The protagonist ofJohn Wickisn’t your average action hero. At his core, he is a deadly assassin, a force of nature dressed in a well-tailored suit and armed with the most ruthless weapons. His reputation made him feared amongst those who recognized his name. He may not be bulletproof or shoot lasers from his eyes, but what he lacks in superpowers, he makes up for with pure lethal efficiency. So,what happens when you pit this unstoppable assassin against the superheroes?
For this hypothetical brawl, we’re not going after gods, aliens, or overpowered heroes, as the Baba Yaga is not picking a fight withSupermanorThor. We’re also not pitting him against helpless heroes (no one wants to seeSquirrel Girlfacing off against John Wick). Instead, we’re looking at superheroes grounded enough to be within reach, those whose skillsets might challenge Wick’s but could still plausibly be outmaneuvered. In this list,we explore heroes who would fall before the Baba Yaga. A couple of them may take a tough fight against the killer withKeanu Reeves' face. They might have gadgets, strategy, or a similar killer instinct, but John Wick lives in a world where headshots solve most problems.
10The Punisher
Created by Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr., and Ross Andru
Frank Castle, better known asThe Punisher, isMarvel’s most ruthless anti-hero. A former Marine whose family was gunned down by the mob, Castle turned his grief into an endless war against crime. Armed with military-grade weapons, tactical brilliance, and a whole lot of vengeance, the Punisher annihilates criminals. He operates solo and without powers, but his raw aggression makes him one of the deadliest humans in the Marvel lexicon.
The Punisher going up against John Wick would be like witnessingtwo apex predators fighting. Castle has the arsenal, training, and sheer force of will to go toe-to-toe with Wick, and that’s exactly why he’d lose. Wherethe Punisher leans into brute forceand chaos,John is cold, precise, and surgical. Wick’s ability to improvise, use his surroundings, and never miss a beat in a firefight gives him the edge. Despite winning, John Wick would leave the fight bruised and bloodied. Across all comic book lore, Castle might be the one that stands a chance to win against John Wick in a fair one-on-one deathmatch.
The Punisher
Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger
Bruce Wayne. The Dark Knight. The world’s greatest detective. Batman isthe ultimate hero without any superpowers. He’s a master strategist, trained in every martial art, and equipped with endless gadgets and resources. Batman has taken down monsters, aliens, gods, and even fellow superheroes. Every fight is planned; every outcome is considered. Simply put, he’s a genius in a cape.
However, Batman has one weakness, and that lies in his one rule.He never kills. That code is his greatest strength and biggest weakness.John Wick doesn’t have that restraint. If this is a fight with rules, Batman wins. If it’s an all-out deathmatch with no prep time, John Wick might defeat him easily.Ben Affleck’s brutal version of the Caped Crusader fromBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicemight bring a fair battle, because he lacks the moral code.Robert Pattinson’s iteration might also be a tough fight for the Continental assassin. The other versions might lose to good, old Johnny easily. There’s still one upside to Batman’s rule, as he would never kill anyone John Wick loves. Therefore, John Wick might never have to hunt The Bat.
Batman Forever
8Shang-Chi
Created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin
Shang-ChiisMarvel’s undisputed master of martial arts. Trained from childhood by his father, Shang-Chi was raised to become the world’s deadliest hand-to-hand combatant. Over time, he rejected his father’s criminal empire and became a hero in his own right. With his powers, Shang-Chi can fight gods, aliens, and fellow superheroes. His skillset was further elevated withthe powers of the Ten Rings, giving him enhanced strength.
But even the Master of Kung Fu can bleed, and John Wick knows how to do it.The difference between the two isn’t just style, it’s philosophy. Shang-Chi fights with discipline and restraint; John Wick fights to end you as efficiently as possible. In a brawl, Shang-Chi might dazzle with speed and technique, but Wick turns every surface into a weapon and never lets emotion cloud his judgment. While the Ten Rings could give Shang-Chi the upper hand, John Wick’s adaptability could let him take the fight into close-quarters where he excels. Supernatural powers just would not make John Wick tap out that easily.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
7The Falcon
Created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan
Sam Wilson, akaThe Falcon, is a longtime partner toCaptain America. He is armed witha specialized wingsuit that grants him flight and advanced maneuverability. Aided by Redwing, his loyal drone companion, Sam fights with military-grade precision and aerial acrobatics. In recent years, he’sstepped into the mantle of Captain Americaas Steve Rogers' successor, combining his combat skills, tech-based tools, and strong moral compass to lead by example.
Flying high doesn’t guarantee staying alive when you’re up against John Wick. Falcon’s strength lies in his airborne agility and tactical training, but John Wick’s brilliance is in his unpredictability.John Wick wouldn’t engage Sam in the air; he’d wait until he’s grounded or isolated and then exploit every possible opening with a ruthless efficiency Falcon rarely encounters.John Wick’s precision would be lethal for the Falcon. Several deadly shots aimed at his wing and drone would ensure The Falcon’s defeat. One thing that would keep the Falcon surviving the battle is his determination and strong will to bring good, and eliminating a deadly assassin is on that list.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Cyclops, or Scott Summers, isone of the founding members of the X-Menand a staple of Marvel Comics since the 1960s. He isknown for his powerful optic blasts, which require ruby-quartz lenses to control. Beyond his deadly powers, he’s also a master strategist trained under Charles Xavier and has led the X-Men through countless wars, battles, and moral crises. In contrast with the unpredictable Wolverine, Cyclops is precise and disciplined.
But even someone as focused and tactical as Cyclops would have his hands full against John Wick. Sure, Scott’s optic blasts are incredibly destructive, but Wick’s game isn’t just about brute force. Instead, it’s about timing, misdirection, and sheer lethality in close quarters.Cyclops needs a clear line of sight and just a moment of control, and that is a weakness that Wick can exploit. The second Cyclops hesitates or gets distracted, Wick would disarm or disable him with ruthless precision. Wick would also be looking at his blind spot to make his final move. Without the help of theX-Mento cover him, Cyclops would definitely fall.
5Star-Lord
Created by Steve Englehart and Steve Gan
Star-Lord, or Peter Quill, is the roguish leader of theGuardians of the Galaxywith half-human and half-Celestial DNA. He was abducted from Earth as a child and raised by Ravagers, growing into a space outlaw. While he’s equipped with twin blasters, a jetpack, and decent hand-to-hand combat skills,Star-Lord’s greatest strengths are his improvisational thinking and deep loyaltyto his team. He’s survived intergalactic wars, with the accompaniment ofa great soundtrack.
If you drop Peter Quill into John Wick’s world, no gadgets, no spaceship, no talking raccoon, things go downhill fast. Star-Lord may have sharp instincts, buthe lacks the discipline and efficiency that Wick has. Peter often survives by bluffing and banter, which would only buy him seconds before Wick lands a clean shot. Even in a one-on-one gunfight, Quill’s flashy, erratic style is no match for Wick’s surgical precision. If Quill remotely suggests a dance off, he will be shot before he breaks out his first move.Star-Lord’s real weakness is that he plays too much, and against Wick, there’s no time for games.
Guardians of the Galaxy
4Ant-Man (Scott Lang)
Created by David Michelinie and John Byrne
Scott Lang, the secondAnt-Man, is a former burglar turned Avenger who can shrink down to subatomic size or grow into a towering Giant-Man. Thanks to Hank Pym’s technology,Scott can manipulate his sizewhile retaining his full strength, making him a unique threat in battle. With a charming, underdog spirit that’s easy to root for, his creative use of his powers also makes him unpredictable. While not exactly a frontline warrior like Thor or Captain America, Ant-Man can be surprisingly effective when the odds are stacked against him.
Still, when it comes to a duel with John Wick,Ant-Man might be a little too reliant on his tech. While Scott could shrink out of sight, John Wick’s adaptability and hyper-awareness would kick in fast. And if he grows big? Great target.The Baba Yaga can turn the environment to his advantage, anticipate patterns, and probably rig a trap mid-fight that’d catch eventhe tiniest Ant-Man off guard. And let’s not forget that shrinking doesn’t make you invincible, especially when your opponent is a man who once killed three guys in a bar with a pencil.
3Booster Gold
Created by Dan Jurgens
Booster Goldis a DC Comics hero from the 25th century who travels back in time to become a celebrity hero in the present day. Armed with future tech, including a powerful suit, force field, flight ring, and a robotic sidekick named Skeets, Booster relies on gadgets more than power or fighting skill. He’s often self-absorbed and image-conscious, but his tech advantage can help the Justice League defeat their enemies. Booster Gold has appeared inseveralJustice League Unlimitedepisodes, but will finally get his spotlight ina new DCU serieson Max.
Booster’s flashy moves and dependence on tech could contribute to his defeat against John Wick. With an obsession with tech and media, Booster Gold may have other things on his mind than just battling his foe. And when that foe is the Baba Yaga, you would want to have your full attention. Booster might have shields and blasts, buthe tends to underestimate grounded threats. John Wick doesn’t care about fame or futuristic gear; he finds your weakness, exploits it, and finishes the job clean. If Booster’s suit glitches, or he hesitates just a little bit,John Wick will exploit that to disarm, disable, and dismantle. And let’s face it, Booster’s not the most tactically disciplined hero out there.
Justice League Unlimited
2Nightwing
Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez
Dick Grayson, the original Robin,evolved into Nightwingafter stepping out from under Batman’s shadow. He’s agile, fast, andthe best acrobatic martial artist in the DC Universe. Most recently seen in his live-action portrayal onTitans, Nightwing has a strategic mind, uses electrified escrima sticks, and often works solo, relying on his detective skills and ninja-like stealth, just like his mentor. He’s deeply trained in multiple combat styles and often underestimated due to his youthful charm.
With a moral code instilled in him,Nightwing is still someone who pulls punches. He’s heroic to the core, which is a disadvantage when facing someone like John Wick, who doesn’t hesitate. In a brutal brawl without morals to slow him down, John fights to kill, not to win points. Nightwing may flip over rooftops and deliver punishing blows, but John’s gun-fu and knack for turning environments into lethal traps would eventually overwhelm Dick’s gymnastics skills. In a no-holds-barred fight, Nightwing might put upone of the most graceful fights John Wick has ever seen, but ultimately, he’d find himself outmatched.
Created by Stan Lee and Don Heck
Clint Barton, better known as Hawkeye, isa skilled marksman and longtime member of the Avengers. Though he doesn’t have superpowers, he’s one of the world’s best archers, trained in both hand-to-hand combat and espionage.Hawkeye is known for hitting impossible shotswith customized arrows and has stood alongside heavyweights like Thor and Iron Man. Underneath the mask, he’s a scrappy, resilient fighter with a complicated past and battle experience in both covert ops and large-scale warfare.
But up against John Wick? The archer is stripped of his advantage. Sure, Clint might get a shot or two off from a distance, butJohn Wick doesn’t let people stay at a distance. He turns every space into a battlefield, from tight rooms, stairwells, to nightclubs. Unless Hawkeye uses one of his special trick arrows to blow up John Wick from a distance before he closes in, he truly does not stand a chance. Once they’re in close quarters,Hawkeye’s bow and quips are useless, and Wick’s killer instinct would leave the archer down for the count. Hawkeye’s DC counterpart,Green Arrow, aka Oliver Queen, may have a slight edge with his close combat skills, but will be rendered powerless in an instant as well.
NEXT:The 10 Best Battles Where Heroes Fight Each Other in the MCU, Ranked
