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Retro Grappling Game Steals the Attention at Cena's Last Monday Night Raw Appearance
The 17th of November edition of Monday Night Raw broadcast on Netflix showcased Cena's last appearance on the show as an competing wrestler. Additionally witnessed the reappearance and showdown between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns as they joined their respective groups for the forthcoming 5-on-5 match at WarGames. Wedged in between the excitement were unexpected moments like AJ Lee supporting Maxxine Dupri claim the women's Intercontinental Championship, and Dolph Ziggler reappearing. In such a jam-packed Madison Square Garden show, the focus was taken by Lil Yachty, when he presented his silver PSP for the camera, indicating he was playing SmackDown! vs Raw 2006.
Trending Moment: Lil Yachty and His Portable Console
Despite everything that transpired on this historic Raw, it was Lil Yachty and his PSP that trended online. Might it be because of society's enduring love for Sony's mobile device? Might it be because people cherish the memory of the greatness of the SmackDown! vs. Raw franchise? Or perhaps, because WWE fans have little enthusiasm for the newer 2K games?
Delving Into SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006: A Iconic Title
If you're unfamiliar, SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 represented the franchise's debut on the PSP and was the last entry in the SmackDown! vs. Raw line to remain PlayStation-exclusive. The game shifted the franchise toward increased realism and authenticity, departing from the fast-paced feel of earlier titles. It brought in a new momentum bar that governed the flow of a match, taking the place of the previous "clean/dirty" and "SmackDown!" meters. Players could opt to wrestle “clean” as a face or “dirty” as a heel, with a stamina system that drained as matches grew more intense; more elaborate moves meant faster fatigue. SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 ultimately became the best-selling PlayStation 2 installment in the entire series.
Progression of the Franchise
The franchise began with WWF SmackDown! on the original PlayStation and continued as an annual release, except in 2021. It remained a only on PlayStation until WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007, which brought the franchise to further platforms. In 2013, the series was relabeled as WWE 2K, commencing with WWE 2K14.
Innovations and Unique Modes
Previously, the SmackDown! vs. Raw games reigned supreme and appeared as an progression of titles from the N64 era, because of enhanced graphics. When the franchise moved to PlayStation 2, that sensation only heightened as titles with crisp visuals, new gaming modes, and RPG storylines were steadily introduced.
The PSP release of SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 includes features not found on its PS2 version, including three unique side games available from the start. The first, "WWE Game Show," quizzes players with 500 wrestling questions covering everything from music and finishers to history and feuds, occasionally using audio clips or video snippets. The other two minigames are a poker game and "Eugene’s Airplane," where players direct Eugene (whose persona is being an special needs wrestling savant) around the ring as quickly as possible.
Nostalgia and Impact
The earlier SmackDown! vs. Raw games were very whacky, even when they sought more realistic gameplay. The franchise transitioned toward total simulations with the 2K games, lacking the creative ideas of their predecessors. But the older titles also acted as reminders of some of our cherished eras of wrestling.
Perhaps fans are nostalgic for a alike, more "fun-based" time in their wrestling games. Maybe the joy of seeing a celebrity paying tribute to the greatness of the PSP, like the rest of the internet does, is what made folks cheer for Yachty. Or perhaps SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 was truly exceptional, and reflects an similarly great era of wrestling, one that was ruled by John Cena, who will bow out from in-ring competition on the 13th of December, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Clarence Scott
Elara is a passionate esports journalist with over a decade of experience covering major gaming events and trends.
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