Squid Game: The Challenge lost several players in the first episode alone, specifically during the Red Light Green Light game. But did you know that one of those players happened to be a classic '90s reality show villain? Here's who player 172 is and why he's called the Wolf.
Who is Player 172 in Squid Game: The Challenge?
Each contestant that joined Netflix's reality show had their sights set on becoming one of the final three and winning $4.56 Million all to themselves.
While most of the players are online influencers, one of the contestants who had a brief appearance in the first episode already appeared in the UK reality show, Gladiators.
Player 172 aka Michael Van Wijk came up short during the Red Light, Green Light game. Mike was previously known for playing Gladiator 'Wolf' in the BBC One series, becoming one of the most popular Gladiators on the show.
Before joining Squid Game: The Challenge, player 172 revealed in an interview with Independent that it was his idea to turn his Gladiator 'Wolf' persona into a bad sport on the reality series:
"They chose the name [Gladiator 'Wolf'] but originally, I was supposed to be good. As soon as I heard it was Wolf, though, I asked if I could be bad. They let me try it out for one show and the crowd reaction was amazing. By the next show, all the other Gladiators wanted to [be] bad."
READ MORE: Who is 418 aka Roland From Squid Game: The Challenge?
Where Did the Wolf Go After Squid Game: The Challenge?
Similar to the original South Korean drama series, the first episode of Squid Game: The Challenge featured the Red Light, Green Light game.
Players are instructed to only move towards the finishing line right beside the tall doll statue while it sings. They lose if the doll ends up detecting movements when she stops singing.
Player 172, perhaps in an attempt to get back into the world of reality game shows, had one thing on his mind and that is to hopefully outlast everyone by the end of the series.
Unfortunately, he didn't even make it halfway through the first game as he got shot with a paintball, indicating he was already out of the race.
Despite Wolf's shortlived stint in Squid Game: The Challenge, fans of Gladiators were still incredibly thrilled to see him years after the show ended.
Even Bee (player 018) was admittedly a huge fan who didn't know she was standing right next to him:
READ NEXT: Squid Game: The Challenge Viewers Are Rooting For Fan-Favorite Player 018 To Win
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!