Champion Wrestler

About

Champion Wrestler is a 2D wrestling brawler from Taito that lets you throw down as one of several licensed fighters. Players pick a wrestler from a roster of recognizable names, then trade grappling moves and punches in a bid to pin opponents or deplete their energy. The game supports local co-op for two players, letting teams take on AI-controlled rivals in matches that mix raw strength with basic strategy. Simple controls focus on execution over depth, making brawls fast and accessible but not especially deep. Launched in arcades in late 1989 before moving to home systems like the TurboGrafx-16, it was one of the earliest wrestling games to bring real-life athletes into the ring. While the graphics and physics feel dated by modern standards, its straightforward matches still land satisfying hits. Fans of retro wrestling games and 80s/90s arcade style might appreciate its throwback charm. The PC Engine version added a broader roster but kept the same no-frills combat.