WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2008 Walkthrough

By: Doug Radcliffe

It's time to return to the squared circle! THQ's Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 features over 50 current and legendary WWE superstars and divas (adding ECW and its extreme rules match!), a challenging Hall of Fame mode, and unique fighting styles and abilities for each superstar. Take advantage of a Powerhouse wrestler's rampage ability to execute irreversible grapples or a Showman's ability to steal an opponent's finishing move.

The GameSpot Game Guide to Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 includes stats for this year's roster of playable superstars and legends, a complete rundown of the new fighting styles feature, general strategies for matches and 24/7 mode, tips on completing the Hall of Fame challenges, contents of the WWE shop, and a list of Xbox 360 achievements and cheat codes.

Super Star Stats

A complete rundown of vital statistics for all superstars, divas, and legends featured in the game.

Fighting Styles

Each superstar uses specific fighting styles that offer unique abilities and moves. This section reveals all fighting styles, abilities, and which superstar uses each style.

General Strategies

Check this section for strategies on momentum, locational damage, and specific tips on match types, such as the Royal Rumble and the Hell in a Cell.

24/7 Mode

This year's season mode is 24/7 where you control a superstar or a general manager in all daily activities. Look here for tips on elevating your superstar or your general manager to legendary status.

Hall of Fame

Completing the hall of fame matches unlocks arenas and legend superstars. This section provides strategies on achieving victory in these classic WWE situations.

WWE Shop

Everything available for purchase in the WWE shop is revealed here.

Xbox 360 Cheats and Achievements

Look here for a complete list of Xbox 360 achievements, some tips on unlocking them, and a couple cheat does for unlocking alternate attire.

Chapter 1 - Superstar Stats

The following chart compiles statistics and special moves for all WWE superstars and legends available in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	STR	SPD	SUB	CHA	DUR	HRD	TEC	STA	SPECIAL MOVE
Ashley	Brawler, High-Flyer	Smackdown	61	43	69	46	72	49	45	55	70	Starstruck (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle), Diving Cross Body Pin 1 (Groggy Opponent: The Player on the Top Rope)
Batista	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	94	94	73	83	90	94	85	85	85	Batista Bomb (Face the Groggy Opponent), Spinebuster 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent),
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse, Technical	RAW	93	90	84	84	80	89	80	90	85	Dominator 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Lashley Spear (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body)
Bret Hart	Submission, Technical	Legend	93	74	82	97	85	80	80	97	90	SS Sharpshooter (The Opponent on the Ground: Lower body), Piledriver 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Candice Michelle	Showman, Brawler	RAW	66	48	70	55	75	54	46	67	72	Figure-4 Neck Lock (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle), Full Nelson Face Buster (Behind the Groggy Opponent)
Carlito	High-Flyer, Technical	RAW	89	75	87	80	86	80	80	88	80	Back Stabber (Behind the Groggy Opponent), Cool Shot (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Chavo Guerrero	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	85	74	82	80	70	76	77	80	80	Frog Splash Pin 2 (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope), Gory Bomb 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Chris Masters	Powerhouse, Showman	Smackdown	87	88	71	79	82	81	78	80	77	SS Master Lock (Behind the Groggy Opponent), Full Nelson Slam (Face the Groggy Opponent)
CM Punk	Submission, Brawler	ECW	92	74	89	91	86	80	86	87	85	Go 2 Sleep (Face the Groggy Opponent), SS Anaconda Vise 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	75	87	88	90	80	91	90	90	Spear 5 (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body), Edgecution (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Elijah Burke	Brawler, Showman	ECW	86	75	84	81	77	77	80	80	80	Elijah Experience (Behind the Groggy Opponent), Elijah Express (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
Finlay	Submission, Dirty	Smackdown	88	75	70	86	73	80	80	94	85	Celtic Cross (Face the Groggy Opponent), Air Raid Siren (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Gregory Helms	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	86	75	75	83	73	78	74	89	83	Shining Wizard 8 (The Opponent's Face on the Ground: Upper body), Knee Facebuster (Face the Groggy Opponent)
JBL	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	85	85	66	80	80	83	85	78	69	JBL Powerbomb (Face the Groggy Opponent), Clothesline from Hell (Groggy opponent. The Player Running)
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer, Hardcore	RAW	92	73	90	79	89	80	92	85	89	Swanton Bomb 1 (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope), Whisper in the Wind (Face The Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	90	85	90	95	90	84	90	85	F-U 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent), SS STF-U (The Opponent on the Ground: Lower body)
Johnny Nitro	Brawler, High-Flyer	ECW	89	75	87	77	82	80	90	85	80	Shooting Star Splash (The Opponent on the Ground: Upper body), Facebuster 6 (Behind the Groggy Opponent)
JTG	Showman, Technical	RAW	84	74	80	72	87	75	74	80	76	Neckbreaker 15 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Over Castle (Groggy Opponent: The Player on the Top Rope)
Kane	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	87	90	70	80	78	87	84	77	75	Chokeslam 4 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Tombstone Piledriver 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Kelly Kelly	Showman, Brawler	ECW	58	36	62	44	73	48	42	54	71	Woman's Slap 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent), DDT 18 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Kenny Dykstra	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	85	75	83	80	72	79	70	80	82	Diving Leg Drop 2 (The Opponent on the ground: The Player on the Top Rope), Neckbreaker 14 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
King Booker	Showman, Brawler	RAW	91	87	78	85	84	86	81	88	80	Scissors Kick (Face the Groggy Opponent), Book End (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Marcus Cor Von	Powerhouse, Brawler	ECW	89	88	80	82	77	88	83	75	79	Pounce (Ropedown Groggy), Russian Leg & Armbar (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Mark Henry	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	83	95	52	85	67	94	79	71	64	World's Strongest Slam 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent), SS Bearhug (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Matt Hardy	Showman, Technical	Smackdown	90	75	82	80	85	80	87	86	84	Twist of Fate 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Twist of Fate 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Melina	Dirty, Brawler	RAW	71	50	71	62	76	58	60	69	73	California Dream (The Opponent on the Ground: Lower body), Extreme Makeover (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Michelle McCool	Dirty, Brawler	Smackdown	69	45	72	57	72	59	60	70	73	Backbreaker 14 (Behind the Groggy Opponent), Spear 6 (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body)
Mick Foley	Hardcore, Brawler	Legend	90	86	60	86	88	90	96	80	74	Double Arm DDT (Face the Groggy Opponent), Mandible Claw 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Mickie James	Brawler, Technical	RAW	70	52	73	40	84	60	60	72	77	DDT 3 (Groggy opponent. The Player Running), Hurracanrana 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Mr. Kennedy	Showman, Dirty	RAW	88	82	76	80	89	82	81	79	80	Green Bay Plunge (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle), Swanton Bomb 1 (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope)
Mr. McMahon	Showman, Powerhouse	RAW	88	80	70	75	90	86	85	77	80	Stunner 5 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Low Blow 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
MVP	Technical, Showman	Smackdown	88	84	76	82	79	83	76	87	81	Playmaker (Face the Groggy Opponent), Player's Boot (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
Randy Orton	Dirty, Showman	RAW	92	80	80	86	88	87	80	90	85	RKO (Face the Groggy Opponent), Rated RKO (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer, Showman	Smackdown	93	70	94	80	90	80	84	90	91	The 619 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Dragonrana Pin (Groggy Opponent: The Player on the Top Rope)
Ric Flair	Dirty, Showman	Smackdown	88	73	68	93	89	77	80	93	74	SS Figure 4 Leglock 1 (The Opponent on the Ground: Lower body), Grapefruit Claw (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Rick Rude	Showman, Dirty	Legend	90	75	82	80	93	80	80	87	80	Rude Awakening (Face the Groggy Opponent), Piledriver 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Roddy Piper	Brawler, Dirty	Legend	87	79	72	86	83	83	80	79	80	SS Sleeperhold (Face the Groggy Opponent), Piledriver 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Sabu	Hardcore, High-Flyer	ECW Legend	89	74	86	78	83	80	97	76	80	Arabian Facebuster (The Opponent's Face on the Ground: Upper body), SS Camel Clutch (The Opponent on the Ground: Upper body)
Sandman	Hardcore, Brawler	RAW	86	79	70	76	83	89	94	70	70	Hurracanrana 9 (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle), Swanton Bomb 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
Shad	Powerhouse, Showman	RAW	83	87	67	70	83	80	77	74	72	Samoan Drop 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Back Drop Bottom 2 (Behind the Groggy Opponent)
Shane McMahon	Showman, Brawler	RAW	82	70	74	61	83	85	85	74	67	Combination 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Leap of Faith (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope)
Shawn Michaels	Showman, Technical	RAW	94	75	90	83	95	80	84	95	90	Sweet Chin Music 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Sweet Chin Music pin 2 (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body)
Snitsky	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	82	88	62	76	70	86	77	71	72	Big Boot 5 (Groggy opponent. The Player Running), Pumphandle Slam (Behind the Groggy Opponent)
Steve Austin	Brawler, Showman	Legend	95	82	80	89	96	90	88	90	84	Stunner 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Stunner 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Terry Funk	Hardcore, Brawler	ECW Legend	89	74	75	85	91	80	96	83	70	Spinning Toe Hold (Face the Groggy Opponent), Texas Piledriver (Face the Groggy Opponent)
The Great Khali	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	83	96	49	85	68	98	80	69	65	Brain Chop (Face the Groggy Opponent), Neck Hanging Chokeslam (Face the Groggy Opponent)
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	83	81	90	96	90	88	90	85	The People's Elbow (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body), The Rock Bottom (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Tommy Dreamer	Hardcore, Brawler	ECW Legend	86	84	69	77	77	86	93	74	71	DDT 18 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Dreamer Driver (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Torrie Wilson	Showman, Brawler	Smackdown	64	44	68	48	79	52	48	60	70	Facebuster 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Springboard Back Elbow (Ropedown Groggy)
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	89	78	80	91	90	87	88	85	Pedigree 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Pedigree 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Umaga	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	88	91	66	84	80	89	83	76	78	Samoan Spike (Face the Groggy Opponent), Umaga Hip Attack 2 (Backward The Groggy Opponent at the Under Turnbuckle)
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	94	74	85	92	97	86	85	85	Tombstone Piledriver Pin (Face the Groggy Opponent), Chokeslam 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
William Regal	Technical, Brawler	RAW	85	83	68	80	70	84	80	85	74	Knee Trembler (Groggy opponent. The Player Running), Power of the Punch (Face the Groggy Opponent)

Strongest Wrestlers

The strength rating determines the overall power of the superstar's maneuvers. The following table reveals the strongest superstars in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 sorted by the strength rating. As you can see from the table below, most of the strongest wrestlers use the Powerhouse or Brawler fighting style…or both!

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	STR
The Great Khali	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	83	96
Mark Henry	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	83	95
Batista	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	94	94
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	94
Umaga	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	88	91
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse, Technical	RAW	93	90
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	90
Kane	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	87	90
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	89
Chris Masters	Powerhouse, Showman	Smackdown	87	88
Marcus Cor Von	Powerhouse, Brawler	ECW	89	88
Snitsky	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	82	88
King Booker	Showman, Brawler	RAW	91	87
Shad	Powerhouse, Showman	RAW	83	87

Fastest Wrestlers

A superstar's speed rating determines not only how quick you can move within the ring but it affects how fast you can escape cages and how far you can perform aerial moves.

The table below reveals the fastest superstars in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 sorted by the speed rating. Speed is closely related to the High-Flyer fighting style—most of the fastest wrestlers in the game are High-Flyers.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	SPD
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer, Showman	Smackdown	93	94
Shawn Michaels	Showman, Technical	RAW	94	90
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer, Hardcore	RAW	92	90
CM Punk	Submission, Brawler	ECW	92	89
Carlito	High-Flyer, Technical	RAW	89	87
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	87
Johnny Nitro	Brawler, High-Flyer	ECW	89	87
Sabu	Hardcore, High-Flyer	ECW Legend	89	86
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	85
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse, Technical	RAW	93	84
Elijah Burke	Brawler, Showman	ECW	86	84
Kenny Dykstra	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	85	83
Matt Hardy	Showman, Technical	Smackdown	90	82
Rick Rude	Showman, Dirty	Legend	90	82
Bret Hart	Submission, Technical	Legend	93	82
Chavo Guerrero	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	85	82

Most Durable Wrestlers

The higher a superstar's durability, the more damage the superstar can sustain. The chart below reveals the most durable superstars in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 sorted by the durability rating.

The more durable wrestlers are generally Powerhouse or Brawler wrestlers and usually not High-Flyer (which are usually smaller, faster superstars).

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	DUR
The Great Khali	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	83	98
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	97
Batista	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	94	94
Mark Henry	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	83	94
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	90
Steve Austin	Brawler, Showman	Legend	95	90
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	90
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	90
Mick Foley	Hardcore, Brawler	Legend	90	90
Sandman	Hardcore, Brawler	RAW	86	89
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse, Technical	RAW	93	89
Umaga	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	88	89
Marcus Cor Von	Powerhouse, Brawler	ECW	89	88

Best Technical Wrestlers

A superstar's technical rating determines that superstar's skill in countering an opponent's strikes, grapples, or specials. The table below reveals the game's highest rated technical superstars available in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 sorted by technical rating.

As the name suggests, wrestlers with high technical rating usually possess the Technical fighting style. The superstars with the highest technical rating, legend Bret Hart and the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, both possess the Technical fighting style.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	TEC
Bret Hart	Submission, Technical	Legend	93	97
Shawn Michaels	Showman, Technical	RAW	94	95
Finlay	Submission, Dirty	Smackdown	88	94
Ric Flair	Dirty, Showman	Smackdown	88	93
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	90
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	90
Steve Austin	Brawler, Showman	Legend	95	90
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	90
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer, Showman	Smackdown	93	90
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse, Technical	RAW	93	90
Randy Orton	Dirty, Showman	RAW	92	90
Gregory Helms	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	86	89
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	88
King Booker	Showman, Brawler	RAW	91	88
Carlito	High-Flyer, Technical	RAW	89	88

Most Charismatic Wrestlers

The following table displays the most charismatic wrestlers in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 sorted by charisma rating. Charisma determines how fast your momentum meter increases, which affects the frequency of finishers your superstar can perform.

The charisma rating is associated with the Showman fighting style; as the table below reveals many of the most charismatic wrestlers also use the Showman fighting style.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	CHA
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	96
Steve Austin	Brawler, Showman	Legend	95	96
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	95
Shawn Michaels	Showman, Technical	RAW	94	95
Rick Rude	Showman, Dirty	Legend	90	93
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	92
Terry Funk	Hardcore, Brawler	ECW Legend	89	91
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	91
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	90
Batista	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	94	90
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer, Showman	Smackdown	93	90
Mr. McMahon	Showman, Powerhouse	RAW	88	90
Ric Flair	Dirty, Showman	Smackdown	88	89
Mr. Kennedy	Showman, Dirty	RAW	88	89
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer, Hardcore	RAW	92	89
Randy Orton	Dirty, Showman	RAW	92	88
Mick Foley	Hardcore, Brawler	Legend	90	88
JTG	Showman, Technical	RAW	84	87

Submission Specialist Wrestlers

The following wrestlers are the most skilled with submission holds. The submission rating determines the duration and power of submission holds. It also affects how quickly the superstar can escape a submission hold.

The following are the highest rated submission superstars in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008. The rating is associated with the Submission fighting style; although only three wrestlers in the game utilize that fighting style.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	SUB
Bret Hart	Submission, Technical	Legend	93	97
Ric Flair	Dirty, Showman	Smackdown	88	93
CM Punk	Submission, Brawler	ECW	92	91
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	90
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	90
Steve Austin	Brawler, Showman	Legend	95	89
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	88
Randy Orton	Dirty, Showman	RAW	92	86
Roddy Piper	Brawler, Dirty	Legend	87	86
Finlay	Submission, Dirty	Smackdown	88	86
Mick Foley	Hardcore, Brawler	Legend	90	86
King Booker	Showman, Brawler	RAW	91	85
Terry Funk	Hardcore, Brawler	ECW Legend	89	85
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	85
Mark Henry	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	83	85
The Great Khali	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	83	85

Top Hardcore Wrestlers

As you would expect, the highest rated hardcore superstars excel in hardcore matches—these superstars inflict greater damage with item and environmental attacks.

The chart below reveals the top hardcore superstars in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008. The rating and fighting style go hand-in-hand. The highest rated hardcore wrestlers also use the Hardcore fighting style.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	HRD
Sabu	Hardcore, High-Flyer	ECW Legend	89	97
Mick Foley	Hardcore, Brawler	Legend	90	96
Terry Funk	Hardcore, Brawler	ECW Legend	89	96
Sandman	Hardcore, Brawler	RAW	86	94
Tommy Dreamer	Hardcore, Brawler	ECW Legend	86	93
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer, Hardcore	RAW	92	92
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	91
Johnny Nitro	Brawler, High-Flyer	ECW	89	90
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	88
Steve Austin	Brawler, Showman	Legend	95	88
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	87
Matt Hardy	Showman, Technical	Smackdown	90	87

Highest Stamina Wrestlers

The superstar's stamina rating determines how quickly the superstar's stamina depletes and how fast the stamina recovers. The chart below reveals the superstars with the highest stamina rating in Smackdown vs. RAW 2008. Stamina has no direct relation to any particular fighting style as the table below and its mixture of styles reveals.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	STA
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer, Showman	Smackdown	93	91
Bret Hart	Submission, Technical	Legend	93	90
Shawn Michaels	Showman, Technical	RAW	94	90
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	90
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer, Hardcore	RAW	92	89
Finlay	Submission, Dirty	Smackdown	88	85
The Rock	Showman, Brawler	Legend	96	85
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	85
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse, Technical	RAW	93	85
Randy Orton	Dirty, Showman	RAW	92	85
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	85
CM Punk	Submission, Brawler	ECW	92	85
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	85
Batista	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	94	85

Chapter 2: Fighting Styles

WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 separates each superstar and legend into primary and secondary fighting styles. Each fighting style features several unique abilities to differentiate each superstar. In general, fighting styles are associated with a superstars' particular rating. For instance, a superstar with the Hardcore fighting style has a high hardcore rating. A superstar with the Showman fighting style has a high charisma rating.

Upon selecting your superstar, you can choose one of two different fighting styles given to that superstar. Abilities that require a stored fighting style icon—the fighting styles' primary abilities—are unique to each style; otherwise a superstar can use the secondary abilities from both styles.

This section provides details on each fighting style and its unique abilities. Also, we reveal each superstar's fighting style (as well as the superstar's fighting style) and vital ratings, including the superstar's overall rating and the rating most associated with the specific fighting style.

Brawler

Superstars with the Brawler fighting style generally strong superstars that excel with strike attacks. Each of the Brawler's unique abilities features strike attacks, such as the unblockable Wreck Shop and multiple strikes from the Fists of Fury.

The table below reveals each WWE superstar or legend that features the Brawler fighting style. You'll see these superstars other fighting styles, overall rating, and strength statistic.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	STR
Ashley	High-Flyer	Smackdown	61	43
Batista	Powerhouse	Smackdown	94	94
Candice Michelle	Showman	RAW	66	48
CM Punk	Submission	ECW	92	74
Elijah Burke	Showman	ECW	86	75
JBL	Powerhouse	Smackdown	85	85
John Cena	Showman	RAW	97	90
Johnny Nitro	High-Flyer	ECW	89	75
Kane	Powerhouse	Smackdown	87	90
Kelly Kelly	Showman	ECW	58	36
King Booker	Showman	RAW	91	87
Marcus Cor Von	Powerhouse	ECW	89	88
Mark Henry	Powerhouse	Smackdown	83	95
Melina	Dirty	RAW	71	50
Michelle McCool	Dirty	Smackdown	69	45
Mick Foley	Hardcore	Legend	90	86
Mickie James	Technical	RAW	70	52
Roddy Piper	Dirty	Legend	87	79
Sandman	Hardcore	RAW	86	79
Shane McMahon	Showman	RAW	82	70
Snitsky	Powerhouse	RAW	82	88
Steve Austin	Showman	Legend	95	82
Terry Funk	Hardcore	ECW Legend	89	74
The Great Khali	Powerhouse	Smackdown	83	96
The Rock	Showman	Legend	96	83
Tommy Dreamer	Hardcore	ECW Legend	86	84
Torrie Wilson	Showman	Smackdown	64	44
Triple H	Powerhouse	RAW	94	89
Umaga	Powerhouse	RAW	88	91
Undertaker	Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	94
William Regal	Technical	RAW	85	83

The table below reveals the Brawler fighting style's unique abilities.

BRAWLER ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Wreck Shop (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon. For a brief period, your Brawler can counter every opposing strike attack. Also your strikes are unblockable.
Ground & Pound (Secondary)	After knocking an opponent to the ground, a Brawler can mount and perform multiple strike attacks and additional moves.
Fists of Fury (Secondary)	The Brawler can hit with a three-strike combination. The first strike can be countered but if it connects, the other two in combination can't be countered.

Dirty

Superstars with the Dirty fighting style bend the rules. Eye pokes, ref shields, turnbuckle removal—it is all fair game to the dirty wrestler. These superstars are generally heels, superstars you love to hate.

There's no specific rating associated with the style. These superstars run the gamut from Brawlers and Technical specialists to Hardcore and charismatic Showmen. The table below reveals the superstars with the Dirty fighting style as well as that superstar's other fighting style and overall rating.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR
Chavo Guerrero	Technical	Smackdown	85
Edge	Hardcore	Smackdown	94
Finlay	Submission	Smackdown	88
Gregory Helms	Technical	Smackdown	86
Kenny Dykstra	Technical	Smackdown	85
Melina	Brawler	RAW	71
Michelle McCool	Brawler	Smackdown	69
Mr. Kennedy	Showman	RAW	88
Randy Orton	Showman	RAW	92
Ric Flair	Showman	Smackdown	88
Rick Rude	Showman	Legend	90
Roddy Piper	Brawler	Legend	87

The table below reveals the Dirty superstar's unique abilities.

DIRTY ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Super Dirty Move (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon. Face a groggy opponent and perform a particularly nasty dirty maneuver. Not as powerful as a finisher but certainly a match-turner.
Ref Shield (Secondary)	Stand behind the ref and hold the “pick up” button to grab the ref and use him as a shield. Line up and push the ref into your opponent. It's a good way to get the ref out of the action so the Dirty superstar can break more rules!
Argue with Referee (Secondary)	After your opponent kicks out of a pin, use the finisher button to argue with the referee. It boosts a Dirty superstar's momentum.
Strip Turnbuckle (Secondary)	Press the “pick up” button while facing one of the four turnbuckles. Smash your opponent into an exposed turnbuckle for high damage.
Ignore Rope Break (Secondary)	Dirty superstars can ignore the ref's rope break during submission holds and inflict more damage while the ref does a five count. Break the hold before the five count—a Dirty superstar must be follow some rules unfortunately!

Hardcore

Superstars with the Hardcore fighting style excel with foreign objects like chairs, clubs, and sledgehammers—anything that can be used to pummel your opponent into submission. A Hardcore superstar actually gains benefits from being busted open!

A superstar with the Hardcore fighting style also possesses a high hardcore rating (as you see from the table below, all are above 91), which means these superstars can dish out greater damage with item and environmental attacks. The table below reveals the superstars with the Hardcore fighting style as well as that superstar's other fighting style, overall rating, and hardcore rating.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	HRD
Edge	Dirty	Smackdown	94	91
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer	RAW	92	92
Mick Foley	Brawler	Legend	90	96
Sabu	High-Flyer	ECW Legend	89	97
Sandman	Brawler	RAW	86	94
Terry Funk	Brawler	ECW Legend	89	96
Tommy Dreamer	Brawler	ECW Legend	86	93

The table below reveals the Hardcore superstar's unique abilities.

HARDCORE ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Hardcore Resurrection (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon and holding a chair. Your Hardcore superstar will use the chair to bust himself open and heal an amount of limb damage.
Hardcore Rejuvenation (Secondary)	If an opponent busts your Hardcore superstar open, you receive a full momentum meter.
Armed & Dangerous (Secondary)	Hardcore superstars can perform a variety of special weapon attacks.

Submission

Superstars with the Submission fighting style excel with submission maneuvers that target specific body parts. Concentrating your maneuvers on a specific body part can cause your opponent to tap out or submit to one of the Submission superstars damaging submission moves. There are only three superstars in WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 that feature this fighting style.

The table below reveals all superstars with the Submission fighting style as well as the superstar's other fighting style, overall rating, and submission rating.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	SUB
Bret Hart	Technical	Legend	93	97
CM Punk	Brawler	ECW	92	91
Finlay	Dirty	Smackdown	88	86

The table below reveals the Submission superstar's unique abilities.

SUBMISSION ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Ultimate Submission (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon. Turns a struggle submission into an ultimate submission maneuver.
The Lock Pick (Secondary)	The Submission superstar can break a submission hold on a limb that hasn't sustained much damage.
Recovery Hold (Secondary)	A Submission superstar regenerates some limb damage while wrenching an opponent in a struggle submission maneuver.

High-Flyer

Superstars with the High-Flyer fighting style aren't afraid to perform high-risk, high-reward aerial maneuvers from the top turnbuckle, ropes, or even out of the ring diving attacks. High-Flyer superstars are generally smaller and faster and use this speed to make up for lack of strength or durability.

The table below reveals the superstars with the High-Flyer fighting style as well as the superstar's other fighting style, overall rating, and speed rating.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	SPD
Ashley	Brawler	Smackdown	61	69
Carlito	Technical	RAW	89	87
Jeff Hardy	Hardcore	RAW	92	90
Johnny Nitro	Brawler	ECW	89	87
Rey Mysterio	Showman	Smackdown	93	94
Sabu	Hardcore	ECW Legend	89	86

The table below reveals the High-Flyer superstar's unique abilities.

HIGH-FLYER ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Possum Pin (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon and to be on the mat inside the ring. Play possum! Your opponent will believe your heavily damaged superstar is ready to be pinned. Execute the possum pin to reverse a move and go for a roll-up pin maneuver.
Springboard Attack (Secondary)	The High-Flyer can springboard off of the ropes and attack a downed opponent.
Diving Attack Outside of the Ring (Secondary)	Attack an opponent that's down and outside the ring. Run toward the ropes or stand on the ropes and hit the “strike” button near the ropes.
Evasive Roll (Secondary)	Dodge an opponent's attack using the High-Flyer's evasive roll maneuver.
Turnbuckle Leapfrog (Secondary)	While your opponent is groggy in the turnbuckle, run toward and press the “pick up” button to perform the maneuver.

Powerhouse

Superstars with the Powerhouse fighting style are generally the strongest—and biggest—wrestlers in the game. These superstars use devastating strikes attacks but as even more proficient with their grapple and ultimate control maneuvers. High strength means heavy power and damage.

The table below reveals all superstars with the Powerhouse fighting style as well as the superstar's other fighting style, overall rating, and strength rating. As you can see, many of the Powerhouse superstars are also Brawlers.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	STR
Batista	Brawler	Smackdown	94	94
Bobby Lashley	Technical	RAW	93	90
Chris Masters	Showman	Smackdown	87	88
JBL	Brawler	Smackdown	85	85
Kane	Brawler	Smackdown	87	90
Marcus Cor Von	Brawler	ECW	89	88
Mark Henry	Brawler	Smackdown	83	95
Mr. McMahon	Showman	RAW	88	80
Shad	Showman	RAW	83	87
Snitsky	Brawler	RAW	82	88
The Great Khali	Brawler	Smackdown	83	96
Triple H	Brawler	RAW	94	89
Umaga	Brawler	RAW	88	91
Undertaker	Brawler	Smackdown	95	94

The table below reveals the Powerhouse superstar's unique abilities.

POWERHOUSE ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Rampage (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon. Entering Rampage mode makes you invulnerable to strike attacks and all of your grapple and ultimate control grapples are unblockable.
Strong Irish Whip (Secondary)	Hold the “Irish whip” button to perform a stronger Irish whip maneuver.

Showman

Superstars with the Showman fighting style know how to work the crowd. These are both face (good guy) and heel (bad guy) superstars. The Showman excels with taunts (which are sure to get the crowd excited) and in stealing an opponent's taunt and finishing maneuver.

The table below reveals all superstars with the Showman fighting style as well as the superstar's other fighting style, overall rating, and charisma rating.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	CHA
Candice Michelle	Brawler	RAW	66	75
Chris Masters	Powerhouse	Smackdown	87	82
Elijah Burke	Brawler	ECW	86	77
John Cena	Brawler	RAW	97	95
JTG	Technical	RAW	84	87
Kelly Kelly	Brawler	ECW	58	73
King Booker	Brawler	RAW	91	84
Matt Hardy	Technical	Smackdown	90	85
Mr. Kennedy	Dirty	RAW	88	89
Mr. McMahon	Powerhouse	RAW	88	90
MVP	Technical	Smackdown	88	79
Randy Orton	Dirty	RAW	92	88
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer	Smackdown	93	90
Ric Flair	Dirty	Smackdown	88	89
Rick Rude	Dirty	Legend	90	93
Shad	Powerhouse	RAW	83	83
Shane McMahon	Brawler	RAW	82	83
Shawn Michaels	Technical	RAW	94	95
Steve Austin	Brawler	Legend	95	96
The Rock	Brawler	Legend	96	96
Torrie Wilson	Brawler	Smackdown	64	79

The table below reveals the Showman superstar's unique abilities.

SHOWMAN ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Steal Finishing Move (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon. When your superstar is in your opponent's correct finisher position (for instance, facing a groggy opponent), use this Showman ability to perform the ultimate insult: using your opponent's finishing move.
Mass Appeal (Secondary)	Showman superstars earn extra momentum from successfully completed taunts.
Gimmick Infringement (Secondary)	Use the finisher button in combination with a taunt to perform your opponent's taunt. You can steal some of your opponent's momentum if completed. However, if your gimmick infringement is interrupted, you lose momentum.
Mass Exposure (Secondary)	Perform taunts on the top of the turnbuckle followed by a diving attack. Successfully complete the moves for full momentum. If the taunt is interrupted or the diving attack fails, all momentum is lost.

Technical

Superstars with the Technical fighting style generally excel in countering and reversing strike and grapple maneuvers. Other Technical superstar abilities include misdirection moves like the pit maneuver and fake Irish whip.

The table below reveals all superstars with the Technical fighting style as well as the superstar's other fighting style, overall rating, and technical rating.

WRESTLER	OTHER FIGHTING STYLE	SHOW	OVR	TEC
Bobby Lashley	Powerhouse	RAW	93	90
Bret Hart	Submission	Legend	93	97
Carlito	High-Flyer	RAW	89	88
Chavo Guerrero	Dirty	Smackdown	85	80
Gregory Helms	Dirty	Smackdown	86	89
JTG	Showman	RAW	84	80
Kenny Dykstra	Dirty	Smackdown	85	80
Matt Hardy	Showman	Smackdown	90	86
Mickie James	Brawler	RAW	70	72
MVP	Showman	Smackdown	88	87
Shawn Michaels	Showman	RAW	94	95
William Regal	Brawler	RAW	85	85

The table below reveals the Technical superstar's unique abilities.

TECHNICAL ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
Technically Sound (Primary)	Requires a stored fighting style icon. For a period of time, your Technical superstar will reverse all of your opponent's attacks.
Technical Immunity (Secondary)	Before your superstar receives limb damage, you automatically reverse opponents' strong and ultimate control grapples.
Out of the Ring Dive Attacks (Secondary)	With your opponent outside the ring, run toward or stand on the ropes to perform out of the ring dive attacks.
Pit Maneuver (Secondary)	Run toward your opponent and press the “pick up” button to quickly maneuver behind your opponent. Follow up with a strike or grapple.
Fake Irish Whip (Secondary)	Begin an Irish whip but interrupt it with a strike attack.

Chapter 3: General Strategies

Many game mechanics of previous Smackdown vs. RAW titles have carried over into this year's version. There's still a momentum meter and you can still focus damaging attacks on specific body parts but some elements have been tweaked. Instead of storing finishers you store fighting style icons unique to your superstar; these activate powerful abilities that can be used during the match. This section provides some general strategies for match success as well as specific tips on some of the match types you'll battle it out in exhibition, 24/7, or online mode.

Building Momentum

The momentum system used in the last few Smackdown vs. RAW games returns for 2008, with a few tweaks here and there. The blue bar under your superstar's name represents momentum and it rises and lowers depending on in-ring actions and situations.

Basically if you're completing maneuvers, you're building momentum and if opponent's moves are pummeling you, you're losing momentum. Fill the blue momentum meter to completion and you can perform a finishing move. New for 2008: you can store a full momentum bar into a fighting style icon to perform your superstar's primarily special ability and any time.

The list below reveals what abilities can be performed with a stored fighting style icon.

• Brawler's Wreck Shop: For a brief period, all of your strikes are unblockable and you can counter every opposing strike attack.
• Dirty's Super Dirty Move: Knock your opponent groggy and face them to perform a match-turning underhanded maneuver.
• Hardcore's Hardcore Resurrection: Grab a chair and your superstar will use it to bust himself open and heal some limb damage.
• Submission's Ultimate Submission: Turns a standard struggle submission hold into an ultimate submission hold.
• High-Flyer's Possum Pin: When you're down and ready to be pinned, execute the possum pin to reverse the move and go for a tough-to-break roll-up pin surprise maneuver.
• Powerhouse's Rampage: You become invulnerable to strike attacks and all of your grapple and ultimate control grapples can't be reversed.
• Showman's Steal Finisher: You can use your opponent's finisher when in the correct position.
• Technical's Technically Sound: For a brief period of time you can reverse all of your opponent's attacks.

Increase your momentum meter by completing successful strikes, grapples, and other maneuvers. Weapon strikes, if allowed by match rules, raise your momentum meter significantly. Completing taunts will also raise the momentum meter. The blue bar lowers slowly over time (no one wants to see you running around the ring avoiding contact!) and suffering damage from your opponent's successful attacks will also lower the meter. Using the same move over and over again will also decrease your momentum meter. You're putting fans to sleep!

When you have filled the momentum meter completely, you can either store a fighting style icon to use the ability later or go for a finishing move. After approximately 10 seconds, the full momentum meter will disappear and lower to about half full—so make your decision quickly!

The best time to go for a pinfall victory is immediately following a finisher. Your momentum is at its peak and your opponent has just suffered a huge momentum blow. It's not a certain victory; a lot depends on how much damage your opponent's limbs have sustained (particularly in relation to what limb your finishing move damages!).

Location Damage

The location damage system has been around for several Smackdown vs. RAW games and is back for 2008. Strike attacks, grapple maneuvers, and submission holds inflict damage on specific body parts (upon completing a move, watch the flash near your opponent's name for the specific part). You can inflict damage to the head, torso, arms, and legs. As damage is inflicted, the body parts turn from white to yellow to orange to red; white is undamaged while red is heavy damage. Locking a submission hold that damages an already red body part will almost certainly end in a tap out.

Location damage is most important for submission holds but it pays to focus attacks on the specific body part your finisher damages. For instance, Triple H's Pedigree inflicts head damage. If you damage the head throughout the match, when it's time to execute your finishing move, the combination of already inflicted damage, momentum, and the new damage from the finishing move will likely be enough to score a pinfall.

The Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble is one of the greatest WWE events. Thirty superstars enter the ring and only one exits…willingly at least. Each superstar enters the ring at a predetermined point. You may be the first to enter and must survive 29 other superstars or you may draw the best slot, number 30, and can clean up the scraps and hold on for a much easier victory. Superstars are eliminated if they're tossed over the ropes and out of the ring. The last superstar left in the ring is the champion.

There are a few methods to get your competitors out of the ring. The easiest is the Irish whip move near the rope. Just initiate an Irish whip and direct the opponent toward the near rope. You can't be in the ring's center; you must be close to the rope for the maneuver to work. When you're close enough, the whipped opponent flies over the rope and onto the apron.

Once you have a superstar on the apron, you can punch him off with strikes or initiate a grapple. The grapple triggers the ring-out meter, which determines how close a superstar is to falling off the apron and out of the match. The meter is long enough to withstand a couple Irish whips onto the apron. If a second superstar joins the grapple, the meter depletes very quickly.

Avoid standing around the ropes or you will get tossed over. It's wise to avoid confrontations to maintain your health. Build your momentum gradually as you look for opportunities for strikes, grapples, and taunts. Look for opportunities to join in a grapple at the ropes to eliminate a competitor.

Hell in a Cell and Steel Cage

Mankind (also known as Mick Foley) single-handedly made the Hell in the Cell one of the most popular match types. His amazing spot off the top of the cell and onto the announcer's table is one of the greatest—and craziest—moments in WWE history. Hell in a cell is just as the name suggests. Like in a steel cage match, a cell surrounds the ring. You can use a variety of unique grapples on the cell (slam your opponent into the cell, and rub his face on the cell, etc). But the most important element of the match is the ability to climb on top of the cell. Victory in a hell in the cell match comes after a standard pinfall.

A steel cage match typically has different win requirements. For instance, you may be required to climb out of the cage and escape to win, get out of the cage door to win, or even just execute a standard pinfall. Weaken your opponent significantly before attempting an escape. Getting out of the cage takes time and computer opponents will be quick to pull you back into the ring. Execute a finishing move or fighting style ability to keep your opponent out of commission (and ideally on the other side of the ring) long enough to get the win.

Handicap, Triple Threat, Fatal 4-Way

A handicap match means you're at a disadvantage. It's just you against multiple opponents. You may battle a tag team so it's basically a one-on-one fight, although your opponent can tag in a fresh wrestler. Or you may fight two opponents simultaneously.

In these handicap matches, attempt to separate your adversaries so you can execute moves without interruption. Store a fighting style icon so you can use your wrestler's primary ability later in the match when a weakened opponent may be out of the way momentarily allowing you to take advantage in a one-on-one situation.

Triple threat and fatal 4-way matches are every man for himself (or herself!). Mini-alliances may occur from time to time but be careful because the one who gets the first pinfall or tap out is the winner of the match. You may end up doing most of the dirty work when one of your opponents gets the easy win.

Expect your submission holds and pins to be interrupted by opponents. You need to look for opportunities to go for these maneuvers when the other wrestler or wrestlers are away from the action. Check your opponent's limb damage. An orange or red damaged part will submit much faster.

Tables, Ladders, and TLC

Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon set the standard for the WWE ladder match when they battled for the Intercontinental Championship in Wrestlemania 10. And WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 ladder matches can be equally as exciting. There's a belt hanging over the center of the ring. You must use a ladder to reach the belt and pull it down. There's a meter that indicates when the belt will be pulled off.

Stand the ladder directly underneath the belt (look for the shadow on the mat). You can reach up using the analog sticks. Grabbing with both hands will decrease the meter faster. If you aren't aligned correctly and reach up and miss, you may fall off the ladder.

When your opponent goes up the ladder, you can knock him off or climb the other side and knock him off with strikes or a grapple (suplex him off to unlock an achievement on the 360). You can make a pseudo-ramp using two ladders. Place one ladder standing upright, and then set the second ladder against it. Now you can run up the ramp to knock off a superstar at the top or even make a grab for the belt or case.

A table match, well, features tables. To win a table match you must slam your opponent through the table. You can slam an opponent through a table that's upright on its legs or you can lean the table on a turnbuckle and whip your opponent into it. If you've stood a table on its legs, whip an opponent close to the table into it; the opponent will roll on top. Get onto the table, grab your opponent, and perform some sort of slam maneuver (pile driver is always nice) to break the table and win the match. A TLC match features Tables, Ladders, and Chairs. You don't have to bust your opponent through the table to win and, of course, all of these objects can legally be used as weaponry.

Hardcore, ECW Extreme Rules, and Brawls

Hardcore and ECW extreme rules matches feature foreign objects…chairs, the ring bell, “Barbie” (a club wrapped in barbed wire), ladders, sledgehammers. Basically anything that can be used to bust open your opponent. Locate additional weaponry from underneath the ring. Exit the ring and press the pick up button while facing the side of the ring. In the ECW extreme rules match, you can select your weapon of choice.

The parking lot brawl match is similar, if not identical, to last year's offering. Basically anything goes: weapons, environmental objects, running your opponent's face in garbage…anything! Knock out your opponent to win. This requires a lot of head limb damage. A steel chair to the head certainly works well! One unique aspect of the parking lot match is the environmental attacks available. You can take advantage of the cars and trucks that surround the match area.

Use the Irish whip maneuver to slam your opponent into one of the vehicles or objects inside the parking lot. For example, whip your opponent into the back of the garbage truck; this opens the back of the truck. Now perform a grapple on your opponent and you will rub your opponent's face in the garbage and slam the back door on your opponent's head. Good times! There are other unique grapples as well: you can toss your opponent on the hood of a car or slam his head into the fire truck controls, which raises a ladder that can be traversed.

It probably goes without saying that if you're competing in a hardcore, ECW extreme rules, or parking lot brawl match then it's wise to select a wrestler that uses the Hardcore fighting style (or at the very least, a superstar with a high hardcore rating). The hardcore rating enhances weapon usage. Plus, the Hardcore fighting style has unique abilities associated with weapons: the Hardcore Resurrection where the superstar can use a chair to bust himself open and regain limb damage and the Hardcore Rejuvenation where you receive a full momentum meter upon being busted open by your opponent.

Chapter 4: 24/7 Mode

WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 features a revamped season mode, which can be played as either a general manager controlling your preferred brand or as a WWE superstar trying to hold onto the championship title or attempting to impress the powers that be into giving you a shot at the title. This section provides details on surviving 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the WWE.

Superstar Selection

If you choose to play 24/7 as a WWE superstar then your first order of business is to select your character. You can create a superstar in the game's “Create a Wrestler” mode or you can choose from a handful of WWE superstars. Note that you aren't able to select from all of the superstars on the game's roster. You can't choose to play as a diva or a legend. Further, there are many other superstars that just aren't available for selection (for instance, CM Punk or Bobby Lashley).

Upon selecting a WWE superstar from the roster, you can choose to use that superstar's original statistics or play the superstar as a “rookie” with lowered statistics that you can build up over the course of 24/7.

The chart below reveals which WWE superstars are selectable in 24/7 mode and their original statistics, fighting styles, and special moves.

WRESTLER	FIGHTING STYLES	SHOW	OVR	STR	SPD	SUB	CHA	DUR	HRD	TEC	STA	SPECIAL MOVE
Batista	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	94	94	73	83	90	94	85	85	85	Batista Bomb (Face the Groggy Opponent), Spinebuster 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent),
Carlito	High-Flyer, Technical	RAW	89	75	87	80	86	80	80	88	80	Back Stabber (Behind the Groggy Opponent), Cool Shot (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Chavo Guerrero	Technical, Dirty	Smackdown	85	74	82	80	70	76	77	80	80	Frog Splash Pin 2 (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope), Gory Bomb 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Chris Masters	Powerhouse, Showman	Smackdown	87	88	71	79	82	81	78	80	77	SS Master Lock (Behind the Groggy Opponent), Full Nelson Slam (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Edge	Dirty, Hardcore	Smackdown	94	75	87	88	90	80	91	90	90	Spear 5 (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body), Edgecution (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Jeff Hardy	High-Flyer, Hardcore	RAW	92	73	90	79	89	80	92	85	89	Swanton Bomb 1 (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope), Whisper in the Wind (Face The Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
John Cena	Brawler, Showman	RAW	97	90	85	90	95	90	84	90	85	F-U 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent), SS STF-U (The Opponent on the Ground: Lower body)
Johnny Nitro	Brawler, High-Flyer	ECW	89	75	87	77	82	80	90	85	80	Shooting Star Splash (The Opponent on the Ground: Upper body), Facebuster 6 (Behind the Groggy Opponent)
Kane	Powerhouse, Brawler	Smackdown	87	90	70	80	78	87	84	77	75	Chokeslam 4 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Tombstone Piledriver 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
King Booker	Showman, Brawler	RAW	91	87	78	85	84	86	81	88	80	Scissors Kick (Face the Groggy Opponent), Book End (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Matt Hardy	Showman, Technical	Smackdown	90	75	82	80	85	80	87	86	84	Twist of Fate 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Twist of Fate 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Mr. Kennedy	Showman, Dirty	RAW	88	82	76	80	89	82	81	79	80	Green Bay Plunge (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle), Swanton Bomb 1 (The Opponent on the Ground: The Player on the Top Rope)
Randy Orton	Dirty, Showman	RAW	92	80	80	86	88	87	80	90	85	RKO (Face the Groggy Opponent), Rated RKO (Face the Groggy Opponent at the Turnbuckle)
Rey Mysterio	High-Flyer, Showman	Smackdown	93	70	94	80	90	80	84	90	91	The 619 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Dragonrana Pin (Groggy Opponent: The Player on the Top Rope)
Ric Flair	Dirty, Showman	Smackdown	88	73	68	93	89	77	80	93	74	SS Figure 4 Leglock 1 (The Opponent on the Ground: Lower body), Grapefruit Claw (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Shawn Michaels	Showman, Technical	RAW	94	75	90	83	95	80	84	95	90	Sweet Chin Music 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Sweet Chin Music pin 2 (The Opponent on the Ground facing up: Upper body)
Triple H	Powerhouse, Brawler	RAW	94	89	78	80	91	90	87	88	85	Pedigree 2 (Face the Groggy Opponent), Pedigree 1 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
Undertaker	Brawler, Powerhouse	Smackdown	95	94	74	85	92	97	86	85	85	Tombstone Piledriver Pin (Face the Groggy Opponent), Chokeslam 3 (Face the Groggy Opponent)
William Regal	Technical, Brawler	RAW	85	83	68	80	70	84	80	85	74	Knee Trembler (Groggy opponent. The Player Running), Power of the Punch (Face the Groggy Opponent)

By selecting a current WWE superstar or a created superstar, you'll play 24/7 mode from the wrestler's perspective. You will participate in your brand's shows and pay-per-views when they appear on the calendar and on days off you can participate in an event or activity or one of several training regimens. Although you could choose any role to play, if your ultimate goal is to reach legendary status, you must become a popular superstar and winning matches and the championship belt certainly doesn't hurt.

The table below reveals the goals list for your current or created superstar. You can reach a number of these goals more than once (especially over additional WWE seasons). Reaching these goals pushes your superstar toward legendary status.

GOAL	DESCRIPTION
Most Popular Superstar	Become the most popular Superstar in your brand.
5-Star Match Rating	Achieve a 5-Star Match Rating in any normal show.
5-Star PPV Match Rating	Achieve a 5-Star Match Rating in any Pay-Per-View
Top of the Power 25	Hold the #1 position on the Power 25.
Beat the #1 Superstar	Defeat the current #1 Superstar on the Power 25 in any match.
Top 5 of the Power 25	Remain in Top 5 of the Power 25 for 5 weeks.
Championship Defenses	Successfully defend any Championship.
Pay-Per-View Victories	Win a match in any Pay-Per-View
15 Match win Streak	Win 15 official matches in a row.
Sign a $1 Million Dollar Contract	Awarded for each $1 Million contract signed.
Sign a $500 Thousand Contract	Awarded for each $500 Thousand contract signed.
Championship Wins	Defeat a Champion in any Title match.
Legend Victories	Defeat any Legend Superstar
Royal Rumble Appearances	Participate in a Royal Rumble match.
Royal Rumble Wins	Win the Royal Rumble.
WrestleMania Appearances	Participate in a WrestleMania match.
WrestleMania Wins	Win any match at WrestleMania
Pay-Per-View Grandslams	Win / Defend the title at each of the following Pay-Per-Views: SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, and WrestleMania.

Participating in WWE storylines and competing in matches is mostly self-explanatory. You'll encounter a variety of match types and situations. Check the general strategies section of this game guide for tips on specific match types. Although it's possible to lose matches and continue on with your career, winning matches advances your character toward legend status, particularly when winning the match meets one of the 24/7 superstar goals, such as winning a pay-per-view match or defeating a current champion.

Daily Activities

If you don't have a brand show match (for instance, if you're a RAW superstar then your brand has its show on Monday) or a pay-per-view match, then you should choose to participate in a daily activity. These activities including training exercises, which can improve one of your base statistics, skill training, which can improve your popularity, fatigue, or your skill at certain events, and finally events and activities, which can improve your superstar's popularity or even bank account at the expense of some or a large amount of fatigue.

Speaking of fatigue, it's basically a measure of your superstar's energy level. If you continually participate in daily activities, your superstar's fatigue level will suffer. If you enter matches with significant fatigue, you become more susceptible to injury. If you are injured, you still participate in your brand's shows; however, you enter these matches already with limb damage. Monitor your fatigue level and adjust your activities accordingly. Participate in activities that cost minimal or no fatigue.

Training Exercises

Participate in training exercises to make improvements to your wrester's primary attributes. The chart below reveals the training exercise, the associated attribute, and how to complete the training exercise to gain the statistic benefit.

TRAINING EXERCISE	DESCRIPTION
Strength	Work on building up your strength using this training regiment. Perform set amount of Ultimate Control Grapples successfully within the time limit.
Speed	Work on building up your speed using this training regiment. Perform set amount of Diving Attacks successfully within the time limit.
Stamina	Work on building up your stamina using this training regiment. Before your stamina is drained, successfully perform set amount of Dash Attacks within the time limit.
Technical	Work on improving your reversal abilities by using this training regiment. Perform set amount of reversals successfully within the time limit.
Durability	Work on building up your durability using this training regiment. Starting with Yellow body damage, get any part of the opponent's body damage to be Yellow without using an object and within the time limit.
Submission	Work on improving your submission abilities by using this training regiment. Perform set amount of Struggle Submissions successfully within the time limit.
Hardcore	Work on improving your object damage by using this training regiment. Cause yourself or your opponent to bleed within the time limit.
Charisma	Work on building your charisma using this training regiment. Perform set amount of Taunts successfully within the time limit.

The list below reveals how each attribute affects your superstar's abilities inside the ring. Use the information below to best judge which attributes you wish to focus on in your training regimens.

• Strength: Represents the overall power and damage potential of your superstar's strikes and grapples. Perform strength training if you want to improve your wrestler's ability to inflict damage with rooms. Strength is one of the primary statistics for a Powerhouse or Brawler superstar.
• Speed: Represents how fast your superstar can move around the ring, walk, run, and even climb. Perform speed training if you want to improve your wrestler's ability to move faster around the ring. Speed is the primary statistic for the High-Flyer superstar.
• Stamina: Represents how many consecutive maneuvers your wrestler can use without becoming tired. It's no longer represented on-screen as it was in last year's game.
• Technical: Represents your superstar's ability to counter an opponent's strikes and grapples. Perform technical training if you want to improve your superstar's ability to counter maneuvers. Technical is the main statistic for wrestlers with the Technical fighting style.

• Durability: Represents how much damage your superstar can sustain. The higher the durability, the more damage your superstar can sustain before suffering limb damage that's represented on screen. Durability is important for all superstars and isn't associated with a particular fighting style (although the bigger wrestlers, usually Powerhouse, tend to have higher durability).
• Submission: Represents your superstar's skill with submission moves, both using them and getting out of them. Perform submission training if you want to improve your wrestler's ability to perform submission holds. Submission is the primary statistic superstars with the Submission fighting style.
• Hardcore: Represents your wrestler's skill with foreign objects. Superstars with high hardcore ratings inflict greater damage with weapons. Perform hardcore training if you want to improve your superstar's ability with foreign objects. Hardcore is the main statistic for wrestlers with the Hardcore fighting style.
• Charisma: Represents how quickly your momentum meter rises (through successfully completed maneuvers or taunts, including the Showman abilities). Perform charisma training to improve the speed at which your superstar's momentum meter rises. Charisma is the primary statistic for the Showman wrestler.

Skill Training

Choosing to train skills on off days can improve your superstar's popularity, endurance, and provide bonuses when you participate in particular events and activities. Note that all of the skill training options require cash but none of these add any fatigue for your superstar.

Fan favorite and fan heat can be used depending on your superstar's status as a face (good guy) or a heel (bad guy). However, this is more useful in the game's General Manager mode, especially the fan heat training, if you're trying to build rivalries and promote your brand's best fan favorites and best bad guys. If you're using a current or created superstar in 24/7 mode, then focus on fan favorite training to boost popularity. Reaching legendary status and completing goals is very dependant on your superstar's popularity.

The microphone and on camera skill training will improve the bonuses offered by various events and activities. If you plan to participate in those activities then improve the corresponding skill. Endurance and pain management are associated with your wrestler's fatigue level. Endurance improves the rate at which fatigue recovers on all days; pain management improves the rate at which fatigue recovers on days you rest.

The chart below compiles all skill training options, their descriptions, and the cost required.

SKILL TRAINING	DESCRIPTION	COST
Microphone Skill	Improving your microphone skills will give you bonuses when participating in Press Conferences, Website Interviews, Show Invasions, and PPV Commercials	$5,000
On Camera	Improving your on camera presence will give you bonuses when participating in Villain and Hero Movies, Photo Shoots, Red Carpet Events, and WWE Promotional Shoots.	$5,000
Pain Management	This skill improves the rate at which your fatigue recovers during rest activities.	$5,000
Fan Favorite	Receive popularity bonuses by training how to be a fan favorite.	$5,000
Fan Heat	Receive popularity bonuses by training how to be hated by the fans.	$5,000
Endurance	Building up your endurance will increase the amount of fatigue you recover on a daily basis.	$10,000

Events and Activities

On your superstar's day off, you can choose to participate in a special event or activities to provide a variety of bonuses, including boosts to morale, popularity, and even your bank account. However, almost all of the events and activities cause your superstar to become fatigued. A superstar with high fatigue will have a greater chance for injury during matches. If you participate in high fatigue activities, plan a day of rest before matches for a chance to restore your superstar.

Only a couple of the events and activities cost money, the charity event and the trophy date. Most of the activities boost your superstar's popularity, which is an important element in the push toward legend status. If you plan to participate in press conferences, website interviews, show invasions, or PPV commercials then improve your superstar's microphone skill in the skill training. If you plan to participate in villain and hero movies, photo shoots, red carpet events, and WWE promotional shoots, then improve your superstar's on camera skill in skill training.

Regenerate fatigue by taking a rest and relaxation day (R&R) but note that doing so will cause your popularity to take a big hit (apparently fans don't like it when their favorite superstar rests!)

The table below reveals all events and activities your superstar can participate in on his day off. Check the event and activity's cost, bonus, and fatigue before making your decision. Monitor your fatigue level carefully so you don't send your wrestler into brand shows or pay-per-views with a high risk of injury.

EVENT AND ACTIVITY	DESCRIPTION	COST	BONUS	FATIGUE
Autograph Signing	Take time out of your day to attend an autograph signing session to boost your fan popularity without risky any fatigue.	N/A	Popularity	None
Villain Movie	Earn some additional cash by starring in a motion picture. The success of the movie will determine your royalties. Performing stunts in your movie will cause high levels of fatigue.	N/A	Cash	High
Press Conference	Help promote the latest WWE event and boost your presence with the fans. This event will cause minimal fatigue.	N/A	Popularity	Minimal
Hero Movie	Increase your popularity by starring in a motion picture. The movie's success will determine your increase in popularity. Performing stunts in your movie will cause high levels of fatigue.	N/A	Popularity	High
Website Interview	The website is a big hit with fans and a new article will boost your popularity with only a slight fatigue hit.	N/A	Popularity	Slight
Photo Shoot	Earn a small amount of cash posing for the latest WWE photo shoot.	N/A	Cash	None
R&R	Resting is not the best way to get your name known, but everybody needs a day off. Regain some of your health with a nice massage.	N/A	Health	Restores
Movie Event	You need to hit the red carpet and reach A-list status. Earn some popularity and cash by attending this event with the risk of some fatigue.	N/A	Popularity, Cash	Some
Other Brand Invasion	Invade this show and leave your mark. You may gain some fans on the other show and you could get injured doing it.	N/A	Popularity	Some, Injury risk
PPV Commercial	Be the face of the next PPV and participate in the commercial. You'll earn some cash with only a small amount of fatigue.	N/A	Cash	Small
Charity Event	Raise your morale level and popularity by helping others and donating a small amount to charity.	$500	Morale, Popularity	None
Trophy Date	Take some time for yourself and show some ladies a lovely time. Although you'll gain some fanfare, you might be left dry in the cash and fatigue department.	$500	Popularity	Some
Promotion	Help the WWE promote itself and earn a nice paycheck while you're at it. However, extra stress will cause fatigue.	N/A	Cash	Some

General Manager Mode

WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 combines the previous year's general manager mode into 24/7. There are similarities between selecting a general manager and selecting a wrestler—you can still perform a variety of daily activities on your brand's superstars—but as general manager you are in charge of setting up matches, not fighting in them.

General manager mode begins with selecting your brand and drafting a roster. If you're going for the “General Manager of the Year” award you would help your cause significantly by selecting the most popular wrestlers possible. But if you want to turn nothing into something, choose superstars that aren't the biggest names in the game. Creating exciting matches, storylines, and rivalries is also an important element to make your brand the dominant show.

On days off you can use the daily activities to improve your brand's superstars, particularly their popularity. For example, use the fan favorite on your brand's faces (good guys) and fan heat on your brand's heels (bad guys) to generate even more fan appreciation for your rivalries (create storylines from the WWE magazine inside the general manager office).

As general manager your focus should be on making your superstars as popular as possible (using activities to increase popularity) and on making your matches as exciting as possible (creating gimmick matches between popular superstars). Check the general manager goals and look to complete these to increase your brand's exposure, fans, and your path to becoming the general manager of the year.

The table below reveals the goals list for the general manager in 24/7 mode. You can reach a number of these goals more than once. Reaching these goals will push you toward the General Manager of the Year award. This can be a valuable award, especially if you like Xbox 360 Achievements and gamerscore: winning the General Manager of the Year award unlocks an achievement worth 350 points.

GOAL	DESCRIPTION
Top 5 Brand Supremacy	Make 3 Superstars in your brand ranked in Top 5 of Power 25 for 5 weeks.
Top 10 Brand Supremacy	Make 3 Superstars in your brand ranked in Top 10 of Power 25 for 5 weeks.
Top 15 Brand Supremacy	Make 3 Superstars in your brand ranked in Top 15 of Power 25 for 5 weeks.
5-Star Rating PPV Match	Achieve a 5-Star Match Rating in any Pay-Per-View
5-Star Rating Normal Match	Achieve a 5-Star Match Rating in any regular event.
5-Star Rating Pay-Per-View Show	Achieve a 5-Star Show Rating in any single brand Pay-Per-View
5-Star Rating Streak	Achieve a 5-Star Show Rating in a single brand Pay-Per-View 3 times in a row.
#1 Superstar	Have your brand's Superstar maintain 1st in Power 25 for 5 weeks.
Joint PPV Wins	Win competition in Joint PPV (Each match result will be counted.)
Defeat Other Shows' Champion	Ranked higher than the other Brand's champion in Power 25.
Survivor Series Win	Win Survivor Series
$10 Million Cash	Earn $10 Million Cash
3 Thumbs-up Rivalry Rating	Achieve a 3 Thumbs-up rating for any rivalry.
13 Week Rivalry	Maintain a 13 week rivalry with at least a 1 Thumb-up rating.
15 Match Win Streak	One of your brand's Superstars must win 15 matches in a row by pinfall or submission.
No injuries for a month.	All of your brand's Superstars must remain injury free for one month.
1 Million Fans	Awarded for every one million new fans received.
Royal Rumble Win	Have your own brand's Superstar win Royal Rumble.
5-Star WrestleMania Match	Your brand must present WrestleMania's main event and obtain a 5-Star rating for the match.
WrestleMania Win	Have your brand's Superstar win WrestleMania.

Chapter 5: Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame game mode offers a set of twelve challenges. These recreate some of the most exciting matches in WWE history, such as the WrestleMania Ironman match between Shaun Michaels and Bret Hart, the original Money in the Bank match, and the infamous Hell in a Cell match between Undertaker and Mick Foley as Mankind. Completing Hall of Fame challenges unlocks various superstars for purchase in the WWE shop; it also unlocks WWE arenas for use in exhibition mode.

January 22, 1995; Royal Rumble

Objective: Using any Superstar in Exhibition: 30-Man Royal Rumble mode, arrive 1st in the ring and then win on Legend difficulty.

This is one of the toughest Hall of Fame challenges because of the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble. Over the course of the rumble, 30 superstars will enter the ring with only one left standing at the end. Eliminate superstars by tossing them over the rope and out of the ring—for instance with Irish whip maneuvers or ultimate control grapples.

Selecting a strong, Powerhouse superstar is a good idea. Inflicting big damage, particularly against smaller competitors, will be important in every stage of the rumble (heavily damaged superstars won't be able to hold onto the rope after being thrown onto the apron). Utilize the Powerhouse's unique Rampage mode to get out of a jam or to pummel the last or one of the last opponents. Durability is also an important attribute. You have to be the first one in the ring so you'll need the durability to last through 29 other superstars!

One of the fastest ways to eliminate an opponent from the rumble is using an Irish whip maneuver close to and toward the ropes. Grapple an opponent standing on the apron to initiate the ring-out meter, which determines how close the superstar is to being pushed off the apron and eliminated. Button mash while grappling to lower the meter; once the ring-out meter depletes, the wrestler falls off the apron and out of the rumble. You can assist other superstars by joining the grapple. The ring-out meter depletes faster when there's more than one superstar pushing the wrestler out of the ring. You can also strike superstars on the apron and knock them off—the stronger your superstar the better.

Try to avoid confrontation, particularly around the ropes. You don't want to be tossed onto the apron otherwise one or more opponents may seize the chance to get you out of the match. It's about being the last man standing, not about performing the most maneuvers. Try to keep heavily damaged superstars around so they're easy pickings later in the rumble. A superstar that has sustained heavy damage can be instantly tossed out of the ring using the close-to-the-ropes Irish whip—no ring-out meter required.

Allow other superstars to do most of the dirty work for you while you maintain high health, low limb damage, and hopefully a stored fighting style icon for use later in the rumble. Note that if you have a low ring-out meter from getting thrown onto the apron, you can refill it by eliminating an opponent.

March 31, 1986; WrestleMania

Objective: Using Shawn Michaels in Direct Challenge mode, defeat Bret Hart in a “One on One 30-minute Iron Man match” on Legend difficulty.

Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart have had some of the most memorable matches in WWE history. Of course, there's this recreated Iron Man match for the championship in WrestleMania 12 (although that match was a staggering 60 minutes). There's also the infamous “You screwed Bret!” Montreal Screwjob match at Survivor Series 1997 where Vince McMahon double-crossed Bret Hart in his last match before heading to WCW.

Here you'll assume the role of Shawn Michaels; the Heartbreak Kid primary style is Showman (secondary is Technical). Shawn Michaels' Showman status allows you to steal taunts for extra momentum, perform taunts followed by dive attacks off the turn buckle for full momentum if completed. Only perform these moves if Bret is out of the way temporarily; if these taunts are interrupted, you can lose all momentum. Store a fighting style icon and Shawn can steal Bret's finisher.

Bret Hart is a Submission wrestler (secondary Technical). Don't bother attempting submission holds until you have inflicted limb damage otherwise they will be reversed. Keep Bret away with strikes and quick grapples. Build momentum through taunts and stolen taunts.

Whichever superstar has the most pinfalls (or submissions) at the end 30 minutes wins the match. Once you gain a lead you can be more conservative and even remain away from Bret, move in and out of the ring, and do whatever it takes to waste time. Unlike previous games, a wrestler gets restored health after dropping a point to the opponent. As Michaels, look to store a fighting style icon, gain a point, and then follow it up with a stolen finisher as soon as possible. Achieve victory in the match to complete the challenge, award Hall of Fame points, and unlock Bret Hart for purchase in the WWE shop.

March 23, 1997; WrestleMania

Objective: Using Bret Hart in Direct Challenge mode, defeat Stone Cold in a Submission match on Legend difficulty.

The best there is, the best there ever was, the best there ever will be. Bret Hart is one of the top and most popular WWE legends. Also known as The Hitman, Bret primarily uses the Submission fighting style with the secondary Technical style—a perfect mix for this type of match. This is a recreation of one of the best WrestleMania matches of all-time—extremely bloody, multiple uses of foreign objects like chairs, cords, and the ring bell, awesome heel action from Bret, and a legend-making match for Stone Cold.

Use Bret's variety of submission holds to focus on a specific body part. Stone Cold will have to inflict some limb damage before succeeding with holds (Bret Hart's Lock Pick ability takes care of that). Mix up your moves with strikes, grapples, along with the submission holds. Store a fighting style icon and use it on Bret's Ultimate Submission ability. Initiate a struggle submission and take advantage of Bret's fighting style benefits. Winning the match completes the challenge, awards Hall of Fame points, and unlocks Steve Austin for purchase in the WWE shop.

April 13, 1997; ECW

Objective: Using any Superstar, defeat Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and the Sandman in ECW Extreme Rules match of Fatal 4-Way at ECW arena on Legend difficulty.

Before you can attempt this match, you must have purchased Sabu from the WWE shop. There are no specific requirements needed to unlock Sabu; the ECW legend is available for purchase from the very beginning of the game. Save up $210,000 by playing through 24/7 mode (you can earn the money simply by simulating matches, weeks, pay-per-views, etc. Purchase Sabu once you have acquired the cash.

From the exhibition menu, select a fatal 4-way match with the ECW Extreme Rules. This is basically a hardcore match. There are weapons underneath the ring—many, many weapons. Anything goes. There's no disqualification. Use those foreign objects to batter your opponents! Speaking of opponents, you must select Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and the Sandman. You can choose any other superstar. Choosing a stronger, more durable superstar will make this challenge easier.

In a fatal 4-way, the first superstar to get a pinfall on any of the other three superstars wins the match Grab weapons from underneath the ring and batter your opponents. You'll have to look for the best opportunity to go for a pin. It's ideally when the other two competitors are away from the action and occupied (such as battling outside the ring). Winning this match to receive Hall of Fame points; it also unlocks Terry Funk for purchase in the WWE shop.

June 28, 1998; Vengeance

Objective: Using Undertaker in Direct Challenge mode, defeat Mick Foley in a Hell in a Cell match on Legend difficulty.

This recreates a match best known for its amazing spot off the top of the Hell in a Cell—Mankind (Mick Foley) was tossed off the top of the cell and onto the announcer's table sixteen feet below. Although it's Mick Foley and not his Mankind character, the essentials remain the same. Start the match through the direct challenge option on the Hall of Fame screen. Undertaker is primarily a Brawler with the secondary Powerhouse fighting ability.

You can battle Mick Foley inside the cell, outside the cell, or even on top of the cell. You can remain inside the ring for the entire match if you want—but what's the fun in that? Win the match by pinfall and inflict high damage by using the cell. Irish whip Mick into the cage, slam his head into the cage, or recreate the awesome spot by tossing him off the top of the cage. Climb the cage and Mick will follow. Use strikes to knock him off the cage and onto the floor below or use a grapple or ultimate grapple to toss Mick in style. A fall from the cell inflicts big damage and should set you up for the remainder of the match. Defeat Mick Foley to complete the challenge, earn Hall of Fame points, and unlock Mick Foley for purchase in the WWE shop.

August 27, 2000; Summer Slam

Objective: Using any two Superstars, defeat The Hardys in a “Two on Two TLC match” in Summer Slam on Legend difficulty.

To complete this challenge you must have already unlocked the Summer Slam arena, which can be accomplished by progressing in the Hall of Fame mode and completing other challenges (you need 11 points, which is nearly completing everything). You may be able to unlock Summer Slam in 24/7 mode by reaching the PPV and winning.

Select a two-on-two match and choose the TLC Tornado Tag option. Select your two favorite superstars (obviously the better superstars you choose, the easier the match should be). Hardcore fighting styles will provide beneficial because there are plenty of weapons—tables, ladders, and chairs—around the ring. Everyone is active in a tornado tag. Grab weaponry and bash one or both of the Hardys as often as possible. Build your momentum meter and execute finishers. This isn't just a table match so you can win by pinfall inside the ring—you don't have to toss someone through a table to win the match.

March 26, 2001

Objective: Play in GM of 24/7 mode and obtain “GM of the Year” award.

This is one of the more elaborate challenges because it's far more time consuming than a single exhibition match or a complete Royal Rumble. You must assume the role of General Manager in 24/7 mode and win the General Manager of the Year award. Check the 24/7 section of this game guide for some tips to succeed as a General Manager and help complete this challenge.

April 1, 2001; WrestleMania

Objective: Using Stone Cold in Direct Challenge mode, defeat The Rock on Legend difficulty.

There are no gimmicks here. No steel cage. No weapons. No submissions. No Elimination Chamber. This is a straight up, legend against legend match. Use direct challenge mode from the Hall of Fame screen to initiate this match. You're Stone Cold Steve Austin, who uses Brawler and Showman fighting styles. The Brawler fighting style is primary so a stored fighting style icon performs the Wreck Shop ability. Being a Showman, Stone Cold can still steal taunts and gain extra momentum from completed taunts.

Ironically both of these WWE legends have gone on to star in feature films, though The Rock, otherwise known as Dwayne Johnson, has fared a bit better…or worse depending on your point of view. The Rock is one of the top WWE superstars of all-time—these are two Brawlers so expect a street fight-type battle (though The Rock's primary fighting style is Showman). Take advantage of Stone Cold's striking skills (using Wreck Shop by storing a fighting style icon) and use taunts to gain extra momentum (or steal to decrease The Rock's). Perform the stunner in the ring's center to avoid a rope break when going for the pin. Defeat The Rock to complete the Hall of Fame challenge, earn points, and unlock The Rock for purchase at the WWE shop.

April 3, 2005; WrestleMania

Objective: On Legend difficulty, create a Money in the Bank match with Mr. Kennedy, Edge, Matt Hardy, Finlay, Jeff Hardy, and defeat them with any remaining Superstar.

This match is pure chaos! Select exhibition mode and choose a six man match. Pick Money in the Bank. Although you can choose to control any superstar, your opponents must be as listed above: Mr. Kennedy, Edge, Matt Hardy, Finlay, and Jeff Hardy. The most important thing to remember is that you must choose the WrestleMania 23 arena. Otherwise you could complete this task and not finish the challenge because you weren't in the appropriate arena! You can unlock WrestleMania 23 through 24/7 general manager mode. Simulate to WrestleMania 23, put the title on the line, and win the match.

There's a briefcase hanging over the center of the ring. To win the match, you must use a ladder to reach the briefcase then pull the briefcase down. The briefcase has a meter. You can pull with one or both arms; the meter decreases faster if you're pulling it down with both arms. As superstars pull on the case, the meter decreases. You could lower the meter until it's almost empty but still lose because another superstar finishes the job.

It doesn't take long for the match to become chaotic—a couple ladders swinging around, superstars flying everywhere, and limb damage growing redder by the second. The challenge is getting the opportunity to ascend a ladder and hold onto the briefcase for any period of time. Look for the case's shadow in the ring's center so you know the best place to position the ladder. If other superstars are going for the case, strike the ladder to knock it down or ascend the other side and suplex them out of the ring.

April 3, 2005

Objective: Create a Championship title and raise its prestige to the highest possible value.

This one is fairly straightforward. Enter the “Create Mode” option at the main menu and create your own championship belt. Now you must take your created belt and put it on the line. You can do this either in offline exhibition matches or even online against human opponents.

Defend your created title in exciting matches—of course winning is also important. Select legend difficulty and compete in matches with more flair than just single no manager. Take your belt into a Hell in a Cell, First Blood, or Hardcore match. The more thrilling the match the better! Repeat your title defenses in exciting battles and build the prestige until you complete the task. You'll earn some Hall of Fame points toward the overall completion goal.

May 25, 2006

Objective: Using any Superstar, win the King of the Ring tournament of Tournament mode on Legend difficulty.

This Hall of Fame challenge is straightforward and can be completed after starting WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 for the very first time. Select Tournaments in game modes and choose the King of the Ring tournament. It's a 16-superstar single-elimination tournament. The matches are single, no manager contests. Win and you move ahead to the next round. Win four matches in a row and you emerge victories and reign as King of the Ring.

With a goal of completing this Hall of Fame challenge, choose the strongest wrestler possible and one that best suits your gameplay abilities. If you're a grappler, choose a Powerhouse superstar; if you like to perform submission holds, select a Submission superstar. Save the tournament between matches in case a loss requires you to start over.

When you win the King of the Ring tournament, you're promoted to select your favorite Diva to become your Queen. Enjoy the ceremony! A stable is then created (check the “Create-a-Stable selection) with your King and Queen; an entrance worthy of royalty is also created for your new stable.

June 12, 2006; RAW

Objective: Create a Stable and max-out its teamwork attributes. Then use this Stable to defeat D-Generation X in a Two on Two Tag Team Match on Legend difficulty.

This challenge is similar to the created title challenge. You must create a stable—choose your favorite duo of wrestlers, obviously choosing awesome superstars will make this challenge easier—and create a stable in the “Create Mode” option from the main menu. Before battling D-Generation X (the duo of Triple H and Shawn Michaels) you must maximize your stable's teamwork attributes.

To do so, use your stable in a variety of tag team matches in exhibition mode. Create exciting matches with ladders, cells, tables, blood…whatever. Repeat and continue using your stable in exhibition mode and monitor your attribute progress. It will take several successful matches. Once you have maxed the stats, it's time to take on D-Generation X.

Select the Two on Two tag match, legend difficulty, and Triple H and Shawn Michaels as your opponents. Make sure you play on the RAW arena. Now just win! Triple H and Shawn Michaels are two of the best superstars in the game. Triple H is a menacing Powerhouse while Shawn Michaels is a technically skilled Showman.

Hall of Fame Unlockables

The table below reveals the arenas unlocked by reaching Hall of Fame point goals. You earn points from completing Hall of Fame challenges; certain challenges are worth more points than others. For example, you can complete Hall of Fame mode without finishing the March 26, 2001 GM of the Year, August 27, 2000 Summer Slam, and June 12, 2006 D-X stable. You could also complete GM of the Year instead and not finish the Money in the Bank.

UNLOCKABLE ARENA	UNLOCK BY
No Way Out Arena	Achieve 5 points in Hall of Fame mode.
Vengeance Arena	Achieve 6 points in Hall of Fame mode.
ECW One Night Stand Arena	Achieve 7 points in Hall of Fame mode.
December to Dismember Arena	Achieve 8 points in Hall of Fame mode.
New Year's Resolution Arena	Achieve 9 points in Hall of Fame mode.
The Great American Bash	Achieve 10 points in Hall of Fame mode.
SummerSlam	Achieve 11 points in Hall of Fame mode.
WrestleMania 23	Achieve 12 points in Hall of Fame mode.
Legend Championship belts unlocked in WWE Shop	Achieve 12 points in Hall of Fame mode.

Chapter 6: WWE Shop

The following tables compile available items and related prices in the WWE and Locker Room shops.

Legend Superstar

Complete the requirements and save up the cash to acquire the following legend superstars.

ITEM	UNLOCK BY	PRICE
The Rock	Can be purchased after defeating The Rock in a match using Steve Austin on Legend difficulty.	$210,000
Steve Austin	Can be purchased after defeating Steve Austin in a submission match using Bret Hart on Legend difficulty.	$210,000
Mick Foley	Can be purchased after defeating Mick Foley in a Hell-in-the-Cell match using Undertaker on Legend difficulty.	$210,000
Rick Rude	N/A	$210,000
Roddy Piper	N/A	$210,000
Terry Funk	Can be purchased after defeating Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and Sandman in an ECW extreme rules 4-way match using any Superstar on Legend difficulty.	$210,000
Sabu	N/A	$210,000
Bret Hart	Can be purchased after defeating Bret Hart in a 30-minute Ironman match using Shawn Michaels on Legend difficulty.	$210,000

Another Superstar

Complete the requirements and save up the cash to acquire the following superstars.

ITEM	UNLOCK BY	PRICE
Vince McMahon	Can be purchased after winning or successfully defending a championship title at Wrestlemania in 24/7 GM mode.	$110,000
Shane McMahon	N/A	$110,000
JBL	N/A	$110,000

Another Costume

Use saved cash to purchase alternate attire for the following superstars.

ITEM	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
Triple H D-X	Triple H's costume can now be changed to D-X type.	$60,000
Shawn Michaels D-X	Shawn Michaels costume can now be changed to D-X type.	$60,000
Vince McMahon Bald	The Vince McMahon Bald costume will be available for purchase once Vince McMahon is purchased from the Another Superstar category.	$60,000

Legend Championship

You must complete the requirements and have the cash available to spend to acquire these legend championships.

ITEM	UNLOCK BY	PRICE
The Million Dollar Championship	Hall of Fame: Obtain the rank of “Hall of Famer”.	$20,000
Hardcore Championship	Hall of Fame: Obtain the rank of “Hall of Famer”.	$20,000
Attitude Heavyweight Championship	Hall of Fame: Obtain the rank of “Hall of Famer”.	$20,000
WCW Classic World Championship	Hall of Fame: Obtain the rank of “Hall of Famer”.	$20,000

Etc.

The category includes additional move sets and entrance animations.

ITEM	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
Moves set 1	More moves can now be selected in Create a Move Set mode.	$15,000
Moves set 2	More moves can now be selected in Create a Move Set mode.	$15,000
Moves set 3	More moves can now be selected in Create a Move Set mode.	$15,000
Preset Move-Sets	When Moves Set 1, 2, 3 are purchased. Moves Table Set also becomes available for purchase.	$15,000
Triple H D-X entrance animation	Triple H's D-X entrance becomes available for purchase when his D-X costume is purchased.	$30,000
Shawn Michaels D-X entrance animation	Shawn Michaels' D-X entrance becomes available for purchase when his D-X costume is purchased.	$30,000

Starter Kits

Use cash and meet the requirements to grab these fighting style starter kits. These are starting attributes for your created superstar appropriate for the particular fighting style.

ITEM	UNLOCK BY	PRICE
Brawler	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
Dirty	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
Hardcore	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
High-Flyer	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
Powerhouse	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
Showman	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
Submission	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000
Technical	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$30,000

Premium Kits

Use cash and meet the requirements to grab these fighting style premium kits. These are basically upgraded starter kits.

ITEM	UNLOCK BY	PRICE
Brawler	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
Dirty	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
Hardcore	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
High-Flyer	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
Powerhouse	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
Showman	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
Submission	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000
Technical	Available for purchase when you have at least one created Superstar.	$110,000

Chapter 7: Xbox 360 Achievements and Cheat Codes

If you want some tricks to unlock WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2008 achievements on the Xbox 360, this is the right place. This section includes a table with achievements, descriptions, and corresponding gamerscore. We'll also tell you how to easily get some of those coveted gamerscore points. Check the end of this section for a few cheat codes to unlock extra costumes for D-X and a Diva.

Achievements

The table below reveals all Xbox 360 achievements, descriptions, and corresponding points.

NAME	DESCRIPTION	POINTS
That's gonna leave a mark	Powerbomb an opponent on top of a steel step in any match type.	20
Possession is 9/10 of the law	Steal your opponent's taunt 3 times in any One on One match.	20
Put'em in a body bag	Turn your opponent's entire limb damage red in any match type.	20
I'd like to thank the academy	Defeat a Powerhouse Superstar with the Possum Pin in any match type.	20
You've got a bit of red on you	Get busted open by your opponent on Legend difficulty in any match type and win.	20
Who says originality is dead	Create an original CAS, ring entrance and created Championship	20
King of the mountain	Place first in every type of tournament in Tournament mode.	20
If it bleeds…	Bloody every ECW Superstar on the roster.	20
Submission-sensei	Win a Normal Submission match without having your Struggle Submission hold broken once.	50
Stop yapping and fight	Argue with the referee 4 times in a match and win.	20
That's one for the record books	Eliminate 20 opponents in a 30-Man Royal Rumble.	20
Now that's hardcore	Bloody and defeat a Hardcore Superstar on legend difficulty in an ECW Extreme Rules match and win.	20
The best there was…	Win a 20-minute Ironmatch match on legend difficulty without surrendering a point to your opponent.	20
A fighting champion	In ranked online matches, defend a CAC title 5 times against 5 different players within 24 hours.	75
Gold digger	Win a Created Championship 10 times in ranked online matches.	70
On fire	Win 30 consecutive ranked online matches.	75
Rope a dope	Perform a successful springboard attack of each side of the ropes.	20
Send them back to Louisville	Lose to an opponent who has more limb damage than you.	10
Better luck next year	Be the first Superstar eliminated in a 30-Man Royal Rumble.	10
Now offering non-stop flights	Stand on a ladder and suplex your opponent out of the ring in a ladder match.	20
What the…	Preview the Mexican Stretch Corner Grapple in Create A Move-Set.	10
Escape Artist	Wiggle free from every Ultimate Control Grapple at least once.	20
You've got guts	Complete a ranked online title match.	20
This year's inductee	Play as a GM in 24/7 Mode and obtain the GM of the Year Award.	350
On the Job	Lose 5 matches online in a row.	10

Like any good Dirty wrestler, you can bend rules in your favor to provide extra help in unlocking many of the WWE Smackdown vs. RAW 2088 achievements. For example, the “Submission-sensei” achievement requires winning a normal submission match without having your struggle submission hold broken even once. Not too hard: just don't use the struggle submission hold until your opponent has sustained red body damage in that particular limb. And if you really want to make things easy, select a Submission fighting style superstar (CM Punk, Bret Hart, Finlay) and a Diva as your opponent. Not unfair enough? Lower all of the A.I. settings to zero.

Possession is 9/10 of the law is another easy achievement. Select a superstar with the Showman fighting style (for instance, Shawn Michaels) and simply steal your opponent's taunt three times during the match. Make sure the match is simply one-on-one as noted by the achievement. The taunt animation must complete so ensure your opponent is down before going for the “gimmick infringement” ability.

Several of the achievements are secret but are noted above. One achievement that can be unlocked without even playing a match is the “What the…” achievement. Go into the create mode and select the “Create a Move-set” option. Choose any superstar then search the finisher moves for the “Mexican Stretch”. Preview the move and wait for that wonderful achievement unlocked sound.

A good way to unlock the “Put'em in a body bag” achievement is to play a Money in the Bank match. This achievement requires you to turn one of your opponent's entire limb damage red during any match. You'll have five other opponents in this match and it's a chaotic, long battle. Someone will eventually be all red!

You'll need a Dirty fighting style superstar to complete the “Stop yapping and fight” achievement. It's easy to complete. Just damage your opponent a bit and go for a pin. After your opponent kicks out, argue with the ref. Do it four times then continue on and win the match to unlock the achievement.

Cheat Codes

Enter cheat codes within the Options menu. Put in the following codes to unlock the corresponding bonus.

CHEAT CODE	UNLOCK
DXCostume69K2	Unlocks HBK and HHH's D-X Attire.
KellyKG12R	Unlocks Kelly Kelly's Alternate Attire.