The Visual history of WWE SmackDown!

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From hard body jaggies to marble-sculpted brawlers, we chart the smoothing of the beefcake

WWE SmackDown! vs RAW 2006 - 2005
Also known as one of the best installments in the series, we finally get full 3D audience members, a fully 3D backstage “hub” locker room, and plenty of “Hold on, I’m tired” physics as a new Momentum bar was integrated. Slowing down gameplay, you had to hold Select to get your breath. That meant every minute or so, your grappler would collapse to one knee and breathe like an asthmatic cat wrangler. Additionally, clothing behaved realistically and looked less “painted on.” THQ really goes the extra mile in terms of the finer details - check out the Undertaker’s faded arm/neck tattoos in comparison to Kurt Angle’s and Randy Orton’s crisper, more vibrant shoulder tattoos.