Chris Benoit In WWE 2K17: A Controversial Omission?

The topic of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 is a sensitive one, guys. For those who may not know, Chris Benoit was a hugely talented and popular professional wrestler who tragically died in 2007 in a double-murder suicide. Due to the circumstances surrounding his death, WWE has largely distanced itself from Benoit, and this has significant implications for his inclusion in their video games, specifically WWE 2K17. So, let's dive into why his absence is such a big deal, the complexities involved, and how the fans have reacted to it.

The Legacy of Chris Benoit: A Wrestler of Immense Skill

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of WWE 2K17, it’s important to understand just how significant Chris Benoit was in the world of professional wrestling. Benoit was renowned for his technical prowess, his intense in-ring style, and his unwavering dedication to the sport. He wasn't just any wrestler; he was the wrestler's wrestler. He spent years honing his craft in promotions all over the world, including Japan, ECW, and WCW, before finally making his mark in WWE. His matches were legendary, filled with hard-hitting action and a level of realism that captivated audiences.

Think about his matches with Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels – these were classics that showcased his incredible talent and cemented his place in wrestling history. Benoit’s signature moves, like the Crippler Crossface, were feared and respected in equal measure. He was a multiple-time world champion, a Royal Rumble winner, and a true main event player. For many fans, Benoit was the standard for technical wrestling, a guy who could go in the ring with anyone and put on a show. His absence from WWE history, and consequently, from games like WWE 2K17, leaves a noticeable void, especially for those who admired his skill and dedication.

The Tragedy and Its Aftermath

Then came the tragedy in 2007. The details are grim and widely known: Chris Benoit, his wife, and his son were found dead in their home. The circumstances pointed to a double-murder suicide committed by Benoit himself. This horrific event sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond. It led to intense scrutiny of the sport, including discussions about the physical and mental toll it takes on performers, as well as the potential long-term effects of head injuries.

WWE, understandably, responded swiftly and decisively. They removed Benoit from their broadcasts, scrubbed him from their official website, and essentially erased him from their history. This was a controversial decision, but one that they felt was necessary given the horrific nature of the crime. It’s a complex issue, balancing the legacy of an accomplished performer with the gravity of his actions. The aftermath of the tragedy continues to cast a long shadow, influencing how WWE handles Benoit’s legacy and his presence (or lack thereof) in their products, including video games like WWE 2K17.

Why Chris Benoit Was Not Included in WWE 2K17

The primary reason Chris Benoit was not included in WWE 2K17 boils down to the circumstances surrounding his death. WWE has made a conscious decision to distance themselves from Benoit due to the double-murder suicide. Including him in a video game, which is a form of entertainment and a celebration of WWE history, would be seen as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their families. It's a PR nightmare, plain and simple. Imagine the backlash if WWE were to profit from a character associated with such a horrific crime.

The Moral and Ethical Dilemma

There’s a huge moral and ethical dilemma at play here. On one hand, Benoit was an incredibly talented wrestler who contributed significantly to the sport. His matches are still studied and admired by many. Excluding him from wrestling history feels like a disservice to his accomplishments. On the other hand, his actions were unforgivable. To celebrate him in any way could be seen as condoning his violence, and that's a line WWE is not willing to cross. It's a tough balancing act, trying to reconcile the wrestler with the man and the horrific acts he committed. Ultimately, WWE has chosen to err on the side of caution and respect for the victims, which is a decision that, while controversial, is understandable given the circumstances.

Licensing and Legal Hurdles

Beyond the moral and ethical considerations, there are also practical reasons why including Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 (or any WWE product) is problematic. Licensing and legal issues play a significant role. WWE needs the rights to use a wrestler's likeness, name, and moves in their games. Given the circumstances of Benoit’s death, securing these rights could be difficult and could open WWE up to potential legal challenges.

The families of the victims might object to his inclusion, and any financial gain from his character could be seen as profiting from tragedy. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It’s not just a matter of whether WWE wants to include him; it’s also a matter of whether they can legally and without causing further pain to those affected by the tragedy. These legal and licensing hurdles make Benoit's inclusion in WWE 2K17 a non-starter, regardless of his in-ring accomplishments.

Fan Reactions and Controversies

Predictably, the decision to exclude Chris Benoit from WWE 2K17 has sparked a lot of debate among wrestling fans. Some fans argue that Benoit's in-ring career should be separate from his personal actions. They believe that his contributions to wrestling history deserve recognition, and that erasing him completely is unfair to his legacy as a performer. These fans often point out that other controversial figures in history are still remembered for their achievements, even if their personal lives were problematic.

The Divided Fan Base

However, there's also a large segment of the fan base that supports WWE’s decision. These fans believe that Benoit’s actions were so heinous that he should not be celebrated or commemorated in any way. They argue that including him in a video game would be disrespectful to his victims and would send the wrong message about domestic violence. This side of the argument is equally passionate, emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims and not glorifying someone who committed such terrible acts. The wrestling community is deeply divided on this issue, and there’s no easy answer.

Mods and Workarounds

Despite the official exclusion, some fans have found ways to include Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 through mods and custom character creations. This speaks to the desire among some fans to see him represented in the game, even if it’s not officially sanctioned. Modding communities have sprung up, offering detailed character models and move sets that allow players to recreate Benoit in the game. While these mods are a testament to the fans' dedication, they also highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding Benoit's legacy. It's a way for fans to acknowledge his wrestling talent while working within the constraints of WWE’s official stance. However, it's also a reminder that the issue is far from resolved in the eyes of many.

The Future of Benoit's Legacy in WWE Games

Looking ahead, it seems unlikely that WWE will change its stance on Chris Benoit anytime soon. The company has consistently maintained its position of distancing itself from him, and there’s no indication that this will change in the future. The controversy and ethical considerations are simply too significant. This means that Benoit’s official inclusion in future WWE games remains a long shot.

Will WWE Ever Acknowledge Benoit Again?

The question remains: will WWE ever acknowledge Benoit's contributions to wrestling in some way? It's a difficult question to answer. While a full-fledged return to the spotlight seems improbable, there might be room for a more nuanced discussion about his career in the context of wrestling history. Perhaps a documentary or a segment that focuses on his matches and in-ring talent, while also addressing the tragedy, could be a way to acknowledge his impact without celebrating his actions. However, this would be a delicate balancing act, and WWE would need to tread very carefully to avoid further controversy. For now, Benoit's legacy remains a complex and sensitive issue, one that WWE is likely to handle with extreme caution.

The Importance of Remembering the Victims

Ultimately, the Chris Benoit situation serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering the victims of the tragedy. While Benoit's wrestling career was undoubtedly impressive, his actions cannot be ignored. It’s crucial to keep the focus on the lives that were lost and the devastating impact of domestic violence. This is a perspective that often gets lost in discussions about wrestling legacies and video game rosters. By remembering the victims, we can ensure that the tragedy is not forgotten and that lessons are learned from this dark chapter in wrestling history. The absence of Chris Benoit in WWE 2K17 and other WWE products serves as a constant reminder of this tragic reality.