WWE Daily

THQ reveals a new list of wrestlers who will appear in its upcoming WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009.

The ‘new’ faces will be Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio Jr, Batista, John Morrison and The Miz, most of whom were almost certain to appear in the game.

The previous list THQ sent out had John Cena, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Randy Ortono, Jeff and Matt Hardy and Mr Kennedy on it.

The next SmackDown vs Raw game will introduce downloadable content for the PS3 and Xbox 360, plus a tag team system that rewards co-operative play with more powerful moves.

There’ll also be tag team storylines as well. After last year’s mediocre effort, it will take the power of the Shockmaster to lift the series back to greatness.

Watch the new WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2009 Trailer…

Some of WWE’s biggest fans are our littlest fans – kids. They tune in to WWE programming week after week, log on to WWE.com and now they can grab a copy of WWE Kids Magazine to check out the latest in sports-entertainment and beyond.

“The goal of WWE Kids Magazine is to entertain and educate kids ages 6 to 14,” said Vice President and Editor-in-Chief Tony Romando. “Through the power of their favorite Superstars, we’re looking to challenge young fans’ minds as well as bodies with tips on everything from healthy eating to history lessons.”

The magazine, which is published once every two months, isn’t just for WWE fans. There’s a little something for every young reader to enjoy, including puzzles, comics and the latest in entertainment.

“Mind Slammers is the most popular section with WWE Kids readers. It’s packed with puzzles, hidden picture challenges and activities that challenge every level of WWE Wrestling knowledge,” Romando explained. “There are also match results in the magazine, great photos, pranks, sports, video game reviews and awesome Superstar interviews.”

Don’t be surprised if the parents of young readers are caught red-handed with a copy of WWE Kids Magazine. WWE.com recently talked to several Superstars and Divas who said they, too, are big fans of the colorful and exciting read.

“Of course I’ve read the new WWE Kids Magazine – I, the Gold Standard, am prominently featured in it, after all,” said ECW’s Shelton Benjamin. “There’s a great Fab vs. Flab section which highlights all of the perfect parts of my body.” (Click below the link)

Jillian’s favorite section of the inaugural May/June 2008 issue is Slammin’ Super Fans, which features hot A-List celebrities who are also big WWE fans.

“Bow Wow, Aaron Carter and Snoop Dogg are fans of WWE, or more importantly, fans of me,” Raw’s Diva songstress said. “Ashanti’s a big fan, too. She sang ‘America the Beautiful’ at WrestleMania XIX, but that’s only because I wasn’t available.”

Finally, Matt Striker explained to WWE.com that being a former teacher, he is well-versed in children’s publications, including a new favorite, WWE Kids Magazine.

“What I like about the magazine is that is brings our youth up to a level as opposed to talking down to them. Yes, there are cartoons and more children-friendly images, but we don’t dumb down in the magazine,” Your Teacher explained.

“This forces the youth of America to come up, maybe look a word up or ask their parents, heaven forbid, for some help! ‘Mom, what does ‘trepidations’ mean?’ or ‘Mom, what does ‘arrogant’ mean?’ – Especially in a story about me, Matt Striker, Your Teacher,” the ECW Superstar smiled.

“So I really do enjoy it. There are a lot of great features, and of course, being a kid myself, I really, really like a lot of the artistic ability that’s in the magazine,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to the magazine and perhaps writing a column. Maybe, Ask Your Teacher? What do you do think?”

Striker may believe he has some important lessons for WWE Kids Magazine readers, and with a publication packed with sports-entertainment, brain-busting puzzles and most importantly, fun, anything goes – maybe even a lesson by Matt Striker, Your Teacher.

Kids Magazine and don’t forget to subscribe today!

For articles in the WWEKids click below:
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Eddie Guererro vs John Cena Street Fight

Smackdown vs Raw 2009 John Cena and Jeff Hardy entrance

The Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns to the Virtual Ring with WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2009
Friday March 28, 12:00 pm ET
Leading Videogame Brand Set to Deliver the Definitive Sports Entertainment Experience With Added Depth, Explosive New Features and the Debut of Downloadable Content

Press Release Source: THQ Inc.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI - News) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK - News) today announced that WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 is in development for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ videogame console, Nintendo DS™ and mobile devices. Joining the immensely successful World Wrestling Entertainment® roster of WWE SmackDown/SmackDown vs. Raw licensed videogames, which have shipped more than 37 million units worldwide since 1999, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is expected to begin shipping to retail outlets worldwide this fall.

“The ambitious cross-platform launch of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 last year yielded tremendous growth for the franchise, as we delivered multiple gameplay experiences across seven platforms and greatly expanded our audience of WWE videogame fans,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “With dynamic new features and the extension of our gameplay experience through downloadable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will bring more console, handheld and wireless gamers together to enjoy the virtual world of WWE.”

“We are tremendously excited about the next groundbreaking release in the billion dollar WWE SmackDown vs. Raw videogame franchise,” said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “Downloadable content, innovative experiences with tag teams and a new Create-A-Finisher feature, along with significant annual improvements across all platforms, combine to bring the sports entertainment experience to new heights and gratify our long-time fans, casual gamers and franchise newcomers alike.”

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchise’s commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming. The Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system versions of the game will unleash a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the “hot tag” for the win. The franchise’s renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the highly anticipated debut of downloadable content.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform’s unique pick-up-and-play experience. The game also takes full combat sports entertainment to the next level by giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will also include a wide variety of new weapons, the debut of online gameplay and much more.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar will provide players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.

More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.

Source

THQ has confirmed that the latest installment in the storied wrestling franchise will be making its way to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, PlayStation 2.

The game promises you more match types, weapons and the debut of online gameplay, which will feature matches and rankings. Although the title will pack Road to WrestleMania like the aforementioned versions, the Wii copy of SVR ‘09 will be the only place to find interactive entrances and victory celebrations that range from posing on the ramp to slapping the taste out of a beaten opponent. Successfully get the crowd hyped on your way to the ring and you’ll get an in-match bonus.

“The ambitious cross-platform launch of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 last year yielded tremendous growth for the franchise, as we delivered multiple gameplay experiences across seven platforms and greatly expanded our audience of WWE videogame fans,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “With dynamic new features and the extension of our gameplay experience through downloadable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will bring more console, handheld and wireless gamers together to enjoy the virtual world of WWE.”

WWE superstars that are confirmed are Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Randy Orton, Mr. Kennedy, Undertaker and John Cena are all in the game. SVR 09 is scheduled to be coming this fall.

Check out the tralier for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 below:

Source

WrestleMania® 24 Weekend Commences Tonight in Orlando with the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge

Pinnacle Event at House of Blues to Feature Videogame Competition With World Wrestling Entertainment® Superstars and a Performance by P.O.D.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI), on behalf of THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC, will take over the House of Blues in Orlando this evening for the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge. A total of 16 elite Superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment® will compete in a single-elimination videogame tournament featuring the internationally acclaimed WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2008 videogame for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge is our way of thanking WWE and its Superstars for their commitment to delivering the definitive sports entertainment videogame experience,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “The WWE Superstars play a large role in the making of the WWE videogames, and with the tremendous success of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, our largest cross-platform launch to date with over five million units shipped in our first three months at retail, we are delighted to see everyone come together to enjoy the finished product.”

“The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge pushes pre-WrestleMania energy to the next level while celebrating the success of the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 videogame,” said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK). “The Superstars are fierce competitors, and those in attendance can look forward to an exciting tournament leading up to the ceremonial crowning of this year’s champion.”

In addition to the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge, THQ, on behalf of THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC, will host a press conference on Friday, March 28 to announce the next addition to the WWE videogame family.

About the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge

The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge will take place at the House of Blues in Orlando on Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. A total of 16 Superstars will compete in a single-elimination tournament to decide the new king or queen of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008. Reigning Challenge champion Elijah Burke™ will defend his title, while his fellow Superstars threaten to steal the show and earn the ultimate bragging rights.

Prior to the Challenge, THQ will host the live finals of its WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 international online videogame tournament, presented by GameStop in North America and Continental Europe, as well as HMV in the United Kingdom. After several weeks of competition via the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, four finalists will compete in a live championship match at the House of Blues. At stake are two floor tickets to WrestleMania 24 and additional prizes.

Following the Challenge, Grammy-nominated and multiplatinum-selling recording artist P.O.D. will rock the House of Blues stage. Hailing from San Diego, P.O.D. will release its latest album, When Angels & Serpents Dance, on April 8. One of the artist’s songs, “Booyaka 619,” also serves as the official theme music for WWE Superstar and fellow San Diego native Rey Mysterio®.

The 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge is open to the public. Tickets are $15.00 each and are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.

THQ Superstar Challenge Participants(a)

RAW Roster: Randy Orton®, Carlito™, Santino Marella™, Cody Rhodes™, Beth Phoenix™ and Ashley™

SmackDown Roster: Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy™, MVP™, Finlay™ and Michelle McCool™

ECW Roster: CM Punk™, Elijah Burke™, Tommy Dreamer™, Kofi Kingston™ and Layla™

Hosts: Matt Striker™ and Todd Grisham™

(a) Participant roster subject to change

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Xbox 360

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 for Xbox 360 lets players take the fight into their own hands with the debut of eight Superstar Fighting Styles. Each fighting style has its own unique strategy with exclusive moves and abilities. A brand new Struggle Submission System gives players intuitive and natural control over their WWE Superstars using the analog sticks. Realism and strategy are at the forefront, as players can now control the amount of pressure they apply during a match. WWE 24/7 Mode, which combines the popular Season and General Manager modes, embraces the intensity of the Superstar lifestyle. Multiple character development options, stat tracking and career goals guide players toward the ultimate achievement of becoming a WWE Legend. In addition, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 also includes numerous fan-requested updates, including new rosters, more environmental hotspots and improved out-of-ring action and much more.

For more information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, please visit www.smackdownvsraw.com or www.thq.com.

THQ will hold a press conference on Friday ‘to announce the next addition to the WWE videogame family.’

We’re guessing that the announcement will be for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, but we’ll have to wait until Friday for the official word.

With the new generation of games now in full swing, 2007 was an amazing year for gaming across all the platforms. Which makes it all the more difficult task to award the absolute best. That’s why we’re inviting you, the readers of 1UP, Electronic Gaming Monthly, and Games for Windows Magazine, to select the best games of 2007. We know it’s not going to be easy, and we know there are going to be some very close races, but we have faith that you, the gamers, will help us select the absolute best games of this year!

WWE has its game WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 nominated for Best Wrestling/Fighting Game. Go now and submit your vote. Click here.

I caught the Family Feud special today that aired on Monday. It was funny to see King Booker and Queen Sharmell on the Feud when they’re no longer a part of the WWE family. Here are a few of my observations:

- Mr. Kennedy is actually fairly intelligent.
- Queen Sharmell has a nice voice when she’s not screeching “KING BOOKA”.
- Maria is a dumb blonde masquerading as a red-head.
- Candice Michelle is hot - oh yeah, and she’s pretty smart too.
- Rick Flair can still “WOOO” a crowd.
- John O’Hurley thinks he’s halarious. He’s not.

It was a pretty good show. I haven’t watched the next episode yet (thank God for DVR’s), but I’ll be sure to let you know what I think of it! Meanwhile, check out this blast from the past - the WWF stars vs. Body Builders!!

Here are a coupe of wierd things nthat I think that WWE are sellinbg for the hardcore wrestling fans that don’t yet have it all in the home, especially in their tackle box as well.

Smackdown vs Raw 2008

E3 Hot Chick Montage 2007
For PS3, XBOX 360

Smackdown vs Raw 2008

Here is a collection of screenshots for the xbox 360 and Playstation 3 . WWE superstars such as randy orton, The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio and Triple H…Enjoy!!!

Smackdow vs Raw 2008, Youtube

Here are a few sceenshots from prowrestlinggames.com.

More screenshots click here.

WWE, Smackdown vs Raw 2008 Screenshots

Here’s another clip found on YouTube about the highly anticipated Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 - ENJOY!

Smackdown VS. Raw 2008, YouTube

Gamers are abuzz today with the talk of the new video that showed up on Gamespot.com. There is a statement made in the video about HUDS (Heads Up Display) not being included in the highly anticipated Smackdown VS Raw 2008.

Some fans of this series are worried that the lack of HUDS is going to become a serious issue during gameplay, while others seem to think that the least amount of “trash” on the screen, the better.

There is also talk about being able to create a move - whether this means to create a true move or a move-set, no one knows yet. The release date is still quite a ways away so who knows what will happen before it is released?

Smackdown VS Raw 2008, WWE, PS3