The Ultimate Pro Wrestling RPG: Exclusive Interview with Jeff Jarrett and Developers at WrestleQuest

Pro wrestling games usually fall into two categories: realistic simulators like the WWE 2K series or more casual arcade experiences like AEW Fight Forever. However, WrestleQuest, a turn-based RPG developed by Mega Cat Studios, stands out from the crowd. It pays tribute to the pro wrestling of the 80s and 90s, creating a vast and immersive RPG world for fans to explore.

To ensure the game captures the essence of pro wrestling, Mega Cat Studios sought the expertise of Jeff Jarrett, a WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW star. Jarrett not only provided valuable insights but also appears as one of the recruitable legends in the game. Game Rant recently interviewed Jeff Jarrett along with Zack Manko and James Deighan from Mega Cat Studios, discussing Jarrett's influence on the game and their plans for its future.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Q: Can you discuss your involvement in the game's development? Did you have any influence on the featured elements, the representation of your character, or any suggested additions that made it into the game?

Jeff Jarrett: As the Executive Producer of Wrestling, I must say that the developers have done an exceptional job with the game in all aspects. Personally, I have always avoided using the term "real" in my industry, as I believe it can have both positive and negative implications. However, there is a word that we all seem to embrace, and that is "authentic." It was important to me to ensure that this game stayed true to the world of professional wrestling. Whether it's the hidden surprises, the engaging storylines, or the remarkable statues that honor legends like Andre, Macho Man, Road Warriors, Rocky "Soulman" Johnson, and JYD in each town you visit, the game truly pays homage and demonstrates sincere respect.

Q: If I'm not mistaken, the legends in the game are categorized as "managers" when you recruit them for your team, correct?

Zack Manko: Legends are portrayed in various ways, with each having their own statue and side quest themed around their wrestling career. DDP's quest, for instance, focuses on a wrestler who is injured, allowing players to decide whether to take the quick and risky path or the slower yet healthier route through DDP Yoga for their recovery. Upon completing the quest, DDP becomes a manager who can provide abilities and passive bonuses to your team as the fourth party member. However, it is worth noting that you may also find yourself facing off against other legends in battles. One of the early side quests involves the Road Warriors and culminates in a boss battle inside a moving big rig. If you manage to defeat them, you can unlock them as a summon, allowing them to perform their Doomsday Device finisher during battles. Different legends offer different rewards, with the emphasis being on finding quests aligned with their ethos and personality, giving the game a more RPG-like feel.

Q: Are there any classic managers in the game, such as Bobby Heenan, Jim Cornette, J.J. Dillon, or anyone similar, or are they all wrestlers?

James Deighan expressed his desire to have Jim Cornette in the game, as they have always been fans of his. However, their passion for wrestling has caused them to go beyond the intended scope of the game. Including all the additional content, it would take about 80 hours to complete, while focusing solely on the main storyline would take 40 hours. Despite this, their love for wrestling drives them to continue playing, even discussing future DLC and sequels. James wishes that Cornette could have been included, as he is a dedicated fan and actively follows Cornette on Facebook, even during periods when he is not closely following wrestling.

Q: So maybe Jim Cornette DLC or in a sequel though is what I'm hearing?

James Deighan: Nothing's signed yet, but it's on the wish list.

James Deighan expressed his desire to include certain wrestling legends in the lineup, such as Zangief, who holds a prominent position at the crossroads of wrestling and gaming. The Pro Wrestling game's iconic character, Starman, was also on their list of coveted additions.

Q: I'm aware that 90s Jeff Jarrett is in the game. Does it also include references or hints to Attitude Era Jeff Jarrett, WCW Jarrett, TNA Jarrett, or AEW Jarrett?

James Deighan: My intention was to include Jeff in every scene.

Zack Manko: We were considering transforming it into a Double J RPG, although that is something we will focus on later.

James Deighan: Currently, we have a display of mannequins showcasing several iconic Jeff outfits throughout the years.

Jeff Jarrett: Get outta here.

James Deighan: We call them Jeffster Eggs.

Q: I read that your podcast co-host Conrad Thompson is in the game. Is that legitimate? He's in the game?

Jeff Jarrett: All kidding aside. The Easter eggs - Dave Meltzer, Conrad Thompson -

James Deighan: Chris Van Vliet.

Jeff Jarrett: -Chris Van Vliet, Fite TV, the streaming service...I've frequently used the word "authentic" during interviews. However, if you're a wrestling fan, you understand the vastness of the wrestling world we exist in. Whether you're a fan of Japanese wrestling, lucha libre, AEW, or WWE, in 2023, you'll experience numerous connections. I refer to these connections as touchpoints because they will deeply resonate with you. One of these touchpoints is Conrad Thompson. He consistently contributes to WrestleQuest, a project that pays homage to professional wrestling from the 80s and 90s. Having Conrad involved in the game really struck a chord with me, and it's one of the reasons why I was drawn to the Mega Cat team. Their attention to every detail is evident throughout the game.

Q: Did you personally advocate for Conrad's inclusion in the game, or was it the idea of a developer?

Jeff Jarrett received a memorable phone call from James, who asked if he had a few minutes to talk. They quickly connected and James proposed the idea of including The Podfather in a wrestling game based on the contemporary experience of wrestling fans in 2023.

Q: Jeff, you have had a long career in the wrestling industry, working with numerous wrestlers. Is there anyone you still hope to work with? Perhaps a current wrestler or one of the iconic figures from the past that you didn't have the opportunity to work with?

Jeff Jarrett: It's quite simple: Andre the Giant. When I was starting out, he was towards the end of his career. However, he did have occasional appearances for my father in the late 70s and early 80s. I never had the chance to wrestle against Jake Roberts. There are many 80s superstars whom I never had the opportunity to face in the ring. In the present era, I am fortunate enough to still be actively wrestling, appearing on AEW Dynamite on most Wednesdays. So, it's unpredictable who my opponents might be, but I never rule anything out.

Q: In the event that a non-wrestling enthusiast engages in this game and expresses interest in learning more about Jeff Jarrett, which match or matches of yours would you recommend to them?

Jeff Jarrett: Wrestling preferences vary from person to person, so what I consider to be a great match might not align with a fan's expectations. However, reflecting on my career, I hold a personal sense of pride in my encounters with Shawn Michaels, "Razor Ramon" Scott Hall, Kurt Angle, Jerry Lawler, as well as my memorable contest against 51-year-old Nick Bockwinkel when I was just 19 years old despite the significant 32-year age difference. Another match that holds special significance to me is when I clinched my first world title against DDP. These moments stand out as significant highlights when reminiscing about my career.

Q: With your experience working on WrestleQuest, would you ever consider working on another game? Maybe a sequel to this or a completely other game?

James Deighan: Don't spoil it.

Jeff Jarrett: I am fully committed to Mega Cat in numerous aspects. Our alliance began forming around two to three years back and now we are on the verge of introducing WrestleQuest. However, let me be clear, this is only the beginning. The development of DLC is underway, and the Quest franchise is gaining momentum.

Q: Could you offer a sneak peek of any upcoming DLC? Maybe give us an indication of what to expect?

Jeff Jarrett: Prepare to be astonished. Expand your thinking. It's not just big, it's enormous.

James Deighan: If you're a video game enthusiast, get ready for an exhilarating experience. It surpasses our wildest expectations. And it truly reflects the image that WrestleQuest carries. Jeff's influence has motivated us to pursue this with immense wrestling knowledge. It's incredibly thrilling. I'm eagerly anticipating sharing the announcement with everyone.

Jeff Jarrett has been featured in nine video games with WrestleQuest. Although he cannot confirm his appearance in the Fight Forever game as DLC, he states that there is a possibility of future DLCs. He expresses that being included in the game would be a great privilege.

Zack Manko: WrestleQuest is a game that caters to both RPG enthusiasts and pro wrestling fans. Even if you're not a fan of wrestling, you'll still find all the elements you love in an RPG. The game boasts an epic storyline filled with scale, meaning, and depth, spanning nearly 40 hours of gameplay. With a vast roster of playable characters and familiar turn-based combat mechanics, the game has been skillfully infused with a wrestling twist, making it more dynamic, engaging, and captivating. So, while it delivers everything you would expect from an RPG, it offers a fresh and innovative wrestling perspective that will truly amaze you. Unlike the typical medieval fantasy settings found in most RPGs, WrestleQuest invites you into a wild, insane, and utterly crazy wrestling world that is unlike anything you've ever experienced before.

If you're a fan of wrestling, whether from the 80s Golden Era, the 90s Attitude Era, or if you have recently started watching, you are drawn to it because of the emotional connection to the characters and the stories. This game exemplifies that by combining original characters like Dash Talent and Muchacho Man with the iconic stars of the industry throughout the years, creating an emotional engagement that is the true essence of being a fan. When you think back on the history of professional wrestling, it's not the individual moves that stand out, but rather the stories and the emotions they evoke, such as the triumph of Stone Cold overcoming Mr. McMahon or when WCW prevailed against nWo. WrestleQuest captures this unique essence, which is why it is generating so much excitement among both wrestling and JRPG fans.

WrestleQuest launches August 22 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.