Top 10 WWE Games of All Time
If you're a wrestling buff, there's nothing better than picking up a controller and getting into the squared circle yourself.
For generations, WWE games have allowed us to slam, suplex, and trash-talk our favorite Superstars in the comfort of our own homes.
Whether you used to slug it out with friends on old-school consoles or are a fan of the slick realism of current graphics, WWE video games have provided hours upon hours of fun.
In this blog post, we’re counting down the top 10 WWE games of all time—the titles that stood out for their gameplay, roster, and sheer fun factor. Let’s see which legends made the cut!
10. WWE 2K22 (2022)
WWE 2K22 was a welcome relief from the catastrophe that was 2K20. As a WWE game fan for many years, I was actually apprehensive—but when I booted it up, I knew they'd really pulled their weight.
The graphics were significantly improved, the gameplay felt tighter, and the timing felt more refined.
I enjoyed immersing myself in the new controls and experimenting with the Showcase mode of Rey Mysterio—it was a neat blend of nostalgia and action.
MyGM mode also returned, which took me back to the old SmackDown vs. Raw days.
It wasn't flawless, but in comparison to what we had before, WWE 2K22 really hit different. It made me remember why I even enjoy wrestling games to begin with.
9. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 (2010)
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will never be forgotten in my gaming history. I spent countless hours customizing wrestlers, making ridiculous storylines, and fighting my friends in epic battles.
What made this game so special to me was the level of freedom it provided. The improved physics system allowed you to break people through tables in so many different ways, and it never became old.
Road to WrestleMania mode was total enjoyment, allowing me to live out storylines as a number of my all-time favorite Superstars.
The graphics were great for the era, and the roster was loaded. It seemed like the ultimate combination of imagination and wrestling action. Even now, I'll sometimes pop it in for a nostalgic ride.
8. WWE Day of Reckoning 2 (2005)
WWE Day of Reckoning 2 was one of those forgotten gems that completely surprised me on the GameCube.
I recall buying it not really knowing what to expect, but it ended up being one of the best wrestling games ever for me.
The story mode was so much more dramatic and personal, with my created superstar rising through the ranks and dealing with all of the backstage politics.
The gameplay was incredibly smooth, and executing grapples and reversals was always a satisfying experience. The graphics were quite good for the time period, and the character models were crisp.
What I enjoyed most was how the matches had this sense of intensity and strategy rather than being mere button-mashing mayhem. Day of Reckoning 2 is surely an all-time classic.
7. WWE All Stars (2011)
WWE All Stars was just a crazy ride, and to be honest with you, I enjoyed every second of it.
As opposed to the typical wrestling sims, this game just went totally out of control—and that is what made it great.
The Superstars resembled action figures on steroids, and the moves were ridiculously over-the-top.
I am referring to leaping twenty feet in the air for a body slam level of crazy. It was a cross between wrestling and a fighting game in the arcade, and it made things quick, flashy, and fun.
I played for hours, matching legends Hulk Hogan up against current stars like John Cena, just to test and see who would emerge victorious.
It was not very realistic, but WWE All Stars got pure, adrenaline-fueled entertainment spot on.
6. WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role (2000)
WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role was that type of game that completely addicted me during the PlayStation era.
The Season Mode seemed infinite, with surprise developments and all of the backstage shenanigans that rendered wrestling so incredibly exciting.
The lineup was full of Attitude Era icons such as The Rock, Stone Cold, and Undertaker, which gave every bout an epic feel.
The gameplay was quick and incredibly addictive, although the graphics do appear quite basic by today's day and age.
SmackDown! 2 was wrestling perfection for me and a huge reason why I love WWE games so much to begin with.
5. WWE 2K19 (2018)
WWE 2K19 was such a joy for me, particularly after some of the rough times the series had prior to it.
From the very beginning, it seemed like the creators actually did listen to the fans and infused the game with fun again.
The gameplay was so much smoother and quicker, which made the matches thrilling rather than sluggish.
I spent hours playing the 2K Showcase mode with Daniel Bryan's tale—it was great reenacting his ups and downs.
And the Creation Suite was massive, allowing me to create all sorts of wacky wrestlers and arenas.
MyCareer was also fun, with a good storyline and plenty of decisions. WWE 2K19 made me remember why I enjoy wrestling games—it was just raw, good-natured madness.
4. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 (2005)
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 was completely revolutionary to me back in the day on the PS2.
I remember how hyped I was when I originally tried it—the graphics were so much crisper, and the new fighting moves made each wrestler feel different.
It wasn't simple button mashing anymore; there was real strategy. General Manager mode was also my jam, where I could schedule matches and compete against the opposing show in ratings.
And the soundtrack completely killed, every menu screen was hype. I spent a whole lot of time in Create-A-Wrestler mode, making my own superstars and storylines.
SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 was when WWE games really became next level for me and extremely addictive.
3. WWF No Mercy (2000)
WWF No Mercy on the N64 is without a doubt one of my favorite wrestling games of all time.
The game was straightforward, but so rewarding—you truly felt each punch and slam.
The roster had Attitude Era greats such as The Rock, Stone Cold, and Triple H on it, and the narrative mode had me engaged with branching storylines and plot twists.
What stunned me was customization; I could adjust wrestlers, ring gear, and even design pay-per-view events from start to finish.
Although the graphics appear incredibly blocky now, No Mercy still holds up since it's just so much fun. It's a real classic that set wrestling games for me.
2. WWE 2K14 (2013)
WWE 2K14 was one of the games that immediately sucked me in, particularly with its fantastic "30 Years of WrestleMania" mode.
As a wrestling aficionado for life, having the opportunity to replay such legendary bouts as Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant or The Rock vs. Cena was a total blast.
The roster was huge, combining legends and today's stars, so I could make all types of fantasy matchups.
The controls were smooth and responsive, and each match was thrilling rather than infuriating. Universe Mode was also addictive—I spent hours scheduling shows and attempting to sustain feuds.
WWE 2K14 may not have sported the plushest graphics, but it provided unadulterated wrestling enjoyment. For me, it was one of the highlights of the series.
1. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (2003)
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is a classic in my opinion. I still recall booting it up on my PS2 and being amazed at how realistic the wrestlers appeared for its time.
The action was swift and aggressive, and each movement felt like it had an effect—Brock Lesnar's F5 never failed to impress.
The Season Mode was incredibly deep, allowing me to wander backstage, break into random fights, and create storylines that seemed like actual WWE drama.
The roster was full of stars like Goldberg, Brock, and Kurt Angle, so dream matches were limitless.
And making my own wrestler and bringing them to the top was absurdly fun. Despite all these years, Here Comes the Pain remains one of the greatest wrestling games ever developed.
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