The Unexpected Journey of CW Anderson's Video Game Debut

CW Anderson, a former professional baseball player turned wrestler, found himself unexpectedly thrust into the world of video games in the early 2000s. As part of the ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) roster, Anderson's likeness and voice were featured in two video game releases, Anarchy Rulz and Hardcore Revolution, in the year 2000. In a recent interview with Fightful, Anderson recounted his experiences and the unique challenges he faced during the process.

Embracing the Digital Realm: CW Anderson's Lifelong Passion for Video Games

CW Anderson's journey into the world of video games began long before his wrestling career. As a self-proclaimed "video game junkie," Anderson had always harbored a deep fascination with the medium. In fact, his initial plan was to pursue a career in video game design, having enrolled in college with that goal in mind. However, fate had other plans for Anderson, as he was drafted out of high school for Major League Baseball, temporarily derailing his video game aspirations.It wasn't until later, when Anderson's baseball dreams faded, that he found his way into the world of professional wrestling. But even as he rose through the ranks of ECW, his love for video games never waned. Little did he know that his two passions would soon collide in an unexpected way.

Signing the Dotted Line: The Unexpected Opportunity to Appear in ECW Video Games

When Anderson and his fellow ECW wrestler, Bill Wiles, were informed that they would be featured in the company's upcoming video game releases, they were both thrilled and surprised. The opportunity to be immortalized in digital form was an exciting prospect, and Anderson eagerly embraced it.However, the process was not without its challenges. Anderson and Wiles were required to sign paperwork that stipulated they would not receive any royalties for their inclusion in the games. At the time, the 27- or 28-year-old Anderson didn't hesitate to sign, driven by his desire to be a part of the video game experience.

The Voiceover Saga: Capturing the Essence of CW Anderson in Pixels

The next step in the process involved capturing Anderson's voice and likeness for the video games. This required the wrestlers to visit a specialized recording studio, where they would have to "scream" their lines in an "eggshell room," as Anderson described it. The technology of the time was not as advanced as it is today, and the experience was a unique one for the wrestlers.Despite the technical limitations, Anderson was excited to see his character come to life on the screen. However, his enthusiasm was tempered when he finally laid eyes on his in-game avatar. Anderson recalled being disappointed with the character's appearance, describing it as looking like his "face [was] put on [his] thumbnail and smushed."

The Verdict: Assessing the Quality of the ECW Video Game Releases

With two ECW video game releases under his belt, Anderson was able to provide a candid assessment of the final products. He acknowledged that both Anarchy Rulz and Hardcore Revolution were not particularly well-received, describing them as "just ass" and "not good at all."In contrast, Anderson's experience with the King of Coliseum 2 video game in Japan was much more positive. He noted that the graphics and gameplay were far superior to the ECW titles, highlighting the technological advancements in the Japanese market.Despite the shortcomings of the ECW games, Anderson's inclusion in them remains a unique and memorable chapter in his career. While the games may not have been critically acclaimed, the opportunity to be a part of the video game world was a dream come true for the lifelong gaming enthusiast.