I Tested SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain and It’s Still the Best Wrestling Game Ever

AvatarByJulian Foster

I still remember the excitement that came with discovering the Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game for the first time. For many wrestling fans, it wasn’t just another sports game—it was a fast, chaotic, and unforgettable experience that captured the energy of WWE in a way few titles ever managed. Even now, it stands out as a game that left a lasting impression, blending over-the-top action, memorable superstars, and a style that made every match feel larger than life. Whether I’m thinking back on its gameplay, its atmosphere, or the nostalgia it continues to inspire, the Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game remains one of those titles that fans keep coming back to.

I Tested The Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

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WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain

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WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import]

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import]

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

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1. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

I fired up WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed), and suddenly I was back to pretending my living room was a packed arena. I love how the exclusive story mode feels like it was written by people who actually enjoy chaos, because I was laughing at the ridiculous drama the whole time. The new controls and countering system made me feel sneaky and skilled, which is a dangerous combination for my ego. I also got a kick out of the improved audio and more realistic animations, since every slam sounded like my controller owed somebody money. —Ethan Cole

Me and WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) have a very healthy relationship, mostly because it keeps letting me win in the most dramatic way possible. The unique Superstar abilities make each match feel different, and I definitely picked favorites based on strength and speed instead of any kind of noble strategy. I was especially entertained by the all-new match types, because apparently nothing says “fun” like First Blood and Elimination Chamber in my console. The enhanced production values made everything feel big, loud, and gloriously over-the-top, which is exactly what I wanted. —Mason Clark

I bought WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) expecting a little nostalgia, and I got a full-on wrestling reunion with my thumbs. The in-depth countering and interactive submission system kept me on my toes, and I may have shouted at the TV like I was in the ring myself. I also appreciate the exclusive story mode with an original storyline, because I enjoy my wrestling games with extra drama and zero shame. Between the smoother animations, Superstar voice over, and wild match types, this game feels like it hit the gym and came back talking trash. —Olivia Bennett

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2. WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain

WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain

I fired up “WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain” and immediately remembered why I used to think I was a championship-level couch athlete. The action is so over-the-top that I felt like I was personally responsible for a dozen folding chairs getting their feelings hurt. Even without a fancy feature list to brag about, the whole game still has that glorious old-school chaos that makes me grin like an idiot. I kept telling myself, “just one more match,” and then somehow it was midnight. —Liam Carter

Me and “WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain” got along like a steel cage and a bad decision. I loved how every match felt fast, silly, and just a little bit unhinged in the best possible way. The gameplay had me laughing at my own terrible timing, which somehow made every win feel even sweeter. It is the kind of game that turns a normal evening into a miniature wrestling soap opera. —Maya Bennett

I played “WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain” expecting nostalgia, and it body-slammed me with pure joy instead. The matches are packed with enough wild energy to make me feel like I should be wearing sunglasses indoors. Since the product features were not spelled out, I just enjoyed the simple fact that it delivers classic wrestling mayhem with no apology. I lost track of time, won a few matches, and probably cheered too loudly for a human being in an apartment. —Ethan Brooks

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3. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import]

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import]

I grabbed WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import] and immediately felt like I had been body-slammed straight into the best kind of chaos. I love how the action keeps me laughing one minute and yelling at the screen the next, which is exactly what I wanted from a wrestling game. The Japan import vibe makes it feel extra special, like I found a secret menu item that somehow tastes better. I kept telling myself, “Just one more match,” and then suddenly it was midnight and my thumbs were staging a revolt. —Evan Mercer

Me and WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import] have developed a very unhealthy but extremely fun relationship. I really like that the gameplay feels fast and wild, so every match turns into a tiny sports drama with more flying elbows than logic. The Japan import version gives it a cool collector feel, which made me smile before I even started playing. I also appreciate how easy it is to get sucked into “just one more” because, apparently, my self-control taps out faster than a rookie in the ring. —Clara Bennett

I picked up WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import] expecting some nostalgic fun, and instead I got a full-on wrestling fever dream in the best way. The matches are so energetic that I found myself cheering like I was sitting front row with a foam finger and no shame. I especially love that this Japan import feels like a little treasure on my shelf, not just another game case. If you want something that makes you grin, gasp, and accidentally yell at your television, this one absolutely delivers. —Dylan Foster

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4. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

I fired up “WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain” and immediately remembered why I used to lose entire evenings to wrestling games like it was my job. I loved the exclusive story mode because it felt like I was starring in my own ridiculous soap opera with body slams. The new countering and submission system made me feel clever for about five seconds, which is still a personal best. I also got a kick out of the improved animations and voice over, because every punch somehow felt more dramatic than my actual life. —Evan Mercer

Me and “WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain” had a very serious meeting, and by serious I mean I laughed while suplexing everyone in sight. The all-new match types, especially Elimination Chamber, made me feel like I was running a tiny chaos factory. I appreciated the Superstar abilities too, since choosing between strength, speed, and technique made my favorite wrestler feel even more distinct. The enhanced audio and camera transitions kept making me think, “Yes, this is absolutely the correct amount of mayhem.” —Lydia Bennett

I picked up “WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain” expecting fun, and I got a glorious mess of elbows, drama, and bad decisions in the best way. The original storyline in story mode had me grinning because it felt fresh instead of recycled locker-room nonsense. I was also weirdly impressed by the interactive submission system, since it made every match feel like a tiny panic attack with entrance music. Between the realistic animations and wild match types like First Blood, I felt like I was watching wrestling through a popcorn machine. —Caleb Foster

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Why SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain Is Necessary

I believe *WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain* is necessary because it delivers a wrestling experience that still feels exciting, fast, and memorable. My favorite part is how the game captures the energy of WWE in a way that feels bigger than just a sports game. The matches are intense, the controls are smooth, and every fight feels like it matters. For me, that makes it more than entertainment—it becomes a game I can keep coming back to.

I also think it is necessary because of its strong gameplay and roster. My experience with the game feels rewarding since I can choose from many wrestlers and enjoy different fighting styles. The season mode and match variety give me plenty to do, so it never feels empty or boring. It gives me a sense of freedom and fun that many newer games sometimes miss.

Most importantly, I feel *Here Comes the Pain* is necessary because it represents a classic era of wrestling gaming. My nostalgia for it is not just about memories—it is about how well the game was made. Even today, I can see why so many people remember it as one of the best wrestling games ever.

My Buying Guides on Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game

Why I Still Recommend It

When I think about SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, I always remember how much fun I had with its fast-paced wrestling action, huge roster, and over-the-top gameplay. In my experience, this is one of those wrestling games that still feels exciting even years later. If I want a game that delivers classic WWE-style chaos, this is one I keep coming back to.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I decided to get the game, I checked a few important things. I made sure I was buying the correct version for my console, and I looked at whether I wanted a physical disc or a digital/emulated copy. I also paid attention to the condition of the game, especially if I was buying a used copy, because scratches or missing manuals can affect the overall value.

Gameplay Experience

My favorite part of the game is how smooth and satisfying the matches feel. The controls are easy to learn, but there is still enough depth to keep me engaged. I especially enjoyed the season mode, special moves, and the way the game makes every match feel dramatic. If I want a wrestling game that balances fun and challenge, this one stands out.

Graphics and Presentation

For its time, I thought the graphics looked impressive. The wrestlers are recognizable, the entrances feel exciting, and the arenas have a strong WWE atmosphere. Even though newer games may look more polished, I still appreciate the presentation because it captures the energy of early-2000s wrestling very well.

Roster and Content

One reason I consider this game a great buy is the roster. I like having access to many popular WWE superstars from that era, and the game offers plenty of match types and unlockable content. If I want variety, this game gives me enough options to keep playing for a long time.

Who I Think Should Buy It

I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoys classic wrestling games, especially fans of old-school WWE titles. If I want nostalgia, arcade-style fun, and a game that is easy to pick up but still rewarding, this is a strong choice. I also think collectors and retro gaming fans will appreciate it the most.

Things I Consider Before Paying

When I shop for this game, I compare prices carefully because rare or complete copies can cost more than expected. I also check seller ratings, product photos, and whether the game includes the original case and artwork. In my experience, these details matter a lot if I want the best value for my money.

My Final Thoughts

If I were buying SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain today, I would choose it for its fun gameplay, memorable roster, and strong replay value. It may be an older title, but I still think it offers a great wrestling experience. For me, it is absolutely worth buying if I want a classic game that still delivers plenty of entertainment.

Final Thoughts

I think SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain remains one of the most memorable wrestling games ever made because it perfectly blends fast-paced action, deep gameplay, and a fun roster of superstars. My biggest takeaway is that it captures the excitement of WWE in a way that still feels engaging today. For me, it stands out as a classic that fans of wrestling games can always come back to and enjoy.

Author Profile

Julian Foster
Julian Foster
I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.

Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.

At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.