WWE Raw vs WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
WWE Raw brings the excitement of the iconic television series to the Xbox and PC, delivering a robust wrestling experience with a full 2002 roster. Developed by Anchor Inc and published by THQ, it marked the debut of WWE games on the Xbox platform and the final WWF-branded title before the name change.\n\nPlayers can enjoy both single-player campaigns and split-screen multiplayer, battling friends in fast-paced, action-packed matches. As a pioneering title, it set the stage for future wrestling games while offering a nostalgic look at early 2000s wrestling entertainment.
Step into the most over‑the‑top WWF experience ever created. Battle in the ring, backstage corridors, VIP lounges, and even the parking lot of the new WF New York, all rendered with the fast‑paced action fans love. The game adds a Tornado Tag Team mode and lets you bring tables, ladders, and chairs into the fray for truly nasty, hardcore matches that keep the excitement high from start to finish.
- Authentic 2002 WWE roster
- Split-screen multiplayer
- Variety of match types
- Robust career mode
- Authentic WWF roster and venues
- Innovative Tornado Tag Team mode
- Robust create‑a‑wrestler customization
- Local split‑screen multiplayer
- No online multiplayer
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Limited AI difficulty options
- Limited to PlayStation 2 hardware
- No online multiplayer support
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to WWE Raw
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Outrageous WWF action with backstage brawls, tornado tag teams, and hardcore weapons.
Step into the ring with realistic analog controls and explosive WWE action.
Alternatives to WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
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Step into the ring and live the drama with enhanced grappling and legendary match types.
Step into the ring with The Rock, Stone Cold and 30+ stars on PS2.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic, single‑purchase wrestling games with split‑screen play, but choose WWF SmackDown! 2 for PS2 fans who want unique Tornado Tag Team and backstage weapon action, or WWE Raw for Xbox owners who prefer the 2002 roster and steel‑cage matches.
Key differences
- •Platform: A runs on PlayStation 2 only; B runs on Xbox only.
- •Roster year: A features the 2000 WWF roster; B features the 2002 WWE roster with legends.
- •Match variety: A includes Tornado Tag Team and backstage weapon matches; B adds steel‑cage matches and PC roster import.
- •Developer: A by Yuke's, B by Anchor Inc – may affect gameplay feel.
- •Release era: A released 2000‑11‑21; B released 2002‑02‑11, reflecting slightly newer graphics on Xbox.
Gameplay & fun factor
A offers unique Tornado Tag Team mode and backstage weapon use, not present in B.
Platform availability
Each is exclusive to a different console; choice depends on owned hardware.
Price & value
Both priced at $49.99 with similar feature sets.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support local split‑screen multiplayer, no online.
Content & replayability
B includes steel‑cage matches and PC roster import, adding variety beyond A's modes.
Difficulty & accessibility
Neither lists difficulty options; both are rated T and similar in accessibility.
Graphics & performance
B was released later on Xbox with “enhanced graphics” for that platform, though both are dated today.
Choose WWE Raw if…
Xbox owners who prefer the 2002 roster and steel‑cage matches.
Choose WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role if…
PS2 owners who want Tornado Tag Team and backstage weapon chaos.
Common questions
Do either of these games support online multiplayer?
No; both only offer local split‑screen multiplayer.
Which game has a newer wrestler roster?
WWE Raw (Product B) features the 2002 WWE roster; WWF SmackDown! 2 (Product A) uses the 2000 WWF roster.
Can I play these games on modern consoles?
Not specified; both are listed for legacy hardware only (PS2 for A, Xbox for B).