Culture Blues

The 90s Badass Tournament: Introducing Your #1 Seeds

Earlier this week, we took a look at some on-the-bubble hopefuls. Next week, we will unveil the full field of 64. Today, let's take a moment to honor the best of the best, the four combatants who have each earned a #1 seed in our 90s Badass Tournament.

USS Missouri Region

Casey Ryback (Steven Seagal, Under Siege)

What in the world is a military reject in command of a galley doing as the top overall seed in our Badass Tournament? Don’t let the chef hat and vacant look fool you – Casey Ryback is no mere cook. The former Navy Seal is exactly the kind of competitor that flourishes in The Tournament. He can adapt to a variety of situations, is a top notch marksman, a deadly knife fighter, and can collapse a throat with even his laziest karate chop. He’s also a capable trap-setter if a grenade or a microwave is handy. Ryback’s resume – after thwarting a coordinated terrorist operation, Ryback is only in need of 3-4 stitches – should speak for itself. Is there anyone in the field of 64 capable of taking him down?

Langley Region

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible)

If a hero is defined by the adversity they overcome, then Ethan Hunt has to be near the top of the mountain. Every mission he tackles is of the "impossible" variety. Armed with elite leadership skills, a plethora of high tech gadgets, uncanny disguises and a megawatt smile, Hunt slides gracefully into and out of the stickiest situations. He's definitely more of an espionage and intrigue kind of guy, but he's also fully capable of getting his hands dirty if need be. Whatever you do, don't accept that pre-match stick of gum from him, no matter how persistently he offers it.

The Omega Sector Region

Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger, True Lies)

Harry Tasker is like the Swiss Army knife of ass kicking; he does it all. He's as comfortable with a pair of uzis as an improvised flamethrower. He flies jets and rides horses. He can throw knives with expert precision, he's adept at armed and unarmed combat, and he dances the tango. Oh, and he's built like a tank. Some will undoubtedly question Tasker's ability to check his domestic baggage at the door, but keep in mind, when presented with an unfaithful wife, Tasker's response is to storm the love shack, toss his wife in the box for a few hours, and make ol' Casanova think he's about to be executed. Hell hath no fury like a super spy scorned.

Pacific Coast Highway Region

Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson, Lethal Weapon 3, etc)

Martin Riggs is the only one of our top seeds with any Tournament experience. Last year, he bested Johnny Dangerously, Ben Ripley, and Snake Plissken, before his suicidal tendencies and lady-guilt took over in the Elite Eight, resulting in a controversial loss to Ellen Ripley. Now, Riggs and his deadly head-scissors return, older and wiser, and with the love of Lorna Cole to keep him from offing himself. Is this the year that Riggs overcomes his personal demons to claim the coveted Badass Crown? Or, will his stay in this year’s tournament be as short-lived as his promotion to Captain?

What do you think of the #1 seeds? Deserving? Undeserving? Do you think there is anyone that should have been seeded higher than these 4? Let us know below and don't forget to check back next week when we show you the whole field.