With WWE 2K23 arriving just next month, I rank the top 10 greatest WWE games of all time.
WWE gaming has been a part of our gaming culture for decades. It is a privilege to relive the ultimate wrestling experience rather than just watch it on television. There have been some games that you feel shouldn’t be spoken about again, whereas there were classics that we will never forget and will forever hold in our hearts. With WWE 2K23 releasing on March 17, 2023, we still talk about some of these great games, and we might go as far as to request a remastered version for a few of these iconic games. Here are the Top 10 WWE games of all time:
10 – SmackDown!
The first game from the SmackDown series. This might be the first game that had gotten you into WWE gaming in the first place. Technology in WWE gaming was less advanced than today, but this didn’t matter when you were using your favorite wrestlers from the Attitude Era to cause mayhem. Definitely brings some childhood memories. Had many match types for you and your friends on your PlayStation 1. This game paved the way for WWE gaming.
9 – SmackDown Vs. Raw
The very first game in the SmackDown Vs. Raw series. Released in 2004. This was actually one of the first steps in revolutionizing WWE gaming. The gameplay was authentic and more fluid than any other WWE before. The visuals and animations were attractive. Plus, both Raw & Smackdown had two of the best commentary teams. Let’s not forget that when playing the story mode, you had good plots but also had real-life superstars implement their own voices into their virtual characters.
8 – SmackDown Vs. Raw 2006
A considerable upgrade to Smackdown Vs. Raw. Also, the first Smackdown Vs. Raw game to feature on PSP. This installment’s idea was to add realism to the game and include more matches such as ‘buried alive’. This was a great match type as you are causing mayhem to your opponent, and then you finish them off by placing them in a casket. Grappling had been improved, and the new momentum bar dictates matches. Superstar entrances had improved, where you’d see each character walk ultimately from the ramp to the ring. The models of the audience had also changed from 2D to 3D.
7 – SmackDown: Shut Your Mouth
Some people need to realize how criminally underrated this game was. And it’s not just because this game significantly improved from the previous title; just Bring it. Just Bring its best spark was pretty much the visuals, and shut your mouth improved almost every aspect of the game. Playing career mode, relieving some of the most memorable WWE moments in 2001 and 2002, and choosing your roster was a great experience.
Plus, the gameplay, visuals, animations, matches, crowd reactions, special effects when performing finishers, and so on make this one of the most enjoyable WWE games in history. Although, the commentary needed a lot more work done.
6 – WWE 2K19
The final game Yuke’s had developed. Gave us a great 18 years of WWE gaming, and if they were to go, with this being their last game, they needed to go out with a bang, and that they did. WWE 2K19 came out much better than many of us had imagined. It is fair to say that a few years or so prior, the games were underwhelming. But 2K19 was just a great game. Much improved gameplay, visuals, etc. And it was great that some game modes had returned. Plus, brand-new modes came through and were very interesting. Especially the 2K showcase mode centered on Daniel Bryan’s career.
5 – SmackDown Vs. Raw 2007
One of the most iconic WWE games ever. The developer had done a great job improving the gameplay by implementing an analog control system, adding more moves, and enhancing the quality of some of the existing ones. The commentary was much better, and the story mode was enjoyable, with brand-new plots with shocking twists. Also, players could fight in the crowd, and what was more incredible than fighting with fans right near you? 16 years later and this game is still being talked about today, and some even suggested a remastered version, and we would all be completely fine with that. Not to mention, this had the best music library in any WWE game.
4 – SmackDown Vs. Raw 2009
This is undoubtedly the best game in the series. You could argue that this was the last great WWE game for over a decade. Massive upgrade from Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008, because that game looked rushed. This game had almost everything. Plus, playing online with your friends was also enjoyable. The improved tag team system that implemented brand-new ways of tagging your partner was refreshing, and the new inferno match was also a fabulous addition. The road to Wrestlemania mode was a great experience, and having to go through each of the 5 superstar’s journeys was phenomenal.
3 – WWE 2K22
Some of you may be stunned to see this game in the top 3. Seeing as this is the latest WWE game. However, this is not a mistake; this game is arguably in the top 3 for the best WWE game of all time. WWE 2K22 has restored faith in WWE gaming. Currently, the best WWE 2K game ever made. WWE 2K took a 2-year hiatus for various reasons, and the developer has clearly used this time well. Gameplay, visuals, audio/soundtrack, animations, you name it, the developer has improved them all. This game has the most extensive roster in WWE gaming history. Including the old-school wrestlers from previous eras and WCW characters.
2 – SmackDown 2: Know Your Role
What a game this was. If you were a fan of the Attitude Era, then it is no surprise that you’d love this game. This game brought so many childhood memories. Finishing school, then coming home to play some SmackDown 2 was one of the best things I did as a kid. Enjoyed playing season mode with friends. Unlike other season modes, this one allows you to play for as many years as you wish. Again, the technology wasn’t as advanced as today, but it didn’t matter when this game brought so much joy in every way.
1 – SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain
It is no question that this is arguably the best WWE game of all time. But why would you make a case for this being the best game? Let’s start with the fact that this was the end of legendary Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock being the cover athlete and his slogans in the titles, and instead, the torch was passed on to the ‘next big thing’, Brock Lesnar. Who, at the time, was the company’s biggest star and reached incredible heights of his career.
So many great matches for you to choose from, and the introduction of superstars like the Doctor of Thuganomics – John Cena. Some would say that this was the absolute pinnacle of wrestling gaming, as well as this being the first game to allow you to play as legendary superstars like Iron Sheik. And let’s not forget that this was the first to have blood. Hence the first blood match you can play.
Many more brand-new features ultimately revolutionized WWE gaming forever. Each wrestler, followed by their character creations, animations, and own move sets, duplicated their real-life fighting styles, which brought authenticity to the game. The matches flowed very well and were intensifying whether you were in the ring or in the parking lot. And it got even crazier when playing with friends.
Probably one of the most enjoyable season modes Yuke’s had developed, and the create a superstar was much more flexible than the predecessor and is still one of the best ever. Although, the game did not have any sounding commentary – it did nothing at all to take away from the game’s greatness.
For years, fans have flat-out begged for a remastered version, which has been the case recently. We would all love this awesome game to be available on current-gen consoles and PC.
