Wrestling Simulators: A Brief History

Wrestling simulator games have a rich history that spans several decades. These games allow players to take on the role of a wrestling promoter or booker, making decisions about talent, storylines, and the overall direction of a wrestling promotion.

Let's take a brief look at the history of wrestling simulator games.

TNM - The Wrestling Simulator (1992 - 2021)

The TNM series, created by Oliver Copp, started in 1992 as a pure text-based wrestling simulator. What began as a program to create random, simple 16-man singles matches has blossomed over the years into a full-fledged game. It has developed a fantastic audience and grown to include new features, plugins, and more.

1. TNM (1995)
2. TNM 7 Second Edition (2021)
3. TNM Tournament Edition(2021)

Extreme Warfare (1995 - 2002)

The Extreme Warfare series, starting with the original game in 1995, marked a significant step forward in wrestling management simulation. Adam Ryland created these text-based simulations that allowed players to manage all aspects of a wrestling promotion, including talent, storylines, and finances.

1. Extreme Warfare (1995)
2. Warfare Deluxe (2001)
3. Warfare Revenge (2002)

Promotion Wars (2000 - Present)

Promotion Wars, created by Adam Jennings, is another long-term wrestling simulator game where players manage a professional promotion. It has remained popular among wrestling fans who enjoy the intricacies of running a wrestling promotion. To this day, it continues to release regular updates for fans.

1. Promotion Wars 1.0/1.1/1.2/1.2a (2000)
2. Promotion Wars 1.2b/1.2c/1.2d (2001)
3. Promotion Wars 1.2e2 (2002)
4. Promotion Wars 1.3 (2004)
5. Promotion Wars (Christmas Special) (2005)
6. Promotion Wars 1.31/1.32 (2021)
7. Promotion Wars (21^st Anniversary) (2021)
8. Promotion Wars 1.41/1.42/1.5 (2022)
9. Promotion Wars 1.51/1.52 (2023)

Total Extreme Wrestling (2004 - Present)

Building on the success of Extreme Warfare, Adam Ryland released Total Extreme Wrestling in 2004. This series has seen multiple iterations, each introducing new features and improvements, making it widely regarded as one of the most in-depth and realistic wrestling management simulations.

1. Total Extreme Warfare 2004
2. Total Extreme Wrestling 2005
3. Total Extreme Wrestling 2007
4. Total Extreme Wrestling 2008
5. Total Extreme Wrestling 2010
6. Total Extreme Wrestling 2013
7. Total Extreme Wrestling 2016
8. Total Extreme Wrestling 2020

Wrestling Spirit (2008 - 2015)

Developed by Grey Dog Software, the Wrestling Spirit series focuses more on the individual wrestler's career than managing an entire promotion. It allows players to guide wrestlers through their careers, making choices about matches, training, and storylines.

1. Wrestling Spirit: Rookie To Legend (2008)
2. Wrestling Spirit 2 (2012)
3. Wrestling Spirit 3 (2015)

Wrestling Revolution 3D (2012)

Created by Mickie Dickie, Wrestling Revolution 3D is a mobile and PC game that combines wrestling simulation with a more interactive, action-oriented gameplay style. Players can manage promotions and also participate in matches.

1. Wrestling Revolution 3D (2012)
2. Wrestling Spirit 2 (2012)
3. Wrestling Spirit 3 (2015)

These games and others not mentioned have collectively contributed to the evolution of wrestling simulator games. The genre continues to evolve as fans enjoy the creative aspects of running a wrestling promotion.