Fire Pro Wrestling World will get its first piece of downloadable content the same day it leaves Early Access, Spike Chunsoft announced on a live stream. Fans have expressed anger over similar decisions in the past, generally assuming that such content was cut from the base game. But we’d expect a much smaller outcry over the upcoming FPWW DLC, because it will benefit an iconic wrestler who recently sustained a career-ending (and life-altering) injury.
Yoshihiro Takayama is a legend in Japanese professional wrestling. His 15-year career included stints with all of Japan’s top wrestling organizations, including a UWFI/NJPW interpromotional feud early in his career. Takayama is on the short list (two names) of performers who captured the GHC, IWGP and Triple Crown Heavyweight Championships before retirement. He also attempted a pivot to mixed martial arts for a few fights but didn’t see the same success in his MMA career. Takayama retired with a disappointing 0-4 record that included a hard-fought and widely celebrated loss to UFC and PRIDE legend Don Frye. He even tried to fight Bob Sapp.
Takayama has been hospitalized since August of this year, paralyzed from the neck down, after a botched sunset flip left him with a spinal injury. Several efforts to help the wrestling star pay his medical bills have already been undertaken. But more is still needed and Spike Chunsoft wants to help. So a new Fire Pro Wrestling World expansion will hit Steam next Tuesday, Dec. 19, that adds Takayama to the roster. The superstar will have his own moveset, including an homage to the thunderous punches he traded with Frye at PRIDE 21. And the DLC will be a pretty reasonable $3 at launch.
Spike Chunsoft says all proceeds from the Takayama DLC will go to the wrestler’s medical bills. The studio also says Fire Pro Wrestling World will ditch its Early Access label the same day. The game’s $19.99 price tag won’t change yet but it will increase (to $29.99) on Jan. 5.
Fire Pro Wrestling World is currently in Early Access. The launch build and the FPWW ’s Yoshihiro Takayama DLC debut Dec. 19.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for more Fire Pro Wrestling World news in 2018 and however long Spike Chunsoft supports FPWW in the years ahead.
