For many years WWE has been the dominant force in the professional wrestling business, virtually having a monopoly in the early to mid-2000s. It hasn’t been too different in regards to wrestling games either. The yearly 2K, formally THQ, titles are continually the most talked-about grapplers. However, other wrestling games do exist.
Some focus on different companies, others on hip-hop artists, and several solely concentrate on the sport itself. Plenty of them are among the greatest wrestling games ever, but they don’t get the same attention as those that fall under WWE’s banner. So, to fix that, here are the best ones.
10 Pro Wrestling (1987)
Through today’s eyes, Nintendo’s Pro Wrestling doesn’t look too great. But for a game from the 80s, it plays surprisingly well. There’s something to be admired about the simplicity of each match. And it’s so easy to pick up and play – unlike some of the 2K games.
In the single-player, the chosen wrestler has to beat a stream of opponents to earn a shot at the prestigious Video Wrestling Championship. While it might not be as good of a narrative as some of the WWE games’ best efforts, it’s still serviceable, just like the rest of the game.
9 Total Extreme Wrestling 2020 (2020)
While there are many great simulators out there, one designed around wrestling doesn’t sound too interesting. After all, the entertainment/sport hybrid is mostly about action. However, Total Extreme Wrestling, formally Extreme Warfare, series has shown on several occasions that running a wrestling promotion can be fun.
The player is responsible for things like organizing talent, creating storylines, and booking shows. These tasks are most enjoyable in this latest installment due to the game’s extra depth and refinement.
8 King of Colosseum II (2004)
There have been several fantastic wrestling titles that were, unfortunately, only released in Japan. However, some of them were so good that people paid for the import, King of Colosseum II being a prime example.
This game includes wrestlers from various Japanese companies like New Japan, All Japan, and Pro Wrestling NOAH, just to name a few. Joining these big stars are several fictional wrestlers, which altogether makes for a huge roster. The matches they compete in are often to be exciting as well since the game has plenty of nice reversals and smooth transitions that match up to today’s standards.
7 Saturday Night Slam Masters (1993)
The SNES has a mixed record with wrestling games – some are great, whereas others certainly aren’t. Thankfully, Saturday Night Slam Masters fits into the former category. Immediately from its presentation, most can guess that it’s developed by Capcom as it looks a lot like Street Fighter.
It plays like the fighting game series also, only instead of Hadoukens, the combatants use suplexes. The style actually translates really well to the wrestling world. Unfortunately, there are not many wrestlers to play as, but they’re all well-designed. And it’s cool to see Final Fight’s Mike Hagger included.
6 WCW Vs. NWO: World Tour (1997)
WCW was the last company to challenge WWE’s dominance over the wrestling business – AEW may get there one day. And WCW Vs. NWO: World Tour proves they could compete against them in the video game market also. The title includes much of WCW’s roster from that time, so the likes of Hulk Hogan, Sting, and Ric Flair feature.
They don’t all look too great, but the gameplay makes up for it. Each match plays out at an enjoyably quick pace while still resembling wrestling. These brawls are especially fun with multiple players.
5 Def Jam Vendetta (2003)
The idea of merging Pro Wrestling with Hip Hop initially seems like a strange idea, yet the Def Jam series has always made it work. One of their best efforts is Def Jam Vendetta.
The game includes real-life rappers, such as Ludacris, Method Man, and DMX, who all play roles in the main story. They and others are positioned as opponents for the main protagonist while he’s making a name for himself in the street fighting world. The narrative makes Vendetta sound like a fighter, but all of the grapples, Irish whips, and facebusters prove it’s a wrestling game.
4 Def Jam: Fight for NY (2004)
Fight For NY is a little bit better than it’s predecessor (Vendetta). The presentation is more polished, there are more fighters, and it boasts a superior story. This time the hero is tasked with taking down the villainous Crow’s crew. This objective is achieved by besting the gang’s members in wrestling matches.
The whole game has plenty of style, but that wouldn’t mean much without the fluid gameplay and exciting matches. It ranks as one of the most highly regarded wrestling titles ever.
3 Fire Pro Wrestling Returns (2007)
Outside of the WWE games, Fire Pro Wrestling is one of the longest-running wrestling franchises in gaming. And not only is Fire Pro Wrestling Returns among its best installments, but it’s one of the greatest wrestling games on the PS2.
Where it shines the most is in its grappling. Getting the upper hand on an opponent requires plenty of timing and strategy, as button mashers will likely get squashed. Add to that some deep customization and nice modes, and it all makes for a brilliant game.
2 WCW/NWO Revenge (1998)
In 1998, WCW was doing well, both in the Monday Night Wars and the video game world. WCW/NWO Revenge has one of the best rosters ever assembled, with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart featuring alongside future stars such as Chris Jericho and Booker T.
The game’s improved presentation over World Tour makes both the wrestlers and arenas look pretty decent (for the time). As for the matches themselves, they are a blast to play as the grappling system is simple yet very enjoyable.
1 Fire Pro Wrestling World (2018)
In recent years, the main WWE games have often strived for a simulation-style – except for Battlegrounds. So, it’s cool that Fire Pro Wrestling World can provide a more arcade-style alternative while still being among the best wrestling games of the decade.
Like most of the installments before it, Fire Pro Wrestling World has engaging gameplay with incredibly deep customization options, right down to tweaking how AI behaves. And this title has DLC that allows the inclusion of some of New Japan and Stardom’s biggest stars from 2018, highlighted by Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada.
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