Story Mode Walkthrough

The story mode takes place over the course of a year. You'll participate in RAW and Smackdown! televised shows as well as WWE pay-per-view events. There are a few branches in the storyline but you'll end up at the same destination. This section provides tips for story mode's most difficult matches. This guide doesn't cover every single match but focuses on different match types and specific hard sequences.

Major Problem and Coming in Second

The story mode begins with you complaining to Stacy Keibler about the current WWE situation. It turns out you and Stacy are an item! This first match in story mode is a standard singles match, normal rules versus a former member of Evolution, Randy Orton. The second is against Chris Jericho.

Standard single matches play out in a similar fashion. Don't eliminate the opponent as quickly as possible. Maintain the upper hand and don't worry about sustaining some damage. Get the crowd involved with taunts and some high flying moves. Obtain multiple specials and pin your opponent after unleashing a special.

The Highlight Reel

You defeated Chris Jericho in the tournament's semi-final match and now appear on his in-ring show the Highlight Reel. Triple H entrance music plays; Ric Flair and Triple H approach the ring in their finest suits. After some grandstanding by the 10-time world champion Triple H, the four competitors in the ring agree to a tag team match. It's essentially a warm-up for Wrestlemania.

This is the first tag team match: You and Chris Jericho against Triple H and Ric Flair. Your opponents are some of the strongest wrestlers in the game, especially Triple H. This is a difficult match, especially since your character hasn't gained much experience so your attributes and skills are fairly low.

The Ric Flair and Triple H combination is a tough two-some. But the match is winnable.

One of the most important things to remember during a tag team match is to utilize your partner. Not only to tag him in when you need a breather but even while you're the legal man. Use the "Z" button and the "D-Pad" to send commands to your tag team partner. Press "Z" and "Left" to order your tag team partner to attack the non-legal opponent. This is important when you're going for a special move or a pin. Your tag team partner can intercept the non-legal opponent to free you up for the special move and pin fall. If not the non-legal opponent could disrupt your special move or the pin.

Also use the "Z" button plus "Down" to cause your partner to stand near you and help pull off a double team maneuver. Use "Z" button and "Up" to order your partner to attack your opponent. Use this when your opponent has readied a special move, is going for the pin, or has you in a submission hold.

Another method would be to punch the non-legal man while he stands on the apron before going for the special move or pin against the legal man. After knocking down the legal man, switch targets to the non-legal opponent and punch him off the apron. Return to the legal man and either try for the pin or pick him up and unleash another special.

It's still difficult to maintain the upper hand on Flair and Triple H. Tag Jericho if your spirit is low or you're taking a lot of punishment. Order your partner to assist frequently to get your opponent on the mat so you can pull off a series of moves. Fortunately this is one of the few matches that you don't have to win. Even if you lose the story mode continues.

Shut Your Mouth

At Wrestlemania, the World Heavyweight Championship belt is stolen. This sets the main storyline in motion that will carry through the rest of the single-player game. More and more WWE superstars begin to question your alibi. Many consider you a prime suspect in the theft. After Wrestlemania you battle Muhammad Hassan in a singles match then follow it up against Edge in a hardcore match.

Triple H begins by trashing you on the microphone (what else is new?). He's trying to convince everyone you were responsible for the missing belt. Stacy Keibler walks onto the ramp to defend your honor. She proclaims you couldn't have stolen the belt because you were with her all night. Edge then shows up and starts insulting Stacy. You won't stand for it and challenge Edge to a hardcore match.

The hardcore match plays out similar to a singles match except there are weapons involved. Several begin inside the ring and you can always grab another from underneath the squared circle. The most important thing to remember is how much swinging weapons drains stamina. Don't overuse the weaponry or you will find yourself out of breath and vulnerable to opponent's maneuvers.

After weapon strikes drain stamina, use a submission hold and select "Rest Hold" to recuperate some of the lost stamina. Make every weapon shot count because even missed strikes drain stamina. Once you start inflicting head damage, begin performing submission holds that work the neck. Soon Edge won't be able to get up quickly and you can pull off a series of uninterrupted moves.

If Edge approaches wit a weapon, wait until he's just enters striking range and attack. You could also try a running strike. You can also hit the "R" button to counter the strike if he's close enough. Weapons won't last forever. A chair breaks down after several strikes and a cane snaps in half. You'll have to pick up another weapon or go outside the ring and grab one from underneath the mat.

Use the experience gained from this match to increase the speed attribute slightly because you have a cage match coming up against Triple H.