WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (2003) is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling games ever made. Released for PlayStation 2, it expanded on Shut Your Mouth with a deeper season mode, RPG-style progression, and an expanded roster including legends and new stars like Brock Lesnar and John Cena.

Gameplay refined the SmackDown formula with grappling that balanced speed and depth, new submission systems, and body damage indicators. The roster featured multiple versions of wrestlers, alongside legends like Hogan and Flair. Backstage areas expanded, with interactive environments adding chaos. Presentation was stellar, with entrances, commentary, and authentic branding.

Here Comes the Pain’s legacy is immense. It’s remembered as a gold standard of wrestling games, balancing accessibility with depth and still beloved by fans two decades later.