10 Early Dragon Ball Villains Vegeta Would Massacre If He Landed On Earth Instead Of Goku

The story has grown into something huge, making it even more fascinating to remember where it all began. Dragon Ball created a strong foundation where Goku constantly faced tougher enemies, pushing his limits both physically and mentally. What Goku achieved and learned in the original Dragon Ball was essential for him to reach the incredible power levels he attains in Dragon Ball Z.

Goku is usually considered the most powerful character in the original Dragon Ball series and the one best equipped to handle the major dangers. But it’s interesting to think about what would have happened if Vegeta had been the first Saiyan to arrive on Earth instead of Goku. Vegeta fights very differently than Goku does, and his harsh upbringing as a Saiyan would have allowed him to easily defeat many of Dragon Ball‘s initial villains.

Vegeta Would Take Pleasure In Mercenary Tao’s Humiliating Humbling

Dragon Ball’s Red Ribbon Army has a lot of dangerous and skilled soldiers, but even their best fighters aren’t as powerful as Mercenary Tao. Tao is all about going to extremes – from his fast way of getting around, to defeating enemies using only his tongue, and even coming back as a stronger cyborg. He has a ruthless, killer side that Vegeta would likely respect, and he’s completely willing to kill a child without hesitation.

I remember watching Goku almost get killed by Tao when they first met. It really pushed him to train harder so he could eventually defeat this dangerous opponent. It’s interesting that Vegeta actually *respects* ruthless fighters like Tao, but he also seems to get a kick out of showing them just how powerless they are. Tao clearly isn’t used to facing anyone who can actually challenge him. I could tell Vegeta would absolutely destroy Tao’s confidence and prove that nothing he tries will work against him.

Major Metallitron Represents Red Ribbon’s Early Attempt At Antagonistic Androids

The idea of Dragon Ball featuring evil androids became a major theme in the later parts of the series. Dragon Ball first explored this concept with Major Metallitron, a security system similar to the Terminator, which Goku battles in Muscle Tower. Major Metallitron is important because he was the first truly powerful enemy able to survive a Kamehameha wave.

Major Metallitron’s powerful punches and huge size give him an edge over Goku, forcing him to dodge around the battlefield until Metallitron’s power source unexpectedly fails. A battle with Vegeta might end similarly. However, Vegeta from the Saiyan Saga is still strong enough to defeat Major Metallitron before his battery runs low. Because Vegeta can fly, Metallitron’s size isn’t a significant threat. While Goku’s Kamehameha isn’t effective against Metallitron, Vegeta’s Galick Gun would be.

Demon King Piccolo Would Learn To Respect Saiyans’ Striking Strength

Compared to what Goku experienced with the Red Ribbon Army and his earlier opponents, King Piccolo is a completely different threat. He’s not simply a strong fighter or a frustrated military commander; he’s a true monster intent on dominating the world. Goku has a difficult time battling King Piccolo, but the young Saiyan’s power-up thanks to the Ultra Divine Water allows him to overcome challenges where Tien Shinhan couldn’t defeat this wicked ruler.

Watching Vegeta fight King Piccolo, I think it would be a much simpler fight for him. He’s strong enough to power right through King Piccolo like Goku did at the beginning, but his speed is a real advantage – I doubt King Piccolo’s psychic rocks would even come close. Vegeta just has so much more energy to throw around, making the fight generally easier than what Goku went through. And, if things got really tough, he always has the option of transforming into a Great Ape as a last resort.

General Blue’s Psychic Skills & Brash Bravado Wouldn’t Leave An Impact On Vegeta

Goku initially faces challenges on his own, but he later joins forces with Krillin and Bulma during the army’s subsequent attacks and as villains like General Blue become more formidable. General Blue is a powerful opponent, boasting impressive strength, skill with weaponry, and the unexpected ability to use psychic powers – a rare talent in the Dragon Ball universe at the time. Interestingly, while General Blue is incredibly brutal and violent towards Goku and Krillin, his cruelty is complicated by underlying insecurities, strange habits, and a generally weakened demeanor.

Vegeta wouldn’t respect any opponent who runs from a fight simply because they’re scared of something small, like a mouse. While General Blue’s psychic powers might momentarily bother Vegeta, he’s too intelligent to be tricked by the same tactic again. Furthermore, General Blue’s ESP isn’t strong enough to defeat Vegeta with a single attack.

Buyon Is A Radical Monster Who Has Been Weaponized By Red Ribbon

Early in the Goku saga, he accomplished a significant feat by breaking into and overcoming Muscle Tower, a key base for the Red Ribbon Army. A particularly strange opponent Goku encounters there is Buyon, a wobbly, jelly-like creature called a Jiggler with a never-ending hunger. It appears Buyon has devoured all its past foes, and it can also create electricity, making it incredibly difficult for Goku to land a physical hit.

Goku unexpectedly wins his fight against Buyon when a gap in the tower wall allows a blast of cold air to completely freeze him. With Buyon frozen, Goku easily finishes the monster. Vegeta, having journeyed across the galaxy, appears to have a good grasp of different alien cultures. Because of this, Vegeta could quickly realize Buyon’s weakness and defeat him the same way Goku did. Furthermore, Vegeta is simply so powerful that he could likely defeat Buyon through strength alone.

Demon King Piccolo’s Dark Vassals Would Amount To A Training Exercise For Vegeta

King Piccolo uses the Dragon Balls to become young again – and regain his full power – but then he kills Shenron to make sure his wish can’t be undone. King Piccolo also assembles a group of loyal followers called Dark Vassals to handle the details of taking over the world. These Vassals act as assassins, eliminating the most powerful warriors to reduce resistance against King Piccolo.

Dragon Ball Z shows us through flashbacks that Vegeta was a dedicated trainee from a young age, even practicing with tough opponents like the Saibamen. While the Dark Vassals are powerful and unique enemies, Dragon Ball’s system of measuring strength suggests they aren’t as strong as the Saibamen. In a direct fight, Vegeta would easily win against King Piccolo’s Dark Vassals. They might only have a chance if all four of them attacked him at once, but even then, Vegeta would probably still be the stronger fighter.

Great Ape Goku Would Quickly Fall Under Vegeta’s Superior Saiyan Experience

Although Goku’s Saiyan background isn’t revealed until Dragon Ball Z, hints about his people caused worry throughout the original Dragon Ball. While Great Ape Goku wasn’t truly a villain and didn’t intend to cause harm, his transformation led to the death of Grandpa Gohan and almost killed Bulma when it first happened in the series.

In Dragon Ball Z, Goku faces the fury of Great Ape Vegeta, and this encounter shows that elite Saiyans remain aware and in control even while transformed. A fight between Goku and Vegeta in their Great Ape forms would be amazing to watch, but Vegeta would likely be the victor. Goku would fight aggressively and somewhat chaotically, while Vegeta could carefully plan his attacks and unleash powerful energy blasts. While Great Ape Goku usually has the advantage, he wouldn’t stand a chance against a stronger Great Ape like Vegeta.

Piccolo Jr. Is Driven By A Deep Desire To Avenge His Father’s Failure

Dragon Ball bravely continues the story after the terrifying King Piccolo by introducing his son, Piccolo Jr. Instead of creating a brand-new type of enemy, Dragon Ball focuses on the themes of family history and seeking revenge. Piccolo Jr. quietly plans his payback, eventually unleashing a major assault at the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. This confrontation is considered one of the best battles in the original series. It cleverly builds upon Goku’s previous fight against Demon King Piccolo, improving on what was learned and avoiding a simple repeat of the same strategy.

Piccolo’s Super Giant-Form is a thrilling new ability, but it likely wouldn’t be enough to overcome the enhanced power of Great Ape Vegeta. It’s difficult to imagine Vegeta enduring the same level of pain and submission that Goku did when fighting Piccolo. Vegeta would probably focus on demonstrating the superiority of the Saiyan race and put all his energy into delivering a powerful finishing blow.

Tien’s Cutthroat Crane School Training Would Earn Vegeta’s Respect

I remember watching Dragon Ball and seeing Tien start as a bit of a mysterious character. He ultimately becomes a great ally to Goku, but his introduction is definitely under some shady circumstances. The Crane School, where Tien trains, is a lot more ruthless compared to the Turtle School. He wasn’t necessarily evil, more lost and inexperienced, but he still initially served as an opponent, and even managed to beat Goku in a fight. It was interesting to see his development from there.

Vegeta would win against Tien, even if they fought in either the 22nd or 23rd World Martial Arts Tournaments. Tien would be a strong opponent; he’s physically imposing and has a diverse range of skills and techniques. While Vegeta’s Saiyan heritage would naturally give him an edge, the fight could still be competitive, mainly because a technique like Tien’s Solar Flare could create an opening for him to attack. However, the fact that Tien couldn’t even harm Nappa in Dragon Ball Z doesn’t look good for his chances against Vegeta.

Vegeta Wouldn’t Waver Against Garlic Jr. & His Demonic Defense

Garlic Jr. is unusual because he’s one of the few Dragon Ball villains who manages to become immortal using the Dragon Balls. His power grows to an incredible level – especially when he transforms into Super Garlic Jr. – forcing Goku and Piccolo to team up for the first time. Their quick partnership and attack are very effective. Interestingly, it’s actually an outburst of anger from young Gohan that ultimately leads to Garlic Jr.’s defeat.

To be honest, Vegeta is much more powerful than Garlic Jr. and would win easily. If sending Garlic Jr. into his own Dead Zone is how to defeat him, Vegeta could do that with his Galick Gun or any of his other energy blasts. He could even transform into a Great Ape and just throw Garlic Jr. into the abyss, sealing it shut. As for Garlic Jr.’s helpers, Vegeta could defeat them all with just one attack.

2025-10-05 01:51