Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of 1980s and ’90s pro wrestling, has passed away today. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his larger-than-life persona helped launch wrestling into the mainstream. His impact—alongside the WWF’s marketing machine—turned wrestling into a global phenomenon and laid the groundwork for the modern era of sports entertainment. That explosion of popularity reached far beyond the ring, spilling into cartoons, action figures, and of course, computer video games.
When wrestling met the Commodore 64, the results were chaotic, pixelated, and incredibly fun. While the C64 didn’t boast a deep wrestling library, it managed to deliver several memorable bouts. These games mixed pixel punches, joystick pile drivers, and outrageous character designs into some of the most entertaining matches in home computing.
This list ranks the best Commodore 64 wrestling games based on popularity, estimated sales, and long-term fan love. So grab your joystick and cue the ring bell—these games are ready to rumble.
🥇 1. WWF WrestleMania (Ocean, 1991)
Ocean Software brought the first official WWF license to home computers with WWF WrestleMania in 1991. Featuring icons like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior, it arrived during peak wrestling mania.
Gameplay was limited, but the brand power alone launched it to the top of the C64 charts. It was especially popular in Europe, where Ocean’s distribution network helped it become the most recognized wrestling title on the platform.
🥈 2. Bop’N Wrestle / Rock ’n Wrestle (Beam Software, 1985–86)
Developed by Beam Software and known as Rock ’n Wrestle in Europe and Bop’N Wrestle in North America, this game was ambitious for its time. It featured large animated sprites, multiple wrestling moves, and even turnbuckle leaps.
While the controls took some getting used to, its style, animation, and range of moves made it a standout. It remains one of the most technically impressive wrestling games ever developed for an 8-bit system.
🥉 3. WWF European Rampage Tour (Ocean, 1992)
Released just a year after WWF WrestleMania, this sequel added new superstars like Bret Hart and The British Bulldog. It offered improved visuals and presentation, though the gameplay still lagged behind expectations.
Despite its flaws, WWF European Rampage kept the license relevant, especially among fans eager to play as their favorite ‘90s wrestlers. For collectors, it’s a staple in any wrestling-themed C64 library.
🥉 4. Championship Wrestling (Epyx, 1986)
Epyx gave players a cast of colorful, fictional characters like Colonel Rooski and K.C. Colossus in Championship Wrestling. What it lacked in licenses, it made up for in smooth, arcade-like controls and satisfying gameplay.
Its character variety and playability made it one of the more balanced wrestling experiences on the C64—one that still holds up surprisingly well for casual pick-up-and-play action.
🥉 5. Tag Team Wrestling (Data East, 1986)
This port of the arcade classic brought two-on-two action to the home computer. Tag Team Wrestling used a unique command system where players selected moves from a list rather than executing them in real time.
While the gameplay felt more methodical than fast-paced, it was one of the first tag-based wrestling games available. Its arcade roots gave it credibility, and many players appreciated its strategic depth at the time.
Final Thoughts
The best Commodore 64 wrestling games may not have had the polish of modern sports sims, but they delivered high-impact entertainment for fans of the squared circle. From button-mashing suplexes to digital dropkicks, these titles turned living rooms into pixelated arenas.
Whether you cheered for Hogan or preferred headlocks over high-fives, these five games brought big wrestling energy to the C64—and they’re still fun to revisit today.
