Steve "Mongo" McMichael will be honored in UPW.
Ultra Pro Wrestling announced that NFL Hall of Famer and Four Horseman member "Mongo" McMichael will be part of Ultra Pro Wrestling.
From UPW:
As a cornerstone of Chicago's legendary 1985 defense, Steve "Mongo" McMichael personified the grit and determination that defined our city.
Now - four decades on - and as "Ming the Merciless" bathes in the light of August's (long-overdue) entry in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the 66 year-old's mettle is being tested once again.
Mike Ditka's dream pass-rusher hit QBs with the weight of a runaway freight train. Through that long, glorious season smack-dab in the middle of a brutal decade, "Mongo" set the tone for the greatest side in football history.
On the aptly-named Soldier Field, time and again the two-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro rallied like a one-man army.
And when it really mattered, McMichael stood up to be counted on that beautiful January afternoon in Louisiana. Rumor has it that Tony Eason is still terrified of the number 46.
It's why now, the legion of Bears fans - and the whole of Chicagoland - have joined Team Mongo in his greatest battle.
In 2021, McMichael was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The neurodegenerative condition, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, has gradually taken away the once man-mountain's ability to walk and speak.
Yet, his indomitable spirit continues to rally a city that has never stopped cheering for the Texas-native who became one of their own.
At the heart of McMichael's fight is his wife, Misty, who has been a steadfast pillar of strength. Often serving as his voice at public events, she has become an advocate for ALS awareness and research funding.
In true Windy City fashion, the family has felt an overwhelming outpouring of love and support. Fundraisers, tributes, and awareness campaigns have sprung up across Chicago, spearheaded by organizations like the Les Turner ALS Foundation and the recently launched ALS United-Team Mongo initiative. These efforts aim to provide crucial resources for research while also offering essential support to patients and families affected by the disease.
Just last month, Mongo earned the honor he fought his career to achieve when he was presented with his own 'bronze bust' - that steely glare enshrined in metal forever - and Gold Jacket by other members of the '85 Bears.
But while McMichael's contributions on the gridiron are finally getting the spotlight they deserve, his legacy off the field has also been cemented with a little help from a stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' and dealin' son of a gun.
A hell-raiser off the field, Mongo made friends far and wide - none more so than the greatest professional wrestler of all time, Ric Flair.
Crashing into WCW in 1995 after a short stint in Green Bay, McMichael and the 16-timeWorld champion shared a mutual admiration from the off, becoming loyal friends ever since. They traveled the road together as part of the legendary Four Horsemen and spent four years at the dizzying heights of the profession as drinking buddies and tag team partners.
And while it's tough for Flair to see the former wild, party animal confined to a hospital bed, the Nature Boy speaks proudly about Ming's fearless battle with ALS and the way Misty has handled the situation.
But the bond between these two legends goes beyond words and now, in a heartfelt tribute to their friendship and McMichael's impact on wrestling, he will be featured in the upcoming Ultra Pro Wrestling (UPW) video game as a playable character.
"Mongo is a dear friend, forever a fellow Horseman, and it's going to be exciting to see him back in the ring in UPW. Wooooo!"
Pitched as a digital Hall of Fame, his inclusion as Downloadable Content will immortalize McMichael's dual-sport legacy and introduce him to a new generation of fans, with fellow Horsemen Arn Anderson, Dean Malenko and Tully Blanchard also on board.
Speaking fondly of her relationship with Hyperfocus Games - the developers of UPW - Misty McMichael said: "Seeing Steve finally get his NFL Hall of Fame induction is such an incredible honor - it's a recognition of all the blood, sweat, and tears he poured into the game. But what makes this moment even sweeter is that now, thanks to Ultra Pro Wrestling, he's stepping back into the ring where he had so much fun as well.
"It's like he's getting a chance to relive those larger-than-life moments all over again."
The PC and console game - which features over 80 legends of the sport as DLC that directly supports wrestlers and their families - is set to launch next year with the developers pledging that a portion of the proceeds from McMichael's in-game character pack will be donated to ALS research to fight the disease.
Hyperfocus Games CEO Sam Vallely said: "We're honored to play a part in supporting his cause and we'd like to thank Misty and Ric for all their help. We're very proud to be chosen and we can't wait to get Mongo back in the digital ring for the first time in over 25 years."
HFG Media and Communications Director Anthony Maurizio said: "Ming's a long-time hero of mine and it was a privilege to bring yet another Horseman on-board with the help and blessing of our friend Ric. Not only is he the greatest wrestler of all time, he's been the greatest friend to Steve. UPW is a digital Hall of Fame - and there's no more perfect inductee than Mongo. We want to thank Misty for all her incredible work and for giving us the chance to not only honour Steve's legacy but to support wonderful causes like the Les Turner ALS Foundation and ALS United in helping others battle this disease."
The challenges are great, but so is the love surrounding Steve. His resilience turns fans into friends and supporters into a community bound by compassion. His legacy endures not just in the memories of Bears fans, the recognition of his Hall of Fame induction, or among wrestling and gaming communities - but in the hearts he's touched and the unity he's fostered among us all.
BREAKING: Exclusively revealed by iconic NFL writer @danpompei of @theathletic & Chicago Tribune fame - MONGO is UPW!
— Ultra Pro Wrestling (@upwvideogame) October 16, 2024
"Mongo is a dear friend, forever a fellow Horseman, and it's going to be exciting to see him back in the ring in UPW. Wooooo!" - @RicFlairNatrBoy
COVERAGE: pic.twitter.com/PJZBfAnU3N
"Mongo" was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2024.
