The gaming industry has had many idols – but they’re usually things you need to collect to move on. Now, the gaming industry gets the creator of Idolmania in a video game for the first time ever. “The Universal Hearthrob” Austin Idol was a mainstay of Memphis wrestling throughout the ’80s and into the ’90s and was one of the most colorful talkers of his era. Beyond reaching legendary status with his work in Memphis, he was also a cornerstone of Alabama’s Continental Wrestling and used his Las Vegas Leglock figure four variant to garner countless victories. Late last week, Zack Sabre Jr. was announced for RetroMania’s roster, and while his technical wizardry is tough to imagine for an arcade-style game, Idol’s style isn’t.

He was very much a precursor to what would be a modern-day sports entertainment style – akin to Hulk Hogan, with more showmanship than moves mattering. His in-ring style was a lot of perfectly-timed punches and kicks, work to the legs, and the leglock. If he was working heel, expect some brass knuckles and other such cheating staples. Outside the ring, he was known for cutting some of the best promos of his era – and being one of the most crafty business people as well. One legendary tale has him winning a battle royal and going to the bank to cash the check since it was signed by the promoter – and rather than risk having the battle royal exposed as normally fake, the promoter took the hit and let him cash it at the expense of never booking Idol again.