It is based on the Toughman Contest, and features Eric "Butterbean" Esch on the cover and as the game's final boss.

It received mixed reviews, generally criticizing the sluggishness of the gameplay while praising the selection of special moves.

[5] GamePro gave the Genesis version a rave review, commenting that the game has clean and well-animated graphics, bizarre and humorous background animations, a surprising selection of special moves, and an enjoyable two-player mode.

They praised the special moves, combos, tough enemy AI, and high level of strategy required to win the game.

They declared Toughman Contest the better of the two games, citing its better replay value, stronger AI, and the fact that opponents do not signal their moves ahead of time.