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

The landscape of professional wrestling video games is ever-evolving. Each year, new iterations of flagship titles like the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series bring enhanced gameplay, updated rosters, and more realistic graphics to our consoles. However, some aspects of these games become frozen in time, serving as digital snapshots of a particular era in wrestling history. One such snapshot exists within WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, featuring the now-controversial figure of Chris Benoit. This article delves into Benoit's presence in the game, exploring his character model, move set, and the overall context of his inclusion, while also acknowledging the sensitive nature of his legacy.

Benoit's Inclusion in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007

Back in 2006, when WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 was being developed, Chris Benoit was an active and prominent member of the WWE roster. He was a former World Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and a multiple-time tag team champion. Benoit's in-ring skills were undeniable; he was known for his technical prowess, intense demeanor, and a reputation for being one of the toughest wrestlers in the business. Given his standing in the company at the time, it was only natural that he would be included in the game's roster. His character model was crafted to reflect his real-life appearance, complete with his signature long hair, intense facial expressions, and accurate ring gear. Players could step into the virtual shoes of Chris Benoit and recreate his iconic matches, execute his devastating Crippler Crossface finisher, and experience his unique wrestling style.

However, the tragic events of June 2007, just months after the game's release, cast a dark shadow over Benoit's legacy. The circumstances surrounding his death led WWE to essentially erase him from their history, removing his name and likeness from their website, documentaries, and future video game releases. This created a unique and complex situation regarding WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. While the game itself remained unchanged, Benoit's inclusion became a source of discomfort and controversy for many fans. Some chose to ignore his presence in the game, focusing on other wrestlers and features, while others viewed it as an uncomfortable reminder of the tragedy. Despite the controversy, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 stands as a historical artifact, preserving a digital representation of Chris Benoit during a specific period in his career. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise when real-life events intersect with the world of video games.

Character Model and Move Set

In WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, Chris Benoit was portrayed with a high level of detail, reflecting his real-life persona and wrestling style. The game developers meticulously crafted his character model to capture his physical appearance, from his signature long hair and intense facial expressions to his accurately represented ring gear. His in-game attire typically consisted of his classic black trunks, boots, and wrist tape, all designed to mirror what he wore in the ring during that era. The attention to detail extended beyond his appearance, encompassing his mannerisms and movements, both inside and outside the ring.

Benoit's move set in the game was a comprehensive representation of his technical wrestling abilities. Players could execute his signature moves, such as the Crippler Crossface, his devastating finishing maneuver that became synonymous with his in-ring persona. Other notable moves included the Sharpshooter, a submission hold popularized by Bret Hart, and various suplexes, German suplexes, and snap suplexes, all executed with the same intensity and precision that Benoit displayed in real life. The game also captured his aggressive grappling style, allowing players to wear down their opponents with a relentless barrage of holds and submissions. His move set was designed to make him a formidable opponent in the game, reflecting his reputation as one of the toughest and most skilled wrestlers of his time. By accurately representing his character model and move set, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 provided players with an authentic virtual experience of playing as Chris Benoit, capturing the essence of his wrestling career before the tragic events that would later overshadow his legacy.

Gameplay and In-Ring Experience

Playing as Chris Benoit in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offered a unique and immersive in-ring experience, capturing the essence of his technical wrestling style and intense demeanor. The game allowed players to execute his signature moves with precision, delivering the same impact and effectiveness as they did in real life. The Crippler Crossface, his devastating finishing maneuver, was particularly satisfying to apply, as opponents would desperately struggle to escape the hold. Other submission moves, such as the Sharpshooter and various armlocks and leglocks, allowed players to wear down their opponents and force them to tap out in agony.

Beyond his submission skills, Benoit's gameplay emphasized his aggressive grappling style and relentless attacks. Players could utilize a variety of suplexes, including German suplexes and snap suplexes, to keep their opponents off balance and on the defensive. His striking game was also well-represented, with a combination of punches, kicks, and chops that reflected his intensity and aggression. The game's control scheme allowed for smooth transitions between striking, grappling, and submission moves, enabling players to chain together complex sequences and maintain control of the match. Playing as Chris Benoit in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 provided a challenging and rewarding experience, requiring players to master his technical skills and aggressive style to achieve victory. It was a true reflection of his in-ring persona, capturing the essence of his wrestling career before the tragic events that would later overshadow his legacy.

The Controversy Surrounding Benoit's Legacy

The tragic events of June 2007 irrevocably altered the perception of Chris Benoit, casting a dark shadow over his accomplishments and legacy. The circumstances surrounding his death, which involved the deaths of his wife and son, led to widespread shock and disbelief within the wrestling community and beyond. WWE responded swiftly by removing Benoit from their programming, erasing his name and likeness from their website, documentaries, and future video game releases. This decision reflected the severity of the situation and the desire to distance the company from the controversy.

However, the removal of Benoit from WWE's official history created a unique and complex situation regarding WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. The game, released just months before the tragedy, featured Benoit as a prominent member of the roster, complete with his character model, move set, and entrance animations. While the game itself remained unchanged, Benoit's inclusion became a source of discomfort and controversy for many fans. Some chose to ignore his presence, focusing on other wrestlers and features, while others viewed it as an uncomfortable reminder of the tragedy. The game became a historical artifact, preserving a digital representation of Chris Benoit during a specific period in his career.

The controversy surrounding Benoit's legacy continues to spark debate and discussion among wrestling fans. Some argue that his accomplishments in the ring should be acknowledged, while others believe that his actions outweigh any achievements. The debate highlights the complexities of separating the art from the artist, and the challenges of reconciling the past with the present. Despite the controversy, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 remains a testament to a specific moment in wrestling history, capturing a snapshot of Chris Benoit's career before the tragic events that would forever change his legacy.

The Game as a Historical Artifact

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, in its own way, now functions as a historical artifact. It provides a glimpse into a specific period in WWE history, capturing the landscape of the company and its roster before the tragic events of June 2007. The game serves as a time capsule, preserving the memories of wrestlers, storylines, and events that defined that era. While the events surrounding Chris Benoit's death cast a dark shadow over the game, it remains a historical record of his presence in WWE and his contributions to the wrestling industry.

For wrestling historians and enthusiasts, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offers valuable insights into the evolution of the sport and its cultural impact. It showcases the trends, styles, and personalities that shaped the wrestling world during that time. The game's roster includes a diverse mix of established veterans, rising stars, and memorable characters, each with their own unique stories and legacies. By examining the game's content, players can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context in which it was created. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is more than just a video game; it is a window into the past, offering a unique perspective on the world of professional wrestling and its enduring appeal.

Conclusion

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 remains a complex and controversial piece of wrestling history. The inclusion of Chris Benoit, once a celebrated figure in the WWE, is now overshadowed by the tragic events that unfolded after the game's release. While the game itself provides an accurate representation of Benoit's character model, move set, and in-ring style, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise when real-life events intersect with the world of video games. Despite the controversy, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 stands as a historical artifact, preserving a digital representation of Chris Benoit during a specific period in his career. It is up to each individual player to decide how they choose to engage with this content, acknowledging the sensitive nature of Benoit's legacy and the impact it has had on the wrestling community.