By now, you’ve probably seen that 2K Games has managed to rebound from the hellish WWE 2K20 to deliver a worthwhile wrestling experience with WWE 2K22. But what if that isn’t necessarily your cup of tea, still? After all, not everyone wants to pay $60 and then have to grind their way through various modes to unlock everything. And then there’s the update.

Fret not! There are still a number of WWE/WWF wrestling games that you can enjoy without having to wait or pay anything extra. And some of them even bring back the lasting memories of WWE in its better years. 

Let’s take a look at the ten best WWE/WWF games that you can still enjoy today.

10. WWE Crush Hour (PlayStation 2/GameCube)

https://youtu.be/YSJuF3l3ruM

(Video from GXZ95)

Okay, it’s not a wrestling game. It’s more of a Twisted Metal clone. But you still get to pulverize your opponents with some truly creative WWE-inspired vehicles. And, honestly, when’s the last time you saw Rob Van Dam able to perform on the same level as the Undertaker? This one’s good fun to play, especially if you’ve got a friend in tow.

9. WWE 2K16 (PlayStation 3/Xbox 360/Wii)

https://youtu.be/O7aSsaTqBCc

(Video from GameSpot)

After a somewhat disappointing WWE 2K15, 2K Games managed to bounce back with the 2K16 edition, featuring a roster full of favorites, a fun gameplay engine, and lots of modes. But, for some reason, it also had…Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator? Hey, whatever, we could watch him pound Triple H into powder all day.

8. WWF War Zone (Nintendo 64)

https://youtu.be/oLy9gglWLsg

(Video from SMG4LIFE01)

Despite the fact that better N64 wrestling games have followed, Iguana Entertainment did a bang-up job with WWF War Zone on Nintendo 64. It’s a good time, and packed with a number of classic wrestling favorites. Plus you could take on your friends and even create some custom favorites – a staple feature that would follow in future games.

7. WWE Day of Reckoning 2 (GameCube)

https://youtu.be/dp_FmJNldJ0

(Video from Longplay Archive)

There weren’t too many WWE games released on the GameCube, but if we had to choose one for our money, it’d have to be Day of Reckoning 2. It had some great improvements over the first release, and looked better overall too. Plus you could plug in four controllers and just plain have a wild wrestling party!

6. WWE Smackdown: Here Comes the Pain! (PlayStation 2)

https://youtu.be/4FT77YWwr2Y

(Video from xTimelessGaming)

A number of outstanding PlayStation 2 wrestling games came from THQ during its lifespan, but Here Comes the Pain is easily one of our favorites. It’s jam packed with goodness, and has the kind of feel-good vibes from the Attitude Era that we can’t help but revisit. If you’ve got a PS2 sitting around, be sure to add this one to your library.

5. WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (Arcade/consoles)

https://youtu.be/X1URH9xLevI

(Video from AL82 Retrogaming Longplays)

In spite of the fact it has a limited roster of just seven wrestlers, WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game from the camp behind NFL Blitz and NBA Jam had amazing things going for it. Arcade-built gameplay, fun motion-captured visuals, commentary from “The King” and Vinnie Mac, and some insane-looking maneuvers. It’s coin-op bliss at its finest.

If you have a favorite wrestling star, you can choose custom enamel Pins related to him. As decorations for your home or cabinet, you can place them there. There are cute cartoon styles available for the pins. Whether you give the gift or view it yourself, it is a good choice. Not only wrestling, if you have a favorite basketball or football game you also can get it.

4. WWF Superstars/WWF Wrestlefest (Arcade)

https://youtu.be/-2ak_BjxKZo

(Video from World of Longplays)

The creators of Double Dragon pulled off a great feat in the early 90s, with not one but two outstanding WWF arcade games. Superstars is a treat in itself, especially with a Royal Rumble mode; but Wrestlefestimproves on it with a packed roster and even more wrestling goodness. Find a retro arcade and enjoy these games for yourself!

3. WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2006 (PlayStation 2)

https://youtu.be/1PLsV0bmVoM

(Video from GamePlayStation)

Perhaps the most noteworthy of the WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw games, the 2006 version introduced a crucial feature that’s still a staple in several games today – GM mode. Here, you could run WWE programming however you saw fit, mind a few wrinkles. It’s a top feature, and combined with great presentation and fun controls, it just all clicks together.

2. WWE All Stars (Xbox 360/PlayStation 3/Wii)

https://youtu.be/aRqqx9Gb4Sg

(Video from Humpelfunftel)

Out of the blue, THQ produced one of the best arcade-style wrestling games out there. Sure, the wrestlers were questionably super-buffed for some reason, but the exciting, move-filled gameplay makes up for it. The visuals are exciting to watch as well, and Fantasy Warfare is a mode that hasn’t been revisited since. Track down a copy as soon as you can!

1. WWF WrestleMania 2000/WWF No Mercy (Nintendo 64)

https://youtu.be/IUZcLSrYmzc

(Video from AmitDabydeen)

If there are two games that truly define THQ made the right move with WWF-licensed wrestling games, it’s with hiring Aki to produce No Mercy and WrestleMania 2000. No matter which game you choose, you’ll find a tremendously loaded roster, four-player wrestling goodness, tight gameplay, and tons of modes. Like WCW Vs. NWO World Tour and Revenge before it, these two are instant classics that are worth adding to any game library.