Chris Benoit In WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2007: A Retrospective

Let's dive into the world of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 and remember Chris Benoit's presence in the game. Chris Benoit, a name synonymous with technical wrestling prowess and intensity, was a significant part of the WWE roster for many years. His inclusion in the SmackDown vs. Raw series was a given, especially during the peak of his career. However, due to tragic events that occurred shortly after the game's release, Benoit's legacy has become complex and controversial. This article aims to explore his role in the game, his character's attributes, and the overall impact of his inclusion, while also acknowledging the sensitive nature of his real-life actions.

Benoit's Character in the Game

In WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, Chris Benoit was portrayed as the hard-hitting, submission specialist that fans knew him to be. His character model was meticulously crafted to resemble his real-life counterpart, complete with his signature scowl and intense demeanor. The developers at THQ, the game's publisher, paid close attention to detail, ensuring that Benoit's in-game persona accurately reflected his wrestling style and appearance. Benoit's move set in the game was a reflection of his real-life wrestling arsenal. Players could execute his signature moves such as the Crippler Crossface, a devastating submission hold that became his trademark. Other moves included various suplexes, German suplexes, and hard-hitting strikes, all designed to wear down opponents and set them up for the finishing blow. His attributes, such as strength, speed, and technical ability, were all rated highly, making him a formidable opponent in the game. Players who chose to play as Chris Benoit could utilize his strengths to dominate matches, employing a strategy that revolved around weakening opponents with strikes and then locking in the Crippler Crossface for the submission victory. His character was particularly effective in the game's submission-based modes, where his high submission rating gave him a distinct advantage. The game also allowed players to customize Benoit's attire and entrance, adding a layer of personalization to the character. Players could choose from a variety of different ring gear options, allowing them to recreate some of Benoit's most memorable looks from his WWE career. His entrance, complete with his signature snarl and intense stare, was also faithfully recreated, adding to the overall authenticity of the character.

Gameplay and Moves

When you picked Chris Benoit in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, you knew you were in for a technical wrestling clinic. His move set was packed with devastating holds and strikes, mirroring his real-life style. The Crippler Crossface was, of course, his signature submission, and mastering it in the game was key to victory. But it wasn't just about submissions; Benoit could dish out some serious punishment with his German suplexes and snap suplexes, wearing down opponents before locking in the final hold. His gameplay style revolved around calculated aggression. You wouldn't just run in and start throwing punches. Instead, you'd methodically weaken your opponent with a variety of strikes and grapples, targeting specific body parts to maximize damage. Once they were softened up, you'd transition into your submission game, using your superior technical skills to force them to tap out. One of the cool things about playing as Benoit was the ability to chain together different moves seamlessly. You could transition from a German suplex into a Crippler Crossface attempt, or use a series of strikes to set up a DDT. This fluidity made him a very versatile character to play, capable of adapting to different opponents and situations. His stamina was also a key factor. Benoit was known for his incredible endurance in real life, and this was reflected in the game. He could go the distance in long, grueling matches without tiring out, giving you a significant advantage in the later rounds. However, playing as Benoit also required a certain level of patience and precision. His moves were not always the flashiest or most visually impressive, but they were incredibly effective when executed correctly. Mastering his timing and spacing was crucial to success, as was understanding the nuances of the game's submission system. Overall, playing as Chris Benoit in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was a rewarding experience for fans of technical wrestling. His move set, attributes, and gameplay style all combined to create a character that was both challenging and satisfying to play.

Inclusion in the Game

The decision to include Chris Benoit in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was a natural one at the time. He was a top-tier performer in WWE, a former world champion, and a respected veteran in the locker room. His presence in the game was seen as a valuable asset, adding another layer of authenticity and star power to the roster. However, the tragic events of June 2007 cast a dark shadow over his legacy, and his inclusion in the game became a source of controversy. Shortly after the game's release, WWE made the decision to remove all mentions of Chris Benoit from their website and television programming. This included removing him from replays of past matches and erasing him from the company's history books. The decision was understandable, given the circumstances, but it also created a dilemma for THQ, the game's publisher. Removing Benoit from the game entirely would have been a massive undertaking, requiring a complete overhaul of the game's code and content. It also would have been unfair to the millions of fans who had already purchased the game and enjoyed playing as his character. Ultimately, THQ decided to leave Benoit in the game, but they did take steps to distance themselves from him. They removed his name from the game's packaging and marketing materials, and they also made it clear that they did not condone his actions. The decision to leave Benoit in the game was met with mixed reactions. Some people felt that it was insensitive and disrespectful to the victims of his crimes. Others argued that it was important to separate the artist from the art, and that Benoit's contributions to the wrestling industry should not be erased entirely. Regardless of one's opinion, there is no denying that Benoit's inclusion in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is a complex and controversial issue. It raises questions about the role of video games in preserving history, and it forces us to confront the difficult reality that even our heroes can be flawed and fallible.

Community Reception

Following the events of 2007, the community reaction to Chris Benoit's presence in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was, understandably, complex. Some players chose to ignore his existence in the game, focusing on other wrestlers and storylines. Others continued to use him, separating the character from the real-life person. Online forums and message boards became hubs for discussions about Benoit's legacy, with fans debating the ethics of playing as him in the game. Some argued that it was disrespectful to the victims and their families, while others maintained that it was possible to appreciate his in-ring talent without condoning his actions. The modding community also played a role in shaping the reception of Benoit's character. Some modders created patches that removed him from the game entirely, while others created alternate versions of his character that replaced his likeness with those of other wrestlers. These mods provided players with a way to customize their experience and to address their own personal feelings about Benoit's inclusion in the game. Over time, the community's perspective on Benoit's character has evolved. While the tragic events of 2007 continue to cast a shadow over his legacy, some fans have begun to re-evaluate his contributions to the wrestling industry. They argue that it is important to remember his accomplishments as a performer, while also acknowledging the severity of his crimes. This nuanced perspective is reflected in the way that Benoit's character is discussed and used in the game today. While some players still avoid him entirely, others continue to use him as a way to explore his complex legacy. Ultimately, the community's reception of Chris Benoit in SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is a reflection of the ongoing debate about his life and career. It is a reminder that even in the world of video games, there are no easy answers and that we must always be mindful of the human cost of tragedy.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding Chris Benoit extends far beyond his inclusion in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, but the game serves as a focal point for the larger debate. The game's release coincided with the peak of his career, making his presence in the game a celebration of his in-ring accomplishments. However, the subsequent events transformed his character into a symbol of tragedy and controversy. The debate over Benoit's legacy raises difficult questions about the separation of art from the artist. Can we appreciate his contributions to wrestling while condemning his actions in real life? Is it possible to separate the character in the game from the person who committed such heinous acts? There are no easy answers to these questions, and people on both sides of the debate hold strong opinions. Some argue that it is essential to remember the victims of his crimes and that celebrating Benoit in any way is disrespectful to their memory. Others argue that it is important to acknowledge his talent and contributions to wrestling, even if we cannot condone his actions. The controversy surrounding Benoit also highlights the challenges faced by WWE and THQ in the wake of the tragedy. They were forced to make difficult decisions about how to handle his legacy, balancing the need to be sensitive to the victims with the desire to preserve the history of the wrestling industry. Their decision to remove Benoit from WWE programming and marketing materials was understandable, but it also raised questions about censorship and the erasure of history. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Chris Benoit is a reminder that even in the world of professional wrestling, there are real-life consequences to our actions. It is a reminder that we must always be mindful of the impact that our heroes have on the world, and that we must hold them accountable for their behavior.

Conclusion

Looking back at Chris Benoit in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, it's impossible to ignore the complex emotions and ethical questions that arise. The game serves as a time capsule, preserving a moment when Benoit was at the top of his game, but it also reminds us of the tragedy that followed. While his actions can never be excused, his presence in the game sparks discussions about separating the art from the artist, and how we grapple with the legacies of those who have committed terrible acts. Whether you choose to play as him or not, his inclusion in the game remains a significant and controversial part of WWE gaming history.