In the world of WWE, nothing comes easily, and every match is a battle for survival and self-proving. In SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006, players find themselves in an epic struggle inside the professional wrestling ring, where a wrestler’s career is shaped by their decisions and actions both inside and outside the ring.
The story begins backstage, where tensions rise, and rivalries escalate between wrestlers, whether through direct title matches or hidden conspiracies. Every step you take changes the course of events—will you become the biggest star in WWE, or will you find yourself just another obstacle in the path of wrestling legends? The game takes you on a journey spanning two years of drama and challenges, where you can choose to be a fan-favorite hero or a villain who thrives on chaos. There are no limits—only the ring decides, and the audience determines who deserves to become the next legend.
From the very first match you play, you will feel that this game takes wrestling to a new level of realism. It is no longer just about landing powerful moves and finishing attacks but now requires precise strategy, energy management, and perfect timing. The new Momentum System adds more depth to matches, requiring you to build up your offense gradually to unleash your finishing move at the perfect moment. One of the standout additions in this version is the Stamina System, which forces you to think carefully. Constant attacking without breaks can tire your wrestler, making them vulnerable to counterattacks. Matches are no longer about brute strength alone; you must be smart in balancing offense and defense.
As for the new modes, the game introduces the General Manager Mode, where you go from being just a fighter to the mastermind behind the shows. You have the power to manage contracts, organize matches, and attract audiences to your brand, whether Raw or SmackDown! This mode adds an exciting strategic dimension that was not present in previous versions, offering players a complete experience that combines in-ring competition with behind-the-scenes management.
The variety of match types exceeds expectations, from classic bouts like Hell in a Cell and Elimination Chamber to unique matches such as Buried Alive, where you must bury your opponent in a grave. These details make the experience feel just like WWE, where you never know what will happen after the bell rings.
When comparing this version to the previous one, the improvements are evident. Graphically, character models have been significantly enhanced, with more detailed facial expressions and a fully 3D crowd that makes the atmosphere feel more alive and realistic. In terms of gameplay, the introduction of Momentum and Stamina Systems revolutionized match mechanics, adding tactical depth instead of relying on random button-mashing. Players can no longer spam powerful moves without consequences, as fatigue now affects performance, forcing them to adopt new strategies.
The General Manager Mode was a massive addition, making players feel like they control the WWE world from a different perspective. Success is no longer just about winning matches but also about making smart decisions behind the scenes. These changes make the game not just a minor upgrade but a major leap forward, making it one of the greatest wrestling games of its generation, offering an engaging and diverse experience for fans of this genre.