WWE DoR2 walkthru - Guide for WWE Day of Reckoning 2
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WWE Day of Reckoning 2 Story Mode Walkthrough by edgecatore -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For your story mode character, I recommend someone as balanced as possible. Give yourself submissions, high-flying moves and high impact moves. Be able to target all parts of the opponent's body. Any versatility you can give yourself will make the whole process easier; if you can make someone tap, you'll want to do it at times. A big man with speed and submissions is your best bet. Try to improve your stats gradually and equally as you go along. NOTE: There are minor story spoilers all throughout this guide. That is to be understood. I will mark any major spoilers in advance. To begin the story, Eric Bischoff walks to the ring, declaring the world heavyweight title vacant. He shows a video clip of a match between Chris Jericho and Triple H in which Triple H pins Jericho while tapping out. The crowd isn't happy with this decision. Bischoff announces a tournament to crown a new champion, which will culminate at Wrestlemania! Show 1: RAW - Major problem Now it's time to get down to business! First, you and Stacy Keibler are backstage, talking about the tournament and the storyline from the first DOR. The two of you end up kissing. How sweet. Randy Orton enters, and tells you your first match tonight is against him. You two talk again about DOR's continuity, and wish each other luck. You shake hands and it's off to the ring. MATCH: Your created character (hereafter, CAW) vs. Randy Orton STRATEGY: There's really not much special strategy to this match. You've just got to go in there and beat him. Avoid the RKO and you shouldn't have all that much trouble doing so. In fact, if you work over his head a little, try to steal the RKO (which you can do by strong grappling and then pressing L+R+A+B or, if you're handy, hit all four buttons simultaneously from standing position) for the win. Show 2: RAW - Coming in second Coach interviews Chris Jericho. Coach mentions that Y2J's next tournament match is against you. Jericho cuts him off and puts you over a bit, but then claims to have not lost to Triple H. Coach riles him up again; Jericho resolves to beat you and face Triple H at Wrestlemania, since Triple H has already won his semifinal match. MATCH: CAW vs. Chris Jericho STRATEGY: This one's a little harder due to Jericho's superior mat prowess, but it's really not that hard. And even if Jericho catches you in his special, you've got a 1 in 4 chance of breaking it. The AI doesn't always pick 'submit' in finishers, but it's always a good guess. Stick to striking or flying in this one and you should be fine. Show 3: RAW - The Highlight Reel Jericho invites you on the Highlight Reel - how cool is that? He puts you over, saying you won fair and square (which you have to have done). You then come out. He again congratulates you on the win, and wishes you luck against Triple H, asking for a title match when you beat him. Triple H and Ric Flair, wearing suits, then enter. Triple H puts himself over, saying everyone knows he'll win at Wrestlemania. You challenge Ric and Trips to a tag match. Flair wants to refus, but Trips talks him into it. MATCH: CAW & Chris Jericho vs. Triple H & Ric Flair STRATEGY: USE JERICHO! In an interesting little change from DOR, you control whoever is legal in the tag match, not a specific wrestler. So make good frequent tags to keep both of you fresh (any time your stamina is below your pulse bar you should tag out), but use Jericho more, since at this point he's got better stats. Press Z and up on the D pad to order your opponent to attack the legal man on the opposing team. This serves two purposes - to break up pins, and to keep him from tagging out. If you see yourself get whipped into Evolution's corner, they are planning to tag. Get your partner in the ring IMMEDIATELY. Try to isolate one opponent (Flair is easily the weaker of the two). You can also have your partner attack the illegal opponent by pressing Z and left on the D pad. This is very hand if you're planning to try a cover or a submission hold (which I would not recommend in this match, both have good submission stats). Use Jericho, but if your CAW has a knockout finisher, use him to try to get the pin. After the match, Flair tries to attack youy with a steel chair, but Jericho stops him, and hits Flair with the chair himself. Ric is busted open BADLY. Show 4: Wrestlemania - Death warrant Triple H busts into your locker room, complaining that Jericho injured Flair so badly that he couldn't make it to Mania. You defend Jericho, and Trips threatens you, but backs off, saying he needs you in one piece to win the world title. Stacy runs in after a little posturing, saying Eric Bischoff is desperate to find both you and Trips, demanding to see you both in his office. You both go there. Bischoff has torn his office apart and looks distraught. He says that the world title belt has been stolen! He says that without the belt, there's no championship, and without the championship, there's no match and Wrestlemania is ruined! You and Trips posture a bit more, and Bischoff continues to whine. He promises to bring down whoever stole the belt. MATCH: There is no match! Show 5: RAW - Prime Suspect You, Trips, and Bischoff are in the ring. Bischoff says Mr. McMahon thought about firing him, but thought that would be too cruel to whoever replaced him! He turns to you and says you're the prime suspect in his book. You and Trips again put yourselves over, each saying you'd have easily won if the match had happened. Trips suggest a new belt be made and then have the match, but Bischoff refuses, since he broached the idea to Mr. McMahon and got shot down. You accuse Trips, saying Stacy can vouch for you, but Flair, Trips' alibi, was not at the show. Muhammad Hassan's music hits, and he comes out. He insults you three, calling you "typical Americans." You ask Muhammad what his alibit is, and he complains that an Arab American is being accused of theft. You challenge both him and Trips to matches tonight. Bischoff intervenes, making a cage match between you and Trips at Backlash for, if it's found, the world title, and a one-on-one between you and Hassan tonight! MATCH: CAW vs. Muhammad Hassan STRATEGY: This is possibly the easiest match so far. Hassan frequently won squashes on television, but the "modified STO" isn't that potent in the game. Just target the body part your finisher affects and you should get this duke pretty easily. Show 6: RAW - Shut your mouth Triple H is in the ring, and he puts himself over and asserts his innocence in the matter of the stolen title. He accuses you, and "asks" you to bring the title back, saying there'll be no questions asked. Stacy Keibler comes out, saying you were with her and had your hands full all evening. Triple H continues to accuse her and you. Edge then enters, taking a look at Stacy's butt as he does. He complains about having been screwed out of the title before. He says he believes Stacy's account of what happened at Wrestlemania. Edge starts to hit on Stacy some more. You then come out and challenge Edge to a match. He accepts, but makes it a hardcore match. MATCH: CAW vs. Edge (hardcore match) STRATEGY: Use the weapons. Edge's countering ability isn't that high, so you should be able to use most of them effectively. Use grapple attacks rather than strikes to target Edge's head, then either steal the Edgecution or use your own finisher if it targets the head. Show 7: RAW - Who's it going to be? Randy Orton and Chris Jericho meet up with you in the back, saying they believe your account of what happened at Wrestlemania, and that most of the locker room does as well. You thank them and tell them you have to prepare to wrestle Ric Flair. Orton suggests making it a tag match, saying Trips will accompany Flair to the ring. Orton wants a little "Evolution reunion" and Jericho wants another piece of them as well. He reminds you that he saved you from Flair's chair shot the week before Wrestlemania. You have a choice to make. Do you tag with Orton or Jericho? MATCH: CAW & Randy Orton/Chris Jericho vs. Triple H & Ric Flair STRATEGY: The match continues the same way regardless of who you choose. The match is a little easier with Jericho, but you may want to choose Orton to make use of the RKO. What's especially cool is that you walk out together. Anyhow, the strategy is quite similar for both matches; use the other man more, isolate and wear down Flair, and use whoever has the more impactful finisher to get the pin. Remember, Z + Up to attack the man in the ring, Z + Left to attack his partner. Show 8: BACKLASH - A kiss for luck Stacy and Edge meet up backstage. He hits on her a little. She insults his showing in your hardcore match. He says he only backed up her and you to get close to her. He says she should join up with him for the good of her career, since you'll be disgraced once you're found with the titl. He sees you walking in and leaves. You're a little disappointed that she was talking to Edge, and you vehemently deny his accusations. You threaten to go beat him up. She tells you to concentrate on the cage match against Triple H, and gives you a little kiss before departing. MATCH: CAW vs. Triple H (cage match) STRATEGY: Sigh. The cage match is STILL escape only. No matter. This is still a pretty straightforward match. The only thing you really have to worry about is the Pedigree, and even then you might get up in time, the first time, to knock Trips down. Keep in mind that climbing the cage and attempting to leave it both use up stamina, so you'd better have a full meter or close to it before attempting to escape. Then the fun begins! After the match, you're outside celebrating and Triple H is writhing in pain inside the cage, holding his leg. STORY BRANCH - 1) Since the world heavyweight title is still missing, go after the Intercontinental title. If you choose this, go to show 9A (and continue with the shows numbered with an A). 2) Go after Edge and shut him up once and for all. If you choose this, go to show 9B (and continue with the shows numbered with a B). NOTE: You can now use Backlash in exhibition play! Show 9A: RAW - The number one contender You are in the ring with Stacy Keibler. Stacy mentions that Trips is injured and out for several months. You say the world title is rightfully yours, but your thirst for gold is left with only the intercontinental title. You ask Bischoff for a title match. Shelton Benjamin enters, saying he's the number one contender and has a title match at Vengeance. You challenge Shelton to a number one contender's match. He begins to accept, but Bischoff enters. He says you need to earn your title opportunity - in a handicap match! MATCH: CAW vs. The Hurricane & Tajiri STRATEGY: This is probably the toughest match so far, but don't get too scared. These cruiserweights go down pretty easily, especially Hurricane. Just be sure to knock the other opponent off the apron before going for a pin, and you should get this done pretty quickly. This is a good match to try to win by submission, because if you wear down a body part, a tap-out can be gained quicker than a pinfall; oftentimes before the partner can even interfere. Show 9B: RAW - How's that feel? You find Edge in the back, and jump him from behind! You promise more of the same if he doesn't stay away from Stacy. And if he doesn't like it, he should get to the ring and do something about it! MATCH: CAW vs. Edge (hardcore match) STRATEGY: See show 6. It's the same match. Use the weapons. Edge's countering ability isn't that high, so you should be able to use most of them effectively. Use grapple attacks rather than strikes to target Edge's head, then either steal the Edgecution or use your own finisher if it targets the head. After the match, Christian and Orton run in. Edge wants more of you, even though he just lost. You promise more beatings if he doesn't stay away from Stacy. Show 10A: RAW - La Casa de Christian Christian enters, wearing the intercontinental belt. He says his peeps don't want him to defend the title against you. He says you can't steal his title. You enter, with Stacy, and assert your innocence. You say that if you beat Regal this week, you get a number one contender's match with Benjamin next week. Stacy then says that once you're the number one contender, the title match at Vengeance will be a ladder match. MATCH: CAW vs. William Regal STRAGTEGY: This is probably the easiest match so far. Just attack him relentlessly. Show 10B: RAW - Newsflash Edge and Christian are guests on the Highlight Reel. Edge says they're there because Jericho has a big announcement: he can vouch for both of them for when the world title went missing. Edge asks Jericho if he can vouch for you, and he can not. You come out, and admonish Edge for talking trash about you after you beat him. You assert your innocence. Edge says even a moron like Jericho can see through your alibi. Jericho's none too pleased by the insult, so a match is set up. MATCH: CAW & Chris Jericho vs. Edge & Christian STRATEGY: Isolate and destroy. Christian is the slightly weaker of the two, but you've already beaten Edge twice, so you might have an easier time against him. You should still use Jericho more; he's still got better stats. Keep getting your partner to attack the illegal man as you go for pins or submissions. Show 11A: RAW - A lot to lose You and Shelton Benjamin meet up in the back. You thank him for putting his spot on the line, but he thinks you've got more to lose, being a former world champion. He says he'll win the Intercontinental title and leap frog you to headline next year's Wrestlemania. He aslo says he doesn't recall seeing you at Wrestlemania when the title went missing. MATCH: CAW vs. Shelton Benjamin STRATEGY: Benjamin is one of the most balanced wrestlers on the roster. This is a farily difficult match. There's not a whole lot I can offer. Just stay away from Shelton's strengths - high flying, grappling, and striking. Good luck! Try to diversify your own attack as much as possible. After the match, Christian runs in, dropkicks you and hit you with the Unprettier. He cuts a short promo and punches you with the microphone. Show 11B: RAW - Alibis You, Stacy, Jericho, and Orton meet up in the back. They are concerned that there's not much of a hole in Edge's logic and say that people are asking your alibi for when the title went missing. You get a little defensive, but Jericho says they're not accusing you. Orton suggests that if the title just happened to re-appear, all would be well. MATCH: CAW vs. Christian STRATEGY: Pretty straightforward. Christian's well-balanced, so watch out for attacks of all kinds. But all you really need to do is just attack him relentlessly; there's really no special strategy. After the match, Edge runs in and spears you, then hits some mounted punches. You lay bleeding, and Edge asks again if you stole the title. You don't respond. Edge goes on to say that your match next week at Vengeance is going to be a first blood match. Show 12A: VENGEANCE - Up the ladder MATCH: CAW vs. Christian (ladder match) STRATEGY: All I can really tell you is general ladder match strategy; wear down your opponent all the way, so he can't interfere with your attempt to climb the ladder. One important thing to note is that climbing the ladder and reaching for the belt both use up stamina (and any time you use the ladder as a weapon a sizeable amount of stamina is used up), so only attempt to win if you have a fair amount of it stored up. Right as you are about to grab the belt, Edge runs in and knocks you off the ladder. He sets it back up for Christian, and he climbs it and wins the match. Show 12B: VENGEANCE - First blood MATCH: CAW vs. Edge (first blood match) STRATEGY: There's one really quick way to make your opponent bleed. Get a steel chair from under the ring (may take a few tries) and grapple the opponent, so you do the chair guillotine. The ring bell also works well here. Work over the head a bit, and he'll bleed after the first or second time you do this almost every match. NOTE: At this point, the story branches meet up. And you can now use Vengeance in exhibition play! Show 13: RAW - Another edition Kane and Shawn Michaels are guests on the Highlight Reel. They mention their collective heat, but also say that the reason they are there is to vouch for each other's whereabouts when the title was stolen. Jericho says he belives them. Kane calls you out, saying he doesn't believe you. You enter and challenge Kane to a match. MATCH: CAW vs. Kane STRATEGY: This is an easy match both to win and lose. Even if you're dominating, Kane's momentum shift, the tombstone piledriver, can turn things around very quickly. His choke slam is all but assured to keep you down for three, so run like hell if he gets a special. Hit and run against the big red machine, and if you're too light to lift him, don't try! This is another good match to win by submission; Kane's submission stat is not very high. Show 14: RAW - Finish the job You, Stacy, and Shawn Michaels meet up in the back. HBK says he never meant to accuse you. He believes your story. Stacy thanks him and asks for his help with the other superstars, but you cut her off and challenge Michaels to a match. He accepts and walks away, reminding you again that he believes you. Stacy admonishes you for being so defensive around him and winding up in a match with someone who just wanted to help. You relent a bit, kiss and make up. MATCH: CAW vs. Shawn Michaels STRATEGY: HBK's AI is probably the best in the game. His counters are intuitive. Stick with strikes more than grapples in this one, though he counters those pretty well too. Make use of high flying moves if you've got them. This is a match where you need to score a big high impact blow and immediately get a pin, because HBK's durability is too good try to make him tap. Show 15: RAW - News good and bad Bischoff is in the ring. He's got good news and bad news. Summerslam is next week, and though the world title is missing, he's got a special match for Raw's main event at the PPV: a Fatal Four Way cage match for the intercontinental title, among you, Kane, Shawn Michaels, and the champ Christian. Christian enters, wearing the title. He says he enjoys being the only champion on Raw and shouldn't have to defend his title agains the entire locker room. Kane then enters. He says he's sick of hearing people complain about the missing title, and will enjoy beating Christian up in the cage. Bischoff tells them to shut up and get ready for the tornado tag match tonight! MATCH: CAW & Shawn Michaels vs. Christian & Kane (tornado tag) STRATEGY: This match is a mess. Try to concentrate on one opponent, but the computer players will often now allow you to do that. Don't be surprised if Michaels scores the pin quicker than you even gain a special, though. If you're larger than Michaels, target Kane (unless he does). This is an all-out fracas; hit your highest impact moves and try for a pin or a KO. Michaels will normally do a good job of keeping the other man from breaking up your pin. Show 16: SUMMERSLAM - Holla holla holla! MATCH: CAW vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Kane vs. Christian (cage match) STRATEGY: This is an extremely difficult match. You have to wear down three opponents to the point that none can stop you from escaping the cage. The best way to do this is with a running special, like a spear, or the clothesline from hell. Don't try to use a grapple special to wear down all three opponents; that will use up too much time and the stamina you need to climb over the top of the cage. Instead, wear them down a bit, and when your stamina meter is full or close to it, activate a special and try to hit the running special on two opponents in a catched grapple. Then hit it again on the third, or use a knockout grapple special if you have on. This should only be done if you started with close to a full stamina meter. Even then, it's a mad race to hit A as fast as possible to escape. Good luck, you will need it! After the match, you and Stacy celebrate backstage a bit. When she leaves, Teddy Long enters. He congratulates you on your showing in the cage and having the gold. He says that even though you're not the most popular guy on Raw right now, Smackdown's door is always open to you. You thank him for the gracious offer but say that now that you've got the gold, you don't really need it. NOTE: You can now use Summerslam in exhibition play. Show 17: RAW - Perfect time It's another edition of the Highlight Reel, and this time Chris Jericho's guest is the animal, Batista. He says he's mad about there being no title for him to wear. He accuses you and Triple H of stealing the title, but since Trips is injured, you're the only real suspect. Jericho then calls you out from the back. You enter, asserting your innocence. Muhammad Hassan's music then hits and he says now you know how he feels every time he goes to an airport. He says he wants respect, and a shot at the Intercontinental title. Batista claims he should get the title shot since he called you out first. Jericho tells you to accept one of their challenges. STORY BRANCH - 1) I can't believe Batista would accuse me after everything we went through last year. It's worth putting the title on the line just to get him in the ring. If you choose this, proceed to show 18A. 2) This is the second time Muhammad Hassan has come out here and accused me. I'm going to shut his lying mouth once and for all. If you choose this, proceed to show 18B. MATCH: There is no match. Show 18A: RAW - The "Big Guy's" logic Randy Orton is in the ring. He accuses Batista of leveling charges against you just to get an intercontinental title match. Batista doesn't take too kindly to this accusation and enters (in a suit), and says that once he beats you for the intercontinental title, the missing title might just show up. He also challenges Orton to a match. You enter (but not to your entrance music..?) You tell Batista that you're moving his title match up to tonight, and Batista will face Orton at Unforgiven. All parties seem satisfied. MATCH: CAW vs. Batista STRATEGY: As in the match with Kane, be sure to hit and run. Batista's got devastating specials. If you've got submission holds, this is another good time to break them out. Right as you're about to get the win, Randy Orton runs in with a chair, He aims to hit Batista, but the big man ducks and you're cut open badly. Show 18B: Hassan loses his edge Edge is in the ring. He says that things have gone from bad to worse. You're the only person with no alibi, yet you're the intercontinental champ! He degrades your choice to defend the title against Hassan. Hassan enters. He admonishes Edge for his use of racial slurs. He says that he's Arab-American, and as American as everyone in the arena. So Edge, Canadian, is the outcast. They argue about who deserves the title match more, when you enter. You decide to make the match at Unforgiven a triple threat. Hassan starts to protest, but you give him a singles match for the title tonight. MATCH: CAW vs. Muhammad Hassan STRATEGY: See show 5. It's the same match. Hassan frequently won squashes on television, but the "modified STO" isn't that potent in the game. Just target the body part your finisher affects and you should get this duke pretty easily. Right as you're about to win, Edge runs in with a chair. He tries to hit Hassan but hits you instead, and walks off. NOTE: Both branches meet up at the next show. Show 19: RAW - Open for business 24/7 Trish Stratus is in the ring. She says that with all the attention you've been getting regarding the missing title, Stacy's been getting a pass. She puts herself over and accuses Stacy of being in cahoots with you. Stacy enters. She challenges Trish to a women's title match at Unforgiven. Trish accepts, provided Stacy can beat her in a non-title match tonight. Stacy wants the non-title match to be a bra and panties match! Trish reluctantly accepts. MATCH: Stacy Keibler vs. Trish Stratus (bra & panties match) STRATEGY: Probably the only B&P match you'll ever play. It's not exactly rocket science. It's kind of a difficult match (Trish does have better stats), but just attack her relentlessly, and hit down with the control stick and A to try to tear off her clothes. Make multiple tear off attempts. It works just like wearing down a body part for a submission hold. Show 20: UNFORGIVEN - Sad goodbyes Backstage, Stacy thanks you for pointers for beating Trish in the B&P match. You say that having last week off prepared you for tonight's triple threat (if you picked Batista instead of Hassan at the last branch, you find out here that you requested the match be a changed to a triple threat involving Batista and Orton). You promise to be by her side for her title match. She kisses you and walks off. Next, you're in Eric Bischoff's office. He shows you a picture of the missing title belt, which is missing one of its gold bars. And the picture was taken at this very arena! So someone with arena access has it. He tells you that you must find the belt tonight or you're fired. And maybe Stacy too. *MAJOR STORYLINE SPOILERS AHEAD* You meet Jericho in the parking lot. You tell him what Bischoff told you about being fired if you don't find the title. He offers to help you look, and steers you toward Randy Orton...and Edge? Edge spears you and he and Orton put the boots to you. Jericho starts to intervene, but then starts kicking you himself! They stole the title! They put the picture on Bischoff's desk. You wander back into the backstage area of the arena. You wake up, holding your head. Stacy is htere, and you missed her title match. She is angry. She describes how Trish cheated to win. You then realize that if her match is over... Bischoff busts in. He says you missed your triple threat match and he wants his title back. He suspends you and strips you of the intercontinental title. You start to explain, but open your locker and the missing gold bar from the title falls out. Bischoff and Stacy both conclude that you've been lying all along. You're no longer suspended; you're now fired. And Stacy dumps you, too. MATCH: There is no match. NOTE: You can now use Unforgiven in exhibition play! Wasn't that easy? Also, The Rock has been unlocked! Show 21: NO MERCY - New tag partner Rob Van Dam meets with Teddy Long in his office. Long has put RVD in a tag team title match, but since his partner was taken out by the champs, this match will be with a mystery partner. RVD is a little bewildered and concerned, but Long assures him that he'll be pleased when he finds out who his partner is. MATCH: CAW & Rob Van Dam vs. Rene Dupree & Kenzo Suzuki STRATEGY: This is a very easy match. By now, you and RVD should have similar stats, so just tag out frequently to keep each other fresh. And as always, have your partner attack a member of the opposing team if it becomes necessary. This is another match where submission is a g ood idea; neither Dupree nor Kenzo have very good submission resistance. Of course, you could also work over the midsection and use RVD's 5 star. Isolate and destroy. NOTE: You can now use No Mercy in exhibition play. Show 22: SMACKDOWN - Lifetime contract Teddy Long comes to the ring. He introduces you and RVD, the new tag team champs! He says you were wrongfully terminated from Raw and announces that he's signed you to a lifetime contract on Smackdown! You thank him for the title shot and wish Rey Mysterio (RVD's injured partner) a speedy recovery. You try to say something to Stacy when Eddie Guerrero enters. He says he doesn't mind what you did on Raw, if you did it. He says he and Booker T should have gotten the tag team title shot when Rey went down. Long gives him a non-title match tonight, provided the champs approve. And if Eddie and Booker win, they'll get a title shot at Survivor Series. RVD says it's cool! Everything's cool when you're Mr. Thursday Night! MATCH: CAW & Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero & Booker T STRATEGY: This one's a little tougher than the last one, but much of the same strategy applies. Tag frequently to keep both your stamina levels high, and get your partner to attack either the man in the ring or the man on the outside when necessary. Booker is the weaker of the two opponents, so I'd recommend isolating him. Again, try for a submission or use RVD's 5 start if you've got a clear shot for a pin. Right as you're about to score the win, the lights go out. When they come back up, Eddie is lying prone in the ring with one of the tag belts next to him. The ref calls for the bell, disqualifying you and RVD. You shrug and stand stunned. Show 23: SMACKDOWN - Cheese-eater You and Teddy Long talk in the back about the outcome of the last tag team match. Teddy says he has to support the ref's call. You ask Teddy for a match against Eddie Guerrero, but Rene Dupree interrupts your conversation. He says you've gotten away with the tag team titles, and wants a one-on-one against you. You accept his challenge, and Teddy makes a triple threat mach among you, Eddie, and Dupree! MATCH CAW vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Rene Dupree STRATEGY: Concentrate on Dupree. His stats are considerably lower. If you can adopt a strategy of "knock Eddie down, put a submission on Dupree," it'll probably be a winning one. If at any time you can throw Eddie Guerrero out of the ring, try a pin on Dupree. You just might get him. It is also pretty easy to make him tap, but you must be sure Eddie won't break up the hold. After the match, Booker T runs in and he and Eddie start to double team you, but RVD makes the save. Show 24: SMACKDOWN - Extra-curricular activities You and RVD meet up backsage. He seems surprised that Eddie and Booker are so aggressively targeting the two of you. You tell him it's par for the course of being a champion. RVD has a match against Booker tonight, and you've got one against Eddie. You get to pick the stipulations; either a normal match, a submission match, or a cage match. The story continues the same way any way you pick. STRATEGY: I'd recommend picking one of the special stipulation matches. You're bound to have some high-impact moves that threaten Eddie's ability to keep you from escaping the cage (or at least better moves than Eddie does). Also, Eddie only has one submission hold that you really need to worry about, the Lasso from El Paso. In the normal match, the Three Amgios and the frog splash can get you. If you do choose the normal match, be very wary of any special he acquires. The Three Amigos, in addition to being effective, is a long move, and will take you from any momentum high you might be on. Show 25: SMACKDOWN - A proposition You meet up with Teddy Long in his office. He is mulling over a proposal you've given him, saying he may not have power to implement it. It turns out you've proposed bringing Stacy Keibler to Smackdown! But there's no draft lottery planned, and Stacy's contract with Raw is long-term. There would have to be a trade for her to come over. You encourage Teddy to make a trade, but he admonishes you for trying to make personnel decisions. He promises to at least run the idea past Eric Bischoff next week at Survivor Series. MATCH: CAW vs. Booker T (no DQ) STRATEGY: Make use of the no DQ stipulation. Fight outside. Use weapons. Power bomb him through the announce table. Whatever you can do, do it. This match is somewhat easier than the last onbe, so you should get through it quickly. After the match, Eddie Guerrero runs in with a steel chair, and he and Booker T beat you down. RVD tries to make the save (and hits a Van Daminator on Booker), but Booker nails you with the title belt after Eddie hits RVD behind his back. They put the boots to both of you and run off. Show 26: SURVIVOR SERIES - This conversation is over You, Teddy Long, and Eric Bischoff meet up in Long's office. Bischoff is incredulous at the thought of trading Stacy, but says it's not as ridiculous as Long signing you. He says no. You bet Long to keep Bischoff in the room. Long asks if there's anything he wants in exchange for Stacy. Bischoff asks for a WWE title shot for the Raw superstar of his choice in exchange for Stacy's contract. Long refuses, and Bischoff walks out. You whine, saying you can beat anyone on Raw. Long holds fast, and tells you to get ready for your match. MATCH: CAW & Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero & Booker T STRATEGY: See match 22. It's the same match. Tag frequently to keep both your stamina levels high, and get your partner to attack either the man in the ring or the man on the outside when necessary. Booker is the weaker of the two opponents, so I'd recommend isolating him. Again, try for a submission or use RVD's 5 start if you've got a clear shot for a pin. Right as you're about to score the win, Rey Mysterio runs in and hits a springboard dropkick on you, and a few mounted punches. Eddie Guerrero rolls you up with his feet on the ropes and wins the match. NOTE: You can now use Survivor Series in exhibition play. Show 27: SMACKDOWN - Too small Coach (?) is interviewing Rey in the back. He says that while he commends Rey for his actions, many people want answers from him. Rey is better about being taken out of the tag team with RVD, and bitter at you for getting his title shot, offering only "get well soon, Rey!" You've challenged Rey to a match; Rey accepts. MATCH: CAW vs. Rey Mysterio STRATEGY: This match is more difficult than you might expect. Rey is adept at countering and has good durability. Try to slow the match down. Use high impact grapple moves and submissions to keep him from flying around the ring. If you get him down and slap a hold on him while he's down, you should be able to make him tap. Or, just target the area your finisher affects. BRANCH POINT - 1) I taught Mysterio a lesson, but that doesn't bring back the Tag Team Titles. I think I'll see if RVD wants to take them back. If you choose this, go to show 28A. 2) Well, that takes care of Mysterio. If he wants the Tag Team Titles, he's welcome to them. I'm going to challenge Big Show for the U.S. Title. If you choose this, go to show 28B. Show 28A: SMACKDOWN - The whole Dam show You and RVD meet up backstage. You apologize for getting pinned at Survivor Series, but RVD says it's cool! You offer to go after the tag team titles again, but he say's he's going after Big Show's United States title. He puts you over, even to the point of saying he's afraid of being shown up in your tag team. He encourages you to go for the U.S. title as well, since he'd like to have someone in the title picture he can trust. You agree. MATCH: CAW vs. Carlito STRATEGY: Carlito's not much trouble. He is slow, not very powerful, and doesn't gain specials quickly. This is almost the easiest match of the entire story mode. Just attack him relentlessly; winning by pinfall or submission are equally cinchy in this match. Show 28B: SMACKDOWN - Goin' solo again You are in the ring. You put over RVD and say you enjoyed tag teaming with him, but are interested now in going for singles gold. You call out the Big Show for a U.S. title opportunity. But it's RVD who comes out. He says that even though Rey interfered and Eddie cheated to win, it was weak of you to not even offer to try to regain the tag titles. RVD says that now that he doesn't have a partner, he'll go for the U.S. title as well. RVD says he carried you in the tag team. You challenge him to a match and he accepts. MATCH: CAW vs. Rob Van Dam STRATEGY: Keep him on the ground as much as possible. RVD is most dangerous when he's up and moving, and flying. The strategy is sort of similar to the last match, but you've got to give more respect to RVD's grapples and strikes than Mysterio's. You may soon find out that RVD is a good man to have on your side. Attack him on the mat; either try to make him tap or target where your finisher is effective with submission holds. If you attack his legs, he moves slower when vertical, so I'd suggest you focus there. NOTE: Both branches meet up at the next show. Show 29: SMACKDOWN - Start earning it! You are in the ring. You put over your championship resume, and call out the Big Show for a U.S. title shot, even giving him the prerogative to decide the stipulations. He doesn't respond. You ask again, and he comes out. He puts over his size, saying he eats meals the size of Rey Mysterio, and that your championships from Raw mean nothing since you never had to beat him. He tells you to start earning your title contention - now! Heidenreich jumps you from behind! Show says it'll be a no DQ match, just like Heidenreich likes it. MATCH: CAW vs. Heidenreich (no DQ) STRATEGY: Again, make use of the no DQ stipulation. Heidenreich's stats should be inferior to yours at this point, so just attack him repeatedly and you should get the duke with little trouble. Show 30: SMACKDOWN - The Big Show benefit plan You are in the Big Show's locker room, asking him for a title shot since you beat Heidenreich. Big Show says you still have to prove yourself - including your handicap tables match tonight! Heidenreich and Orlando Jordan jump you from behind. Big Show orders them to take you to the ring and put you through a table. MATCH: CAW vs. Heidenreich & Orlando Jordan (tables match) STRATEGY: Believe it or not, this is one of the easiest matches in story mode. The illegal man in the tag team will only interfere if you place the legal man on a table. If you set up a table in the corner of the ring, Irish Whip him into it and then strike him, it counts and the other opponent never tries to interfere! After the match, Big Show comes in and choke slams you from the inside of the ring to the floor through a table. His music plays and he walks off. Show 31: SMACKDOWN - What about RVD? RVD is in the ring. He says that though you've gotten most of Big Show's attention, he wants a title shot too. Show and Heidenreich enter. Show refuses to give RVD a title shot at Armageddon. Orlando Jordan then sneaks up behind RVD and starts to beat him down. Show tells Heidenreich to join OJ, so he doesn't tire himself out before his match with you. BRANCH POINT - 1) I've got to get down there and help RVD right away! Looks like my singles match against Orlando just became a tag team match! If you choose this, go to match A and continue with shows numbered with an A. 2) RVD's on his own tonight. Besides, I've already got a singles match against Orlando tonight. No sense risking injury before that. If you choose this, go to match B and continue with the shows numbered with a B. MATCH A: You run in. CAW & Rob Van Dam vs. Heidenreich & Orlando Jordan (tornado tag) NOTE: RVD starts this match with partially injured legs. STRATEGY: Tornado matches are never easy. Even though you and RVD greatly outmatch Heidi and OJ, be on the lookout for constant switches in attention from the opposing team. Save RVD from pins and grapple attacks and he'll return the favor. Be conscious of RVD's injured legs; simple submission holds like half Boston Crabs are now a threat. And as always, attack relentlessly! MATCH B: You don't run in. RVD receives a beat-down. Later, CAW vs. Orlando Jordan STRATEGY: Man that R button! OJ does a lot of strikes. This match is pretty easy; OJ is one of the lowest rated superstars in the game. Show 32A: SMACKDOWN - The largest athlete Big Show, Heidenreich, and Orlando enter. Big Show says no one will ever take the title from him. Even though Armageddon is next week, it doesn't matter who face him; Orlando and Heidenreich will take that man out. Teddy Long enters. He announces a fatal four way number one contender's mach, with the winner to receive a cage match at Armageddon for the U.S. title. The match will pit you against RVD, Orlando, and Heidenreich! Long advises Heidenreich and Orlando to take advantage of the career opportunity. MATCH: CAW vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Heidenreich vs. Orlando Jordan STRATEGY: As tricky as the last match was, this one is far worse! Your best bet is to go for a submission or a knockout, since those can be scored quicker than a pinfall. It will still be difficult; you need many hold to get a tap-out. OJ is the weakest person in this match stats-wise, but you will not be able to concentrate on one person. They'll all attack you, you'll attack all of them The most aggravating this is that if you can isolate one opponent, the other two will almost always move around to conduct their business right next to you so eventually someone will hit someone they don't intend to an all hell breaks loose. Expect someone to attack you while you're doing your finisher, even if they don't intend to attack you further. Go for running specials and knockout moves on OJ or Heidenreich to give yourself the best chance to win here. Power bombs are especially effective. They (and other non-special grapples) are less likely to be broken up by your opponents, though it WILL still happen occasionally. As you're celebrating after the match, Orlando and Heidenreich try to kick the crap out of you, but RVD helps you fight them off. Show 32B: SMACKDOWN - He's hardcore! RVD meets up with you in the parking lot. He is pissed that you let him get beat down last week, You assert that you're both singles competitors going after the same prize. He says that not only did you not come help, but it seemed to some people RVD talked to that you couldn't care less! You've gotta go prepare to wrestle Heidenreich, so you start to leave But RVD tells you that that match has been cancelled. Instead, you and he will now have a hardcore match to determine the #1 contender to the U.S. title. MATCH: CAW vs. Rob Van Dam (hardcore match) STRATEGY: It's not as difficult as you might think. Just go after like you did in show 28B, if you had that match. Here's the strategy. Keep him on the ground as much as possible. RVD is most dangerous when he's up and moving, and flying. The strategy is sort of similar to the last match, but you've got to give more respect to RVD's grapples and strikes than Mysterio's. You may soon find out that RVD is a good man to have on your side. Attack him on the mat; either try to make him tap or target where your finisher is effective with submission holds. If you attack his legs, he moves slower when vertical, so I'd suggest you focus there. The only change I'd make is to focus on the head and legs equally, and try stealing RVD's kick combo to score a knockout, if you don't have a knockout special of your own. Right as you're about to win, Heidenreich and Orlando Jordan run in with chair and attack both you and RVD. Heidenreich gets on the microphone and tells the timer to ring the bell. They're declaring the match a no contest! Show 33A: ARMAGEDDON - Locked in Coach is backstage interviewing you. You tell him that since Big Show made this personal, he's got no chance against you in the cage. You say that once you have gold again, Stacy might return your calls. How sad. Show comes in. He insults your pining for Stacy and puts over his size and power, saying this is the last time you'll be this close to the United States title. MATCH: CAW vs. Big Show (cage match) STRATEGY: After the last few matches, this one is a breeze! Stay away from Big Show's specials and you'll be fine. He's better at countering than he rightfully should be, and you probably shouldn't try to lift him, but other than that, there's not much to this match. Show 33B: ARMAGEDDON - Three-way dance Big Show, Heidenreich, and Orlando Jordan are in the ring. Show thanks them for ensuring there's no number one contender. Teddy Long enters. He tells Heidenreich and Orlando to get the hell out of his ring! Since they disrupted not only a number one contender's match but some unfinished business between you and RVD, the U.S. title will be up for grabs in a triple threat cage match! MATCH: CAW vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Big Show (cage match) STRATEGY: Thanks to the Summerslam cage match, this one seems like a cinch. Employ the same strategy; use running specials to deck your opponents and allow yourself to escape. Make sure you have a full meter when you try to do this. Also, grapple specials may be feasible here. NOTE: You can now use Armageddon in exhibition play. Also, both branches meet up the next show. Show 34: SMACKDOWN (but really RAW) - What's he doing here? You are in an arena's parking lot. Edge, Jericho, and Orton see you. You say you're looking for Stacy and tell them to get lost. Jericho sees the United States title and asks if anyone has reported it missing. Edge details just how they stole the title; Orton distracted Bischoff, Jericho was the locker room lookout and Edge actually took the belt. You talk a little more, and Coach comes into view. The three then beat you down for appearing at a Raw arena. MATCH: There is no match. Show 35: VELOCITY - Pack your bags You are in Teddy Long's office. He says he's angry that you embarrassed Smackdown by showing up and getting beaten down on Raw, so he's removing you from Smackdown this week. He tells you to pack your bags and go to Velocity (guess nobody told Teddy both shows are taped the same night). You protest, but to no avail. MATCH: CAW vs. Kenzo Suzuki STRATEGY: Just beat his ass. Kenzo is the lowest-ranked superstar in the game. KO, pin, submission - this one's practically a gimme. Show 36: SMACKDOWN - A very special tournament Teddy Long is in the ring. He says the Royal Rumble is next week, and the #27 slot is up for grabs in a special one night tournament. He says that anyone who doesn't have a title (yet you're in it?) can sign up outside his office to enter. NOTE: The following three matches take place on one show; it is not possible to save in between them. MATCH: CAW vs. Chavo Guerrero STRATEGY: This one's not too hard, but don't take Chavo lightly. His speed and specials can give you trouble if you're not prepared. Ground him and go for a submission or a high impact move for a pin. MATCH: CAW vs. Heidenreich STRATEGY: You've faced him many times by now. Avoid the Black Hole Slam and you'll be fine. If you've got a speed advantage (and by all rights, you should) use it to your advantage. Hit and run, but don't be afraid to slug it out either. Heidi's not nearly as tough one-on-one as he is in a tag or four- way environment. After this match, JBL will come out in his limo, saying he's your opponent in the finals. He says you should forfeit the match to him, and by doing so you'll be a winner when you've lost so much this year. He offers to defend his newly won WWE title against you after Wrestlemania. You tell him that even though he'll think you're half-crazy, you're not forfeiting. In fact, you get to pick the stipulations for your upcoming match - normal match, or hardcore. The story continues the same way regardless of which you pick. MATCH: CAW vs. JBL STRATEGY: I recommend the hardcore match. Use running weapon strikes to wear down the Texan. Though using them takes stamina, they are so much more effective than wrestling holds in a regular match, which are also easier to counter. In fact, by using weapons, you may just get a very quick KO. Show 37: ROYAL RUMBLE - Do you forgive me? You meet Stacy backstage at the Rumble. Long, pathetic story short, you tell her who's really behind the stolen title, and she takes you back. MATCH: Royal Rumble match - Edge, Shelton Benjamin, and Eddie Guerrero begin in the ring. CAW enters next, to be followed by Chris Benoit, Kurt Angle, and Batista. STRATEGY: Once you enter, gun for Eddie (unless one of the others is very badly beaten down). They'll all gang up on you, but getting Eddie out is your first priority. He is the toughest to eliminate out of any of the six you will face, so hopefully if you get him on the ropes someone will help you stomp him down. You've got to be alert at all times of attacks coming from all angles. Any time the others in the ring want to leave you alone, let them. Taunt as much as you can to gain momentum and specials. Unfortunately, the AI (Benjamin especially) will usually stop you if you're about to eliminate someone. If you manage to get alone in the ring, start taunting and don't stop until the next entry. As soon as that person enters, hit him with your running special if you have one. If you don't, just do a running attack followed by a grapple special. It's more effective and more difficult to counter if you have a running special. Oftentimes, your running special will put them on the ropes, and you can just push them over the top rope and kick them off. Otherwise, whip them out of the ring once they get up or you pull them up. NOTE: You can now use Royal Rumble in exhibition play. Show 38: SMACKDOWN - A break with tradition Teddy Long is in the ring. He introduces you as the winner of the Royal Rumble. He asks which title you want to challenge oh, that's right. Only one to choose from! You confirm that you want a WWE title shot, but ask for it to happen at No Way Out rather than Wrestlemania. Long has no problem with that, and doubts the champion John Cena will either. You mention the plan to defend the title against a Raw superstar in exchange for Stacy, and Long gets indignant. Kurt Angle comes out, and belittles your pining for Stacy, saying he knows the true value of a championship. You challenge him to a match; but Angle makes it a submission match! MATCH: CAW vs. Kurt Angle (submission match_ STRATEGY: This is perhaps the single most difficult one-on-one match in the entire story. Even if your CAW is a submission specialist and you have lots of holds in your move set, it will take a lot to make Angle tap. You can keep hold on him only very briefly (less than a second), but he keeps his on far longer. Be tenacious, and target a specific body part. If you've got a submission special that targets the legs, stay on the legs the ENTIRE match. Don't get discouraged even if you've suffered an ankle lock or two; while Kurt's submission stat is almost assuredly higher than yours, yours is probably pretty good at this point too. Target a specific body part and don't let up until Angle cries uncle! Show 39: SMACKDOWN - The champ is here! John Cena enters, with the WWE title (thankfully, NOT the bling bling belt). He says he'll defend the title against you at No Way Out. He doesn't like you plan to defend the title against a Raw superstar at Wrestlemania. He challenges you to a hardcore match tonight, and if you lose, you'll lose your title shot, and he'll defend the title against a Raw superstar at Wrestlemania. Teddy Long enters, incredulous that Cena would want to do the same thing you do. He sanctions the hardcore match, hoping you can beat some sense into each other. He also sas that the title match, if it happens, will be in a cage. MATCH: CAW vs. John Cena (hardcore match) STRATEGY: This match is a lot more difficult than it should be. Cena just doesn't die. You pretty much have to beat every part of him red and catch him with bad stamina to beat him. Beware of the down grapple five-knuckle shuffle. And, just like in real life, he can get his ass beat and still gain specials. Also, it's very possible for him to win because you've been beating him up so badly. If he uses his momentum shift while you've got mid to low stamina, that's it. One hit from his magic fist usually equals more than the sum total of the damage you've done so far in the match - and it affects your whole body. Show 40: NO WAY OUT - Last Brand Standing MATCH: CAW vs. John Cena (cage match) STRATEGY: This match is a little easier than the hardcore match, since neither of you have any toys to bash your brains in with, and you should have the better move set and (possibly) better stats. The same strategy applies to this as does all cage matches; don't attempt to make your exit without a full stamina meter. Hit Cena with a running special, a grapple special, or both, then try to exit on the wall furthest away from him. Not too complicated, but the execution is less than simple. After the win, you stand in the ring and ask for adulation from Teddy Long and approval with your plan for Wrestlemania. Triple H comes out, and says that he's the one you'll be facing at Wrestlemania. Both of you find it fitting considering your history together. You propose it be a "Last Brand Standing" (Last Man Standing) match, since you two have been in pretty much every other kind of match there is. NOTE: You can now use No Way Out in exhibition play. Show 41: SMACKDOWN - The Deadman cometh You and Teddy Long are in the ring. He congratulates you on winning the WWE title, but he implores you to not go through with the Wrestlemania match. You say that you're going through with it and he can't stop you. Long agrees, but says that if you're unable to make it to Wrestlemania the match can't happen. He's sorry, but he has to do this. MATCH: CAW vs. Undertaker (Hell in a Cell match) STRATEGY: Use weapons, but stay inside the cell. Save your crazy HIAC spots for exhibition play. Undertaker's in no hurry, so use whatever speed advantage you have. Stay away from the turnbuckles so Undertaker can't use Old School, the Stinger Splash, or the front turnbuckle striking combination. And run like hell if he gets a special. The tombstone WILL put you down for three. Hit and run, as you do against most big men, but don't try to make Undertaker tap; his submission stat is higher than you might think. Go for high impact moves; if you're of a mind to, target the head and steal the tombstone for the win. Show 42: RAW - Confrontations You meet Stacy backstage at Raw. She wonders what you're doing there. You tell her whatever Bischoff does to you can't be worse than what Long is planning. She says Triple H seems more determined than ever to beat you at Wrestlemania. You part, as you head to the ring. Stacy seems confused. You head to the ring, again asserting your innocence in the matter of the stolen title. You're about to finger Orton and Jericho when Triple H enters. He puts himself over and degrades you, saying Bischoff made the right call when he fired you. He thinks that the title will magically re-appear so, for two years in a row, you don't have to face him at Wrestlemania. You again try to call out Orton and Jericho, but the lights go out and they jump you from behind! MATCH: CAW & Triple H vs. Randy Orton & Chris Jericho (tornado tag, no DQ) STRATEGY: Tornado matches are never easy I believe I've said that already. This one is the hardest of them. Orton and Jericho switch their attention often, so be on the lookout at all times for attacks by other one. Trips is a potent partner, so don't be too concerned about your pin attempts getting broken up. In fact, he'll often adapt to you, switching opponents when you do. As always, try to focus on one opponent and beat him senseless. This match is all about chaos and brutality. Again, don't be surprised if Trips scores the pin sooner than you might think. You've beaten everyone in this ring before, so, though it might take a while, this match should fall fairly simply. Use weapons if you feel like it; you may not need to. A KO is the quickest way to win this match; getting one with weapon attacks to the head is pretty quick. Show 43: WRESTLEMANIA - Redemption Edge is in the locker room with the world title, caressing it and calling it pet names. He plans to come forward with the title tonight and frame you as the thief. He puts the title in his locker, and you jump him from behind! You take the title back out of his locker as Ric Flair enters the room. You give him the title, trusting he'll keep it safe. You drag Edge off to the ring, with plans to beat him senseless. MATCH: CAW vs. Edge NOTE: Edge starts this match with an almost-fully injured head. STRATEGY: Not much. This is pretty much a warm-up before the LMS with Trips. Edge doesn't even counter or strike much in this match. Just beat him within an inch of his life and move on. If you've got heavy grapples that attack the head, use them now. After the win, Triple H immediately enters. MATCH: CAW vs. Triple H (last man standing match) STRATEGY: Use weapons! You must knock Triple H out to win. Even if you have KO moves in your arsenal, weapons are quicker. Use both, obviously, if you have them. The Pedigree is a potent KO move, so run and hide if Trips goes on special while you've got low momentum or stamina. This is a difficult match to win, but it's also a difficult match to lose. There must be lots of punishment doled out before a winner is determined. *ENDING SPOILERS AHEAD* After you defeat Triple H, Stacy runs in and jumps into your arms. Ric Flair comes to the ring with the world title belt and hands it to you. You turn to Triple H and hand it to him. With newfound respect and as champions of your respective brands, you shake hands! What a swerve! Triple H turns face! You and he hold your belts up as Flair struts around the ring and the credits roll. NOTE: You can now use Wrestlemania in exhibition play. And Hulk Hogan has been unlocked.