of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17. As you all know, Benoit's story is complex, filled with incredible wrestling talent and ultimately, a tragic ending. This makes his inclusion in any WWE-related game a sensitive topic, and the decisions surrounding his character in WWE 2K17 reflect that sensitivity. So, let's break down what happened, why it happened, and how it all played out in the game. Get ready, guys, for a deep dive!

The Absence of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17: The Reasons Why

So, why wasn't Chris Benoit a playable character in WWE 2K17? The answer is pretty straightforward, and it's rooted in the events of 2007. The tragic double-murder suicide committed by Benoit led to a complete removal of him from WWE's history books and any associated merchandise or media. This meant his likeness and name were scrubbed from almost everything. Obviously, WWE 2K17, like other wrestling video games, is closely tied to WWE's current and past product. The decision to exclude Benoit from the game wasn't just a random choice; it was a conscious decision made out of respect for the victims and to distance the company from the controversy surrounding him. You can see how this becomes a real tightrope walk for the developers, right? They're trying to create an authentic wrestling experience but also have to be mindful of the real-world implications and the emotional impact of including a controversial figure.

Here’s the thing, it’s not just about the game itself, but also about the larger corporate strategy of the WWE. The company has a responsibility to its fans, its shareholders, and its brand image. Including Benoit in WWE 2K17 would have likely stirred up controversy, leading to negative press and potentially damaging the brand. It was a no-brainer decision from a business perspective, even if some fans might have felt disappointed. And trust me, I get it. As wrestling fans, we all have that part of us that wants to see classic matchups and relive the glory days. But in this case, the decision was made for reasons that go far beyond just gameplay.

Now, think about the content included in WWE 2K17. This game was packed with a roster of current superstars, legends, and Hall of Famers. Including Chris Benoit would have meant making a very specific exception. And, where do you draw the line? Where do you draw the line in terms of who is included and who is excluded from the game? The developers probably wanted to avoid opening a can of worms, potentially leading to more difficult choices and debates down the road. It's a complicated situation, guys, and it really showcases the difficult balance between honoring wrestling history and handling sensitive real-life issues. It's tough, but it's a reality of the business.

Moreover, the nature of WWE 2K17's gameplay is another factor to consider. Wrestling games are all about reliving moments and recreating iconic matches. But, given the circumstances surrounding Chris Benoit, his inclusion would have been problematic. How do you feature him without glorifying or somehow downplaying the gravity of his actions? It's a tough situation for the developers. They had to weigh the excitement of recreating classic matches against the potential for causing emotional distress or appearing insensitive.

In essence, the absence of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 wasn't a reflection of his wrestling ability; it was a reflection of the difficult circumstances that led to his downfall. It was a conscious choice made out of respect, corporate responsibility, and the desire to protect the brand. It’s a somber reminder of the real-life tragedies that can cast a long shadow over the world of sports entertainment.

How the Absence Impacted WWE 2K17

Alright, so we've covered why Chris Benoit wasn't in WWE 2K17. Now, let's discuss how this absence affected the game, and let's face it, wrestling video games are all about the roster. When a significant wrestler like Benoit is missing, it creates a void for certain fans. It's like having a puzzle with a crucial piece missing. The gameplay experience doesn't necessarily suffer, but it does change the scope and feel of the game for certain players.

For many fans, Chris Benoit represented a key piece of wrestling history. He had a unique wrestling style, a relentless intensity, and a string of memorable matches that are still talked about today. His absence in WWE 2K17 meant that players couldn't recreate classic matches like Benoit versus Kurt Angle or Benoit versus Eddie Guerrero. This omission, therefore, meant that the game was missing a crucial part of the late 90s and early 2000s wrestling era. It was a big miss for fans who loved that period and the wrestlers who defined it.

Now, how did the developers address the absence? Well, they had to work with what they had. WWE 2K17 still included a massive roster of superstars, from current champions to legends of the past. The game had a strong focus on the current product, with storylines and characters that mirrored what was happening on WWE television at the time. This meant that the developers leaned heavily on the current stars to fill the void left by Benoit's absence. So, even without Benoit, the game was still able to deliver a satisfying wrestling experience.

However, it's worth considering the impact on game modes such as