Chris Benoit In WWE 2K24: Will He Be Included?

The question on many wrestling fans' minds: Will Chris Benoit be in WWE 2K24? This is a complex issue, steeped in controversy and ethical considerations. While the WWE 2K franchise strives to deliver a comprehensive and realistic wrestling experience, the inclusion of Chris Benoit remains a contentious topic due to the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons why his inclusion is highly unlikely, explore the history of his presence (and subsequent absence) in WWE games, and discuss the broader implications of featuring controversial figures in sports entertainment.

The Controversy Surrounding Chris Benoit

To understand why Chris Benoit's inclusion in WWE 2K24 is improbable, it's crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. In June 2007, Benoit murdered his wife and son before taking his own life. This horrific event sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond, leading to intense media scrutiny and a reevaluation of the industry's practices. WWE immediately distanced itself from Benoit, removing him from their website, halting the sale of his merchandise, and ceasing to acknowledge his accomplishments. While Benoit was undeniably a talented wrestler, his actions overshadowed his achievements, making him a pariah in the eyes of many. The WWE's decision to erase him from their history reflects a desire to avoid glorifying or profiting from a man who committed such heinous acts. Including him in WWE 2K24 would be seen as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their families.

Furthermore, featuring Benoit could open the door to criticism and controversy for 2K Sports and WWE. Sponsors might withdraw their support, and the game could face boycotts from consumers. The potential financial and reputational damage far outweighs any perceived benefit from including him. It's important to remember that WWE 2K24 is a commercial product aimed at a wide audience, including children. Featuring a character associated with such a dark and disturbing event would be irresponsible and could alienate a significant portion of the fanbase. The decision to exclude Benoit is not simply about legal considerations; it's about morality and ethics. It's about recognizing the pain and suffering caused by his actions and choosing not to exploit his memory for entertainment purposes. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Chris Benoit makes his inclusion in WWE 2K24 highly unlikely. The potential backlash and ethical concerns are simply too great to ignore.

A History of Absence: Chris Benoit in WWE Games

Looking back at the history of WWE games, we can see a clear pattern regarding Chris Benoit's presence. Before the tragic events of 2007, Benoit was a regular feature in WWE games, appearing in titles such as SmackDown! vs. Raw. He was often portrayed as a top-tier wrestler, reflecting his status in the company at the time. However, following the tragedy, WWE took swift action to remove him from all existing and future products, including video games. This meant that existing games featuring Benoit were pulled from shelves, and he was completely absent from subsequent releases. This decision sent a strong message that WWE would not condone or profit from his actions. The removal of Benoit from WWE games was not simply a matter of deleting his character model; it involved a complete overhaul of the game's code and content. His name was removed from commentary, his matches were edited out of historical footage, and his likeness was scrubbed from promotional materials. This meticulous effort demonstrates the extent to which WWE wanted to distance itself from Benoit. The absence of Chris Benoit in WWE games has been a consistent trend for over a decade. While some fans may clamor for his return, the reality is that his inclusion would be a significant departure from WWE's established policy. It's important to remember that WWE games are not just about recreating the past; they're about presenting a sanitized and family-friendly version of wrestling entertainment. Featuring a character associated with such a dark and disturbing event would contradict this objective.

Therefore, based on the historical precedent and WWE's consistent stance, it's highly unlikely that Chris Benoit will ever be included in a WWE game again. The decision to exclude him is not just a matter of legal considerations; it's a moral one. It's about respecting the victims of his crimes and avoiding the exploitation of tragedy for entertainment purposes. The continued absence of Chris Benoit in WWE games serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of his actions and the importance of accountability.

Why the Likelihood is Low

Several factors contribute to the low likelihood of Chris Benoit appearing in WWE 2K24. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, the controversy surrounding his death remains a significant obstacle. WWE has consistently avoided associating itself with Benoit since the tragedy, and including him in a video game would be a major departure from this stance. The potential for negative publicity and backlash is simply too great to ignore. Secondly, WWE's brand image is a key consideration. The company strives to present a family-friendly product, and featuring a character associated with domestic violence and murder would be detrimental to this image. WWE wants to appeal to a wide audience, including children, and including Benoit would alienate a significant portion of that fanbase. Thirdly, licensing and legal issues could also play a role. Even if WWE were willing to include Benoit, they would likely face legal challenges from his victims' families. Obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions could be a complex and costly process. Fourthly, the game developers themselves may have reservations about including Benoit. The developers at 2K Sports are likely aware of the controversy surrounding his death and may not want to be associated with it. They may also feel that including him would be disrespectful to the victims and their families. Finally, fan feedback is also a factor. While some fans may clamor for Benoit's inclusion, many others would strongly oppose it. WWE is likely to listen to its fans and avoid making a decision that would alienate a significant portion of its audience. The voices of those who have been negatively impacted by domestic violence should be amplified and heard. It is not right to amplify someone who committed such a terrible crime.

In conclusion, the combination of controversy, brand image, legal issues, developer reservations, and fan feedback makes it highly unlikely that Chris Benoit will ever be included in WWE 2K24 or any future WWE game. While some fans may continue to hope for his return, the reality is that his actions have made him a pariah in the eyes of WWE and the wider wrestling community. The decision to exclude him is not simply a matter of business; it's a moral one. It's about respecting the victims of his crimes and avoiding the exploitation of tragedy for entertainment purposes.

Alternative Legends in WWE 2K24

While Chris Benoit's inclusion is improbable, WWE 2K24 will undoubtedly feature a plethora of legendary wrestlers from the past. These legends provide a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and introduce new audiences to the stars who helped shape the wrestling industry. Some potential legends who could be included in WWE 2K24 include:

• Ric Flair: "The Nature Boy" is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most charismatic performers. Wooooo!
• Hulk Hogan: "Hulkamania" ran wild in the 1980s, and Hogan remains one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history.
• The Rock: A electrifying performer who captivated audiences with his charisma and athleticism.
• Stone Cold Steve Austin: The anti-hero who defined the "Attitude Era" with his rebellious spirit and beer-drinking antics.
• Andre the Giant: A true giant of the wrestling world, Andre was a formidable force in the ring.
• Bret Hart: The "Hitman" was known for his technical prowess and his intense rivalry with Shawn Michaels.
• Shawn Michaels: The "Heartbreak Kid" was a gifted athlete and a master of showmanship.
• The Undertaker: A dark and mysterious figure who has haunted WWE for over three decades.

These are just a few examples of the many legends who could be included in WWE 2K24. The game developers have a wealth of talent to choose from, ensuring that players will have plenty of iconic wrestlers to play as. While the absence of Chris Benoit may disappoint some fans, the inclusion of these other legends will help to create a rich and diverse roster.

WWE 2K24 is expected to be released in March 2024. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements in the coming months!