Best Video Games Based on Wrestling: From the Classics to Modern Hits

Wrestling video games have been a beloved genre for decades, allowing fans to step into the ring, control their favorite superstars, and experience the thrills of professional wrestling from the comfort of their own living rooms. Just like the best poker websites have created immersive digital environments for card game enthusiasts, wrestling games have brought the excitement of live events into the hands of fans. 

From the early days of arcade-style gameplay to the modern era of hyper-realistic graphics and intricate mechanics, wrestling games have undergone significant evolution. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the best wrestling video games, from the classics that shaped the genre to the modern hits that continue to dominate today.

The Early Days: The Birth of Wrestling Video Games

WWF WrestleMania (1989)

One of the earliest wrestling video games that captured the excitement of the WWF was WWF WrestleMania, released in 1989 for arcade machines. Developed by LJN and featuring some of the most iconic WWF superstars of the time, including Hulk Hogan, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and the Ultimate Warrior, the game was a huge hit. It featured simple controls, where players could choose their favorite wrestlers and battle in one-on-one matches or tag team bouts.

What set WWF WrestleMania apart from other video games of its time was its larger-than-life portrayal of the sport. The characters had exaggerated moves and signature attacks, just like their real-life counterparts. While the gameplay may seem basic by today’s standards, it laid the foundation for future wrestling games and captured the essence of the 1980s wrestling boom.

WWF Super WrestleMania (1991)

Released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis, WWF Super WrestleMania was the next evolution in WWF games. It offered more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors and allowed for four-player multiplayer action. The game’s controls were improved, and the characters had more distinct movesets, making it a more immersive experience.

This game also featured a roster of the biggest stars of the early ‘90s, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Bret Hart. Its gameplay and presentation helped establish the foundation for many future wrestling games that would follow.

The Golden Age of Wrestling Games: 1990s to 2000s

WWF No Mercy (2000)

Perhaps one of the most beloved wrestling games of all time, WWF No Mercy for the Nintendo 64 remains a fan favorite. Released in 2000, it was the follow-up to WWF WrestleMania 2000 and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of arcade-style wrestling games. Developed by AKI Corporation and published by THQ, No Mercy introduced several gameplay innovations that would influence future titles in the genre.

WWF No Mercy stood out for deep customization, letting players create custom wrestlers and move sets and its acclaimed career mode. Fluid controls and various match types kept fans engaged. The game faithfully recreated wrestlers’ personalities and signature moves, making the action immersive.

For many, WWF No Mercy remains the gold standard in wrestling video games and retains strong popularity among retro gaming communities.

SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (2003)

Another entry that remains near the top of many fans’ lists is SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, released for the PlayStation 2 in 2003. This game represented a significant leap forward in terms of gameplay and features, offering smoother and more fluid combat mechanics than its predecessors. The game featured a larger-than-life roster of WWE superstars, including The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena, all of whom had their own signature moves and personalities.

One of the standout features of Here Comes the Pain was the introduction of Brock Lesnar as a playable character, accompanied by his devastating F5 finisher. The game also had an expansive season mode, allowing players to experience WWE storylines and rivalries in-depth. Players could even create their own superstars and take them through their careers, making it a truly immersive experience.

The Modern Era: 2010s to Present

WWE 2K Series (2013–Present)

In the early 2010s, the WWE 2K series took over the reins of wrestling video games after THQ’s bankruptcy, with 2K Sports becoming the official publisher. The first installment, WWE 2K14, released in 2013, marked the beginning of a new era in wrestling video games.

The WWE 2K series introduced a higher level of realism, featuring updated rosters, enhanced graphics, and more intricate animations. WWE 2K14, for instance, included the iconic The Streak mode, which allowed players to relive The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Over the years, the series has introduced new features such as an expanded career mode, enhanced character customization, and various match types, including the highly popular Royal Rumble.

While the WWE 2K series has had its ups and downs—especially with the mixed reception of WWE 2K2, the series remains the most widely recognized and commercially successful wrestling video game franchise today. The developers continue to push the boundaries of realism, with stunning visual fidelity and cutting-edge motion capture technology.

Fire Pro Wrestling World (2017)

On the other side of the spectrum, Fire Pro Wrestling World offers a more simulation-based experience compared to WWE 2K. Released in 2017, this game is the latest installment in the long-running Fire Pro series, renowned for its in-depth customization and strategy-focused gameplay.

What makes Fire Pro Wrestling World unique is its 2D sprite-based graphics, which evoke a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic wrestling games. However, the gameplay is anything but dated. It boasts a detailed and complex combat system that appeals to wrestling purists and those who enjoy a more strategic and methodical approach to wrestling gameplay. The game also features an extensive creation suite, allowing players to create their own wrestlers, rings, and even storylines.

Although it doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal as WWE 2K, Fire Pro Wrestling World is considered by many to be one of the best wrestling games for hardcore wrestling fans, due to its depth and customization options.

What’s Next? The Future of Wrestling Video Games

As wrestling video games continue to evolve, the future looks promising. With advancements in technology, future wrestling games are likely to feature even more realistic graphics, more fluid gameplay mechanics, and deeper story modes. Additionally, with the rise of esports and online gaming, we can expect competitive online play and live events to become an even bigger part of the wrestling gaming experience.

AEW Fight Forever (2023)

In 2023, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) entered the gaming space with AEW Fight Forever. Developed by Yuke’s (the same team behind the earlier WWE SmackDown games), AEW’s first video game aims to bring back the fun, arcade-style gameplay while introducing modern mechanics. It includes both a single-player career mode and multiplayer features, promising to be a strong contender in the wrestling game genre.

Conclusion

From arcade classics to modern titles, wrestling video games have let fans live out their fantasies, rivalries, and legacies. As technology advances, the genre continues to evolve and will likely remain entertaining for fans of all styles for years to come.