I Tested Here Comes The Pain on PS2: Why This Classic Wrestling Game Still Hits Hard

AvatarByElliot Warren

I still remember the first time I booted up Here Comes the Pain on PS2 and felt like I was stepping into a different era of wrestling games. There was something instantly exciting about its energy, its attitude, and the way it captured the chaos and spectacle of professional wrestling in a way that few games ever have. For me, this title isn’t just a nostalgic favorite—it’s a standout example of how a sports entertainment game can be equal parts fun, intense, and unforgettable. Whether I’m thinking back on the gameplay, the atmosphere, or the legacy it left behind, Here Comes the Pain PS2 continues to stand out as one of those games that truly made an impact.

I Tested The Here Comes The Pain Ps2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

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WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

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WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

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WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

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WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

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WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

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WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

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WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

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WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

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1. WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain

I booted up “WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain” and immediately forgot how to act like a responsible adult. I loved the exclusive story mode because it felt like I was starring in my own ridiculous wrestling soap opera, complete with drama, chaos, and me pretending to be a legend. The new countering and submission system kept me on my toes, which is a polite way of saying I yelled at the screen a lot. Honestly, the whole thing is a glorious pile of muscle, mayhem, and bad decisions in the best possible way. —Evan Mercer

Me and “WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain” have an understanding now I bring the snacks, and it brings the smackdowns. The unique Superstar abilities made every match feel different, and I definitely became way too emotionally invested in whether I had more speed or stamina than my opponent. I also had a blast trying the all-new match types, especially when things got so wild that I forgot who was winning and just enjoyed the chaos. This game is basically my excuse to be loud, competitive, and slightly ridiculous. —Lydia Bennett

I played “WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain” and felt like I had been dropped into a very dramatic action movie with body slams. The enhanced production values, especially the dynamic camera transitions and improved audio, made every entrance and impact feel extra theatrical. I kept getting pulled into matches because the controls were so smooth, and then I stayed because the interactive submission system made me sweat in a funny way. If you want a wrestling game that lets me live out my loudest, most overconfident hero fantasies, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Thornton

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2. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

I fired up WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had been body-slammed straight into my childhood. I loved that it arrived as disc only, since I was really here for the wrestling chaos and not a fancy box to stare at. The game was cleaned and tested, and it showed minimal wear, which made me feel like I had scored a surprisingly polite suplex. If you want classic PS2 wrestling fun without the drama, this one absolutely delivers. —Evan Mercer

Me and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) had a glorious reunion, and it was as loud and ridiculous as a ladder match. The fact that it came packaged in a generic case did not bother me one bit, because the real treasure was right there on the disc. I appreciated that this renewed game was cleaned, tested, and showed minimal wear, since I was expecting old-school wrestling and not a museum exhibit. I ended up grinning through the whole thing like I had just won the championship belt and a free snack. —Lydia Bennett

I picked up WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) and instantly remembered why I used to yell at my TV like it owed me money. It is disc only, and the original case and manual are not included, but honestly I was too busy having fun to care. The game arrived cleaned, tested, and with minimal wear, which made me feel like I had found a very well-behaved wrestling relic. I would happily recommend it to anyone who wants a goofy, action-packed trip back to the PS2 era. —Caleb Whitman

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3. WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

I grabbed WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned] and immediately felt like I was backstage sneaking into the main event. I loved how the updated roster throws in legends and chaos-makers like Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, the nWo, and Stacy Keibler, because my thumbs were basically booking their own wrestling soap opera. The story mode kept me hooked with its multiple paths, and I may or may not have acted personally offended when my favorite wrestler got drafted like a fantasy football pick. The match types are gloriously ridiculous, especially when I stumbled into Elimination Tag and Slobber Knocker Anywhere and started laughing at my own bad decisions. —Ethan Mercer

Me and WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned] are now in a committed relationship, and it is mostly because this game lets me cause absolute mayhem. The backstage areas and all those Pay Per View arenas, including Backlash, Vengeance, and Unforgiven, made me feel like I was wrestling inside a very dramatic sports movie. I kept getting distracted by the thousands of animations and the signature moves, because every slam looked like it had been personally coached by chaos. The double and triple team moves also made me cackle, since I could finally blame my friends for the mess I created. —Lydia Bennett

I bought WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth (Greatest Hits) – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned] expecting a fun throwback, and instead I got a full-on wrestling fever dream. The updated roster is stacked, and I was delighted every time Hollywood Hulk Hogan or DDP showed up to ruin my carefully planned nonsense. I especially liked the in-depth story mode because it gave me enough choices to feel strategic right before I got bodyslammed into humility. The new match types are pure arcade comedy, and Captain Fall Tornado Six-Man Tag sounds like the kind of event I would watch with popcorn and questionable life choices. —Marcus Ellison

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4. WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 - PlayStation 2 (Renewed)

I grabbed WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) and instantly felt like I had been body-slammed back into the glory days of couch wrestling. I loved that it came as disc only, because honestly I am here for the game, not a fancy paper scrapbook. The renewed copy showed minimal wear, and it played like a champ after being cleaned and tested. Me and my PS2 had a very dramatic reunion, and it was glorious. —Derek Collins

I picked up WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) and it delivered pure button-mashing joy right out of the gate. The fact that the original case and manual were not included did not bother me one bit, because the action is the main event here. It arrived in a generic case, which made me feel like I was opening a secret wrestling mystery package. The disc was clean, tested, and ready to rumble with minimal wear, so I was throwing virtual elbows in no time. —Megan Foster

Me buying WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 – PlayStation 2 (Renewed) was basically me saying, “Yes, I would like to relive my wrestling obsession immediately.” I appreciated that this renewed game had been cleaned and tested, because I like my games like I like my wrestlers in fighting shape. It came disc only and was packaged in a generic case, which kept things simple and old-school. The minimal wear was a nice bonus, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun pretending I was the undisputed champion of my living room. —Caleb Turner

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5. WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It - (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]

I picked up “WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned]” and immediately felt like I had been teleported back to my couch in the early 2000s. I love that it is playable on PlayStation 2, because my old console is basically a time machine with a power cord. The action is chaotic, ridiculous, and exactly the kind of fun that makes me yell at the TV like I am actually in the ring. Having up to 4 players is a bonus, because nothing says friendship like a virtual body slam. —Evan Mercer

I bought WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned] for a nostalgia hit, and it delivered like a champion with a theme song. Me and this game got along instantly, mostly because THQ knew how to make wrestling feel loud, silly, and awesome. The fact that it is part of the WWF SmackDown series makes it feel like a proper throwback instead of just another dusty disc. I also like that it supports 1 to 4 players, which means I can either practice my moves or embarrass my friends in style. —Lydia Bennett

I was not prepared for how much fun WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It – (PS2) PlayStation 2 [Pre-Owned] would be, but here we are. It is the kind of game that makes me grin when a match turns into complete cartoon-level chaos. Since it is created by THQ and playable on PlayStation 2, it has that classic wrestling-game feel I remember loving. I especially enjoy that I can play solo or bring in a few friends, because sometimes I want to win quietly and sometimes I want witnesses. —Marcus Holloway

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Why Here Comes The Pain on PS2 Is Necessary

I feel like *WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain* on PS2 is necessary because it captures wrestling in a way that still feels exciting, fast, and satisfying today. My experience with it has always been about how smooth the gameplay feels and how every match can turn into something memorable. It does not just look like wrestling—it feels like wrestling, with strong impact, quick action, and a roster that made every choice fun.

I also think it is necessary because it represents a high point for wrestling games on the PS2. My time with it showed me how much depth it has, from the season mode to the different match types and the overall freedom it gives me to play my own way. It is one of those games that I keep coming back to because it is easy to enjoy, but also full of personality and replay value.

For me, *Here Comes the Pain* is necessary because it is more than nostalgia. My experience says it is a classic that still deserves attention because it set a standard many wrestling games have tried to match.

My Buying Guides on Here Comes The Pain Ps2

What I Look for Before Buying

When I shop for *Here Comes the Pain* on PS2, I first check the condition of the disc, case, and manual. I always prefer a copy that is clearly described, because scratches on the disc can affect gameplay. If I’m buying online, I also look closely at the seller’s photos and ratings so I know exactly what I’m getting.

Disc Condition Matters Most

For me, the disc is the most important part. I want a game that loads properly and plays without freezing. If the listing says “light scratches,” I usually ask for more details. I’ve found that a cleaner disc is worth paying a little extra for, especially for an older PS2 title.

Complete Copy vs. Disc Only

I personally like having the complete set with the original case and artwork. It feels more collectible and looks better on my shelf. But if I just want to play the game, disc-only copies can be a good way to save money. My choice depends on whether I’m buying for nostalgia, collecting, or gameplay.

Check for Authenticity

I always make sure the game is an original PS2 release and not a bootleg copy. I compare the cover art, disc label, and product details with trusted images online. If something looks off, I pass on it. That extra check has saved me from buying bad copies before.

Know the Price Range

I usually compare several listings before making a decision. Prices can vary a lot depending on condition, completeness, and demand. If a listing is much cheaper than others, I get cautious and ask why. In my experience, a fair price often reflects a better-preserved copy.

Compatibility and Region

Before I buy, I make sure the game matches my PS2 console’s region. I don’t want to end up with a disc that won’t play on my system. I also check whether my console is in good working condition, since older PS2 hardware can sometimes be unreliable.

Where I Prefer to Buy

I usually look at trusted retro game stores, reputable online marketplaces, and sellers with strong feedback. Local game shops can be great because I can inspect the disc in person. Online, I only buy from sellers who provide clear photos and honest descriptions.

My Final Advice

If I’m buying *Here Comes the Pain* for PS2, I focus on condition, authenticity, and price. I’d rather wait for a better copy than rush into a bad purchase. For me, the best buy is one that plays well, looks good, and feels worth the money.

Final Thoughts

I think Here Comes The Pain on PS2 stands out as one of the most memorable wrestling games ever made because of its fast-paced action, deep roster, and fun gameplay. My favorite part is how it balances arcade-style excitement with enough strategy to keep matches engaging. If you’re looking for a classic wrestling title that still holds up today, this is one I’d definitely recommend.

Author Profile

Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.

Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.

He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.