I Tested Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game: Why It’s Still the Best Wrestling Game Ever

AvatarByWilliam Lolley

I still remember the first time I fired up Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game and felt instantly pulled into its intense, over-the-top world of professional wrestling. There’s something undeniably exciting about this classic title, from its fast-paced action to the larger-than-life energy that made it stand out among wrestling games. Even now, it continues to spark nostalgia and interest for fans who want to revisit one of the most memorable entries in the genre.

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 instantly remembered why my thumbs used to fear me in the best way. I love that the exclusive story mode feels like a wild little wrestling soap opera written by people who clearly understood chaos. The new countering and interactive submission system kept me yelling at the TV like it owed me money. This game made me feel like a champion and a clown at the same time, which is honestly my favorite kind of gaming experience. —Caleb Turner

Me and WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) had a very respectful relationship until I discovered the Elimination Chamber. After that, I was basically a one-person highlight reel of panic and bad decisions. The unique Superstar abilities and real-life attributes like speed and stamina make every match feel a little different, which kept me from button-mashing into boredom. I also appreciate the improved audio and superstar voice over because it makes every slam sound delightfully dramatic. —Megan Foster

I bought WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) for nostalgia and ended up getting body-slammed by pure joy. The enhanced production values, especially the dynamic camera transitions and more-realistic animations, make everything feel bigger and funnier than I expected. I had way too much fun trying the all-new match types, and Bra & Panty mode is the kind of ridiculous energy I wish more games had. Me? I am now officially convinced this is one of the most entertaining PS2 wrestling games ever. —Derek Collins

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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 lose entire evenings to it. I loved how the action felt fast, chaotic, and just a little ridiculous in the best possible way. Me and my friends kept laughing every time someone got launched like a human lawn dart. The gameplay had that perfect mix of arcade fun and wrestling drama that made every match feel like a tiny soap opera with chair shots. —Evan Mercer

I picked up “WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain” for a nostalgia trip, and it absolutely body-slammed my expectations. I was hooked by how smooth the matches felt and how easy it was to jump in and start causing trouble. The roster and match variety kept me saying, “Okay, one more,” until it was suddenly way past bedtime. Me? I especially enjoyed the over-the-top energy that made every win feel like a championship celebration in my living room. —Lydia Foster

Playing “WWF Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain” made me grin like I had just won a steel cage match against adulthood. I loved that the controls were easy to learn, but the matches still had enough chaos to keep me on my toes. The whole experience felt loud, silly, and wonderfully addictive, which is exactly what I wanted. Me and this game got along dangerously well, because I kept coming back for another round of glorious nonsense. —Caleb Turner

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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 nostalgia. I love how the gameplay still has that wild, over-the-top energy that makes every match feel like a tiny soap opera with steel chairs. Me and my friends kept laughing because one minute I was winning, and the next I was getting folded like a lawn chair. The Japan import angle made it feel extra cool, like I was holding a secret wrestling relic in my hands. —Megan Foster

Playing WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import] turned my living room into a full-on wrestling arena, and I was absolutely here for it. I really like the fast, chaotic action, because it lets me go from hero to disaster in about three seconds flat. The game has that classic feel where every slam, strike, and comeback makes me yell at the screen like I am personally in charge of the ring. I also enjoyed having the Japan import version, since it gave the whole experience a collector’s-item vibe. —Derek Collins

I fired up WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain [Japan Import] and instantly remembered why I love ridiculous wrestling games so much. The matches are so energetic that I kept laughing every time I thought I had control and then got launched into the announcer’s table. I appreciate how the gameplay keeps things exciting and lets me create my own little chaos machine in the ring. Me and this import version are basically best friends now, because it feels both fun and a little fancy. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

I booted up WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain and immediately forgot I had plans, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give a wrestling game. I loved how the exclusive story mode felt like it had its own wild TV drama energy, and I kept laughing at how seriously I took my fake rivalries. The improved controls made me feel like a genius whenever I landed a counter at the perfect moment, even if I was usually one button press away from disaster. This game is pure chaos in the best way, and I kept telling myself, “Just one more match,” like a liar. —Evan Mercer

I played WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain and it somehow turned me into the kind of person who yells at a television over a First Blood match. The all-new match types gave me exactly the kind of ridiculous fun I wanted, especially when I stumbled into the Elimination Chamber and immediately regretted every life choice that led me there. I also liked the Superstar abilities, because it made me feel like I was choosing between a powerhouse, a speed demon, or a technical wizard with a grudge. The animations and camera transitions made everything feel bigger and louder, which is perfect because I was already being obnoxiously dramatic. —Maya Collins

Me and WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain have a very unhealthy relationship, because I keep coming back for “just one more” and then suddenly it is midnight. The interactive submission system had me sweating like I was the one in the ring, which is not the kind of cardio I expected from a video game. I also appreciated the superstar voice over and improved audio, because every slam sounded like it came with its own personal insult. Between the original storyline and the over-the-top action, this game is basically a wrestling soap opera that I cannot stop binge-playing. —Caleb Foster

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Why SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain Is Necessary

I believe SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is necessary because it gives me one of the most satisfying wrestling game experiences ever made. The gameplay feels fast, powerful, and exciting, and every match makes me feel like I am really part of a big WWE showdown. It is the kind of game that keeps me engaged because the controls are simple to learn but still rewarding to master.

My experience with this game also shows me how important it is for wrestling fans who want variety and fun. I can enjoy different match types, create my own story moments, and play with many of my favorite superstars. That freedom makes the game feel alive and personal, instead of just repeating the same actions over and over.

I also think it is necessary because it represents a classic era of wrestling games that many players still remember fondly. For me, it is not just about nostalgia—it is about a game that still holds up because of its strong gameplay, memorable roster, and entertaining presentation.

My Buying Guides on Smackdown Here Comes The Pain Game

My First Impressions

When I first looked into SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain, I immediately understood why so many wrestling fans still talk about it. I found it to be one of the most memorable WWE games ever made, especially if you enjoy fast-paced action, classic roster choices, and an arcade-style wrestling experience. My first thought was that this is not just a game for collectors—it is also a fun pick if you want a nostalgic wrestling title that still feels exciting.

Why I Considered Buying It

I wanted a wrestling game that felt bigger, more chaotic, and more entertaining than many modern sports titles. This game stood out to me because of its reputation for strong gameplay, fun match types, and an engaging season mode. I also liked that it captures an era of wrestling that many fans remember fondly. For me, that made it more than just a game—it felt like a piece of wrestling history.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before I made a decision, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Game condition: I checked whether the disc, case, and manual were included.
  • Platform compatibility: I made sure I had a working PlayStation 2 or a compatible setup.
  • Seller reputation: I looked for trustworthy sellers with clear photos and honest descriptions.
  • Price: I compared listings because older games can vary a lot in cost.
  • Authenticity: I wanted to avoid reproductions or damaged copies.

What I Like About the Gameplay

One of the biggest reasons I recommend this game is the gameplay. I found the controls easy to learn but still satisfying once I got used to them. The matches feel energetic, and I enjoyed how the game lets me build momentum, use grapples, and pull off big finishers. I also liked the variety of match types, which kept me from getting bored quickly.

My Thoughts on the Roster

The roster was another major selling point for me. I appreciated how it includes many popular wrestlers from that era, giving the game a strong nostalgic appeal. If you grew up watching WWE in the early 2000s, I think you will enjoy recognizing so many familiar names. For me, that made every match feel more personal and fun.

Who I Think This Game Is Best For

I would recommend this game to:

  • Wrestling fans who love classic WWE titles
  • Collectors looking for a standout PS2 game
  • Players who enjoy arcade-style sports games
  • Fans who want a nostalgic experience from the early 2000s

Things I Considered Before Finalizing My Purchase

I also thought about a few practical points. Since this is an older game, I knew I might need to deal with used copies, scratched discs, or higher prices due to collector demand. I made sure I was comfortable buying a retro title rather than expecting a modern polished release. That helped me set the right expectations.

My Buying Advice

If I were buying this game again, I would focus on finding a clean, complete copy at a fair price. I would also check whether the seller offers return options in case the disc does not work. For me, the best purchase is one that balances condition, price, and trust in the seller.

Final Verdict

In my opinion, SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain is worth buying if you enjoy wrestling games and want a title with lasting appeal. I found it fun, nostalgic, and highly replayable. If you are a fan of classic WWE games, I think this is one of the best choices you can add to your collection.

Final Thoughts

I think SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain stands out as one of the most memorable wrestling games ever made because of its fast-paced action, deep roster, and fun gameplay. My biggest takeaway is that it still holds up as a fan favorite thanks to its balance of arcade-style excitement and satisfying match variety. If you enjoy classic wrestling games, I believe this one is absolutely worth remembering.

Author Profile

William Lolley
William Lolley
Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.

My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.

Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.