Pro Wrestling

Pro Wrestling is a straightforward but surprisingly deep NES wrestling game released in 1987, developed by Human Entertainment and published by Nintendo. Rather than following a story, it puts the focus on direct competition in the ring, with one player taking on computer-controlled opponents or two players facing off against each other.

The roster features a colorful group of fictional wrestlers, including Fighter Hayabusa, Starman, The Amazon, Kin Korn Karn, Giant Panther, and The Great Puma. Each has a distinct appearance and a signature move, giving matches more personality than the simple controls might initially suggest. Players can grapple, strike, throw opponents, climb to the top rope, and attempt pins, while timing and positioning are essential for turning a brief advantage into a victory. A mistimed attack can leave a wrestler vulnerable, so matches often become tests of patience as much as button reflexes.

The presentation is bright and cartoon-like, with a compact arena, expressive character animations, and memorable sound effects that give every slam and collision extra impact. Matches are easy to understand, but learning when to attack, recover, or go for a finishing move adds a welcome layer of strategy. The two-player mode is the main attraction for local competition, especially when both players know the strengths and weaknesses of the roster.

Pro Wrestling captures the accessible, arcade-style spirit of late-1980s sports games while giving its small selection of wrestlers plenty of character. It is a great fit for quick bouts, friendly rivalries, and anyone curious about how the NES handled professional wrestling before the genre became more elaborate. On RetroCloud, you can play online on your browser and revisit one of Nintendo’s most distinctive early wrestling games without needing the original console.