Lots of damage n’ body slammage!
Pro-wrestling has always been one of the most fascinating spectacles in entertainment. It exists in a unique gray zone — often dismissed by mainstream media, yet capable of selling out iconic arenas like Madison Square Garden. The wrestling industry’s partnership with gaming has been equally long-standing, dating back to the 1980s. One of the highlights of this legacy arrived with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, a title that remains beloved among fans of both wrestling and classic console gaming.
A Brief Look at WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
Developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ, WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2007 was released for PlayStation 2 (PS2), PlayStation 3 (PS3), and Xbox 360. It marked a turning point for wrestling games by enhancing graphics, realism, and interactivity. The tagline — “Don’t just watch it… LIVE IT!” — perfectly captured its immersive approach.
As a teenager back in 2007, I remember saving my allowance just to grab my copy from GameStop. Featuring legends like Kane, The Undertaker, The Boogeyman, and Triple H, it was everything a wrestling fan could dream of.
Gameplay and Match Types
At its core, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is a fighting game built around the excitement of pro wrestling. Players face off in a ring, aiming to pin or submit their opponents — but the real fun lies in the variety of match types available.
Classic and Specialty Matches
1v1 and Tag Team Battles: Perfect for traditional wrestling fans.
Hardcore Matches: Use weapons like chairs, ladders, and kendo sticks.
Hell in a Cell: A brutal cage match full of chaos and creativity.
Handicap Matches: Test your endurance in 1v2 or 1v3 setups.
The control system introduced analog grapples, allowing players to execute powerful slams, throws, and finishers with precision — or at least, that was the intention.
General Manager and Career Modes
The General Manager (GM) Mode lets you book matches, manage rivalries, and grow your brand’s ratings. It’s a great addition for those who enjoy the strategic side of wrestling, though it can feel confusing for newcomers. Plugging in a second controller makes the experience smoother and more interactive.
Meanwhile, the Career Mode (or Season Mode) shines as the game’s main attraction. You can pick any WWE superstar and climb your way toward the World Heavyweight Championship. The storylines are surprisingly engaging, filled with drama, rivalries, and unexpected twists that mirror WWE programming at its best.
Create-A-Wrestler: Endless Customization
One of the most iconic features of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 game is its Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) system. The customization options are incredibly deep — you can design outfits, entrances, movesets, and even entire tag teams.
Players often spent hours crafting fantasy wrestlers or remixing real ones. Imagine giving Big Show the acrobatic moves of Rey Mysterio or having The Great Khali perform a 619 — pure comedy gold!
This feature alone made the game feel limitless and deeply personal.
Graphics, Commentary, and Gameplay Flaws
While WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 ps2 and ps3 versions brought noticeable graphical improvements, the game wasn’t without flaws.
The hit detection could be inconsistent — you might swing a chair inches away from an opponent and still miss. Running mechanics were equally clunky: once you start running, changing direction is nearly impossible without stopping first.
The commentary, although enthusiastic, quickly becomes repetitive and disconnected from the on-screen action. Commentators often shout about wrestlers not even in the match, creating moments of unintentional comedy.
Despite its technical roughness, the game’s spirit and chaotic energy perfectly mirrored WWE’s theatrical style.
Why WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Still Matters
Even with its flaws, this game represents a golden age for wrestling titles. Its mix of realism, personality, and pure fun makes it a standout in WWE’s gaming history. For many fans, it captures the excitement of mid-2000s wrestling better than most modern titles.
Whether you’re revisiting it on PS2, PS3, or through emulation, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 remains a nostalgic favorite worth playing again.
Verdict
⭐ Rating: 6/10
Despite its technical limitations, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 offers a chaotic yet charming experience that still resonates with fans. It’s an imperfect gem that captures what made wrestling so entertaining in the first place — passion, mayhem, and unforgettable moments.
FAQs About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
Q1. Is WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 available on PS3?
Yes, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 ps3 was one of the early WWE titles released for the platform, featuring improved graphics and smoother gameplay compared to the PS2 version.
Q2. Can you still play WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 today?
Absolutely! While it’s no longer officially supported, fans can play it using backward compatibility on older consoles or emulators.
Q3. What made the Create-A-Wrestler feature so popular?
It offered unmatched customization freedom — allowing players to design wrestlers, entrances, moves, and storylines, making every experience unique.
Q4. What’s the difference between SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 and later WWE games?
Newer titles focus on realism and smoother controls, but many fans argue SVR 2007 had more personality and freedom in match creation and customization.
Pro-wrestling is one of the strangests beasts in the field of entertainment. It lies in a gray area where it is considered a niche product with no respect from mainstream outlets yet it manages to sell out gigantic stadiums like MSG. That being said, the pro-wrestling industry and video games have a long and shared history, dating all the way back to the 1980s. WWE would debut Micro-Wrestling in 1989 – from there the floodgates opened and there was no turning back.
