There wasn't a promise, though.
I'm simply confused that about half the characters that ranked high on Sakurai's poll didn't make it as playable characters. That and with Inafune saying he'd have liked Mega Man in the game and him being on the poll, someone at Sora, Inc/Hal labs dropped the ball.
Personally, Wolf seems unnecessary (though, if he does come with an eye patch he'll be a-okay) and R.O.B...well, who here HAD a R.O.B. for their NES? I'm pretty sure the power glove and virtual boy were more common and successful than R.O.B.
Even so, the roster still looks awesome, SSE will be a freaking blast, I still love events, and I know that I'm going to be enjoying this game for the next 7+ years, just like I did with Melee.