WCW Backstage Assault (2000) was EA’s final WCW game, infamous for its odd design choice: removing the wrestling ring entirely. Matches took place exclusively backstage, in locker rooms, garages, and arenas, reflecting the hardcore brawling trend of late WCW. While innovative in concept, it alienated fans who wanted traditional ring-based wrestling.

Gameplay focused on strikes, weapon use, and environmental interactions. Grappling depth was minimal, and repetitive animations hurt replay value. While the backstage environments were varied, the lack of ring action left players unsatisfied. Critically, the game was panned and is often cited as one of the worst wrestling games ever released. Its legacy is a cautionary tale about straying too far from fan expectations.