Top 15 Wrestling Games Of All Time

Wrestling video games have provided fans with immersive experiences, allowing them to step into the squared circle and relive iconic matches or create their own wrestling legends. Over the years, numerous titles have stood out for their gameplay, roster, and innovation. Here’s a look at 15 of the best wrestling games of all time:

WWF No Mercy (2000) Developed by AKI Corporation for the Nintendo 64, WWF No Mercy is often hailed as the pinnacle of wrestling games. It featured a robust roster, intuitive controls, and a deep championship mode, providing endless replayability.
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (2003) Released on the PlayStation 2, this game introduced a more refined grappling system and a vast roster, including legends and current superstars of that era. The season mode was particularly praised for its depth and storytelling.
Fire Pro Wrestling World (2017) Part of the long-running Fire Pro series, this installment offered unparalleled customization, allowing players to create and share wrestlers, rings, and even entire promotions. Its 2D graphics and strategic gameplay appealed to purists.
WCW/nWo Revenge (1998) Another AKI Corporation classic for the Nintendo 64, this game captured the height of WCW’s popularity, featuring a comprehensive roster and the introduction of the “Revenge” meter, adding a strategic element to matches.
WWE 2K14 (2013) Celebrated for its “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode, WWE 2K14 allowed players to relive iconic matches from WrestleMania history. The gameplay was smooth, and the creation suite was expansive.
Def Jam: Fight for NY (2004) While not a traditional wrestling game, this title combined hip-hop culture with wrestling mechanics, featuring rappers as fighters in a gritty, underground setting. Its story mode and combat system were highly acclaimed.
WWE All Stars (2011) Taking a more arcade-style approach, WWE All Stars featured exaggerated character models and over-the-top moves, providing a fun, fast-paced alternative to simulation-style wrestling games.
Pro Wrestling (1986) An early entry in the genre for the NES, Pro Wrestling was simple yet addictive, introducing many to the concept of wrestling video games. Its memorable characters and straightforward gameplay left a lasting impact.
Saturday Night Slam Masters (1993) Developed by Capcom, this arcade game combined wrestling with elements of street fighting, featuring colourful characters and special moves, making it a unique entry in the genre.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 (2005) This instalment refined the gameplay mechanics of its predecessors and introduced the General Manager mode, allowing players to manage a brand, draft superstars, and book shows.
Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: Ōdō Keishō (2000) A Japan-exclusive title for the Nintendo 64, it featured a vast roster of Japanese wrestling legends and a deep grappling system, making it a favourite among import gamers.
TNA Impact! (2008) Based on the Total Nonstop Action promotion, this game offered impressive graphics for its time and a unique control scheme, though it was critiqued for its limited roster and modes.
WWE Day of Reckoning 2 (2005) Exclusive to the GameCube, this title was praised for its engaging story mode and solid gameplay mechanics, standing out among wrestling games of its era.
WWF WrestleFest (1991) An arcade classic, WrestleFest featured vibrant graphics and a roster of WWF superstars, offering both tag team and Royal Rumble modes, making it a hit in arcades.
Legends of Wrestling II (2002) This game brought together numerous wrestling legends from various eras and promotions, offering a nostalgic experience despite some gameplay criticisms.