WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 remains a cornerstone of wrestling video game history. Released during a pivotal transition in console generations, it represented the first leap into high-definition graphics on the Xbox 360 while maintaining its deep roots on the PlayStation 2. The roster available in this installment is often cited by enthusiasts as one of the most balanced and representative of the mid-2000s era, blending established icons, rising stars of the Ruthless Aggression era, and timeless legends.

The game features a sophisticated weight-class system and an analog control grappling mechanic that fundamentally changed how these characters interacted. Understanding the roster requires looking at the brand split, which was a dominant theme in the product at the time, and the specific attributes that defined each virtual athlete.

The Raw Brand Superstars

Raw, the flagship brand, featured a powerhouse lineup in the 2007 edition. The characters in this category often possessed high charisma and strength stats, catering to players who preferred a more direct, impactful fighting style.

Key Raw Talent

  • John Cena: With an overall rating of 92, Cena was built as a powerhouse. His "Clean" tactic and high strength (9) and durability (9) made him difficult to defeat in long matches.
  • Triple H: Clocking in at an overall of 94, he was one of the highest-rated characters in the game. His technique (9.5) and charisma (9.5) reflected his veteran status.
  • Edge: A master of the "Dirty" tactic, Edge had an overall of 90. His speed (7.5) and hardcore (9) stats made him particularly effective in TLC or ladder matches.
  • Shawn Michaels: The "Heartbreak Kid" brought a balanced set of attributes with an overall of 91, emphasizing technique and speed.

Other notable members of the Raw roster included Big Show, who dominated with a strength stat of 10, and Carlito, who favored a more agile, dirty-tactic approach. The inclusion of groups like DX (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) allowed for unique tag team entrances and double-team maneuvers that were advanced for the time.

The SmackDown Brand Superstars

SmackDown in the 2007 game was characterized by its diversity. It housed some of the most technically proficient wrestlers and a strong contingent of high-fliers. This brand was the home of the "Big Gold Belt" and featured many characters that benefited from the new environmental hotspots.

Key SmackDown Talent

  • The Undertaker: Holding an overall of 94, the Deadman was arguably the most versatile character. His striking power and submission skills were nearly unmatched.
  • Batista: A pure powerhouse with a 10 in strength. His gameplay revolved around high-impact slams and a high durability rating of 9.
  • Rey Mysterio: The quintessential high-flier. While his strength was low (6.5), his speed and technique were maxed out at 10, making him the fastest character on the roster.
  • Randy Orton: Featured as a "Dirty" tactic wrestler with an overall of 90, Orton was built for technical precision and sudden finishers.
  • Kurt Angle: In his final appearance for a period, Angle held the highest technical stat in the game, making him a submission specialist's dream.

SmackDown also featured specialists like Gregory Helms, the Cruiserweight Champion, and unique characters like The Boogeyman and The Great Khali. The Great Khali, specifically, utilized the game's height and weight mechanics, being able to dominate smaller opponents simply through size-based strikes.

The Divas Division

The 2007 roster marked a significant moment for the Divas division. While the game removed some of the gimmick-based matches of previous years, it focused more on the wrestling capabilities of the female roster.

  • Trish Stratus: With an overall of 72 and high charisma (9.5), she was the top-rated female performer.
  • Lita: A "Dirty" tactic veteran with a high speed rating (7) for the division.
  • Mickie James: Known for her high technique (8), reflecting her status as the rising star of the era.
  • Melina: Specialized in agility and unique submission maneuvers.

Other Divas included Torrie Wilson, Candice Michelle, and Jillian Hall. A notable feature for completionists was the ability to unlock certain Divas or use them in various championship modes, although the "Women's Championship" was the primary goal for this segment of the roster.

Legends and Unlockable Characters

One of the most praised aspects of the SvR 2007 roster is its selection of Legends. These characters are not available at the start and require the accumulation of in-game currency or the completion of specific challenges in Season Mode.

Iconic Legends

Character Overall Rating Primary Attribute
Hulk Hogan 93 Strength (9.5)
Stone Cold Steve Austin 91 Hardcore (8.5)
The Rock 91 Charisma (10)
Bret Hart 92 Submission (10)
Eddie Guerrero 90 Technique (9)
Mankind 91 Durability (10)

These legends were more than just skins; they featured unique move-sets and classic entrance music. The roster included specialized legends like Bam Bam Bigelow, Mr. Perfect, and Dusty Rhodes, offering a wide historical range for fans of different eras. Unlockable talent also extended to "suit" versions of characters like Jerry Lawler or Shane McMahon, primarily used for season mode depth.

Non-Playable Characters and Managers

A wrestling game is not complete without the support staff that creates the atmosphere of a live broadcast. SvR 2007 included an extensive list of NPCs who appeared in Season Mode, as managers, or as part of the broadcast team.

  • Commentators: The game featured the legendary duo of Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler for Raw, while Michael Cole and Tazz handled the SmackDown booth. Their voices provided the backdrop for the high-octane action.
  • Authority Figures: Mr. McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon played pivotal roles in the Season Mode narratives, often acting as hurdles or catalysts for the player's career.
  • Managers: Characters like Daivari or Theodore Long could be assigned to wrestlers to provide distractions or strategic advantages during matches.

Attribute Systems and Gameplay Balance

The roster was defined by eight core attributes that determined how a character felt in the ring. These attributes were:

  1. Strength (STR): Determined the damage of power moves and the ability to lift heavier opponents.
  2. Submission (SUB): Influenced how quickly an opponent would tap out to holds.
  3. Durability (DUR): Governed how much damage a wrestler could take before their limb health reached the critical "red" stage.
  4. Technique (TEC): Affected the success rate of reversals and technical grapples.
  5. Speed (SPD): Dictated movement speed and the execution rate of strikes.
  6. Charisma (CHA): Influenced how quickly the "Momentum Meter" would fill for finishers.
  7. Hardcore (HRD): Determined effectiveness with weapons like chairs and ladders.
  8. Stamina (STA): Governed how quickly a wrestler became fatigued during a match.

In SvR 2007, the weight class played a massive role. A "Light Heavyweight" like Rey Mysterio would struggle to perform a vertical suplex on a "Super Heavyweight" like Big Show. This forced players to use the roster strategically, relying on speed and stamina for smaller wrestlers while using strength and durability for larger ones.

The Role of Customization in Expanding the Roster

While the official roster consisted of nearly 70 characters, the "Create-A-Superstar" (CAW) mode was essential for keeping the game relevant. The 2007 edition featured an improved creation suite that allowed players to fill in gaps in the roster—such as the emerging ECW brand talent which was not fully represented in the base game.

Players often used the CAW system to add stars like CM Punk, Jeff Hardy, or members of the New Breed. The ability to create custom stables also allowed for the formation of teams that weren't officially in the game, such as the full Hart Foundation or newer alliances that formed after the game's development cycle ended.

Strategic Use of Tactics: Clean vs. Dirty

A unique element of this roster's gameplay was the Tactic system. Wrestlers were categorized into "Clean" or "Dirty" styles.

  • Clean Wrestlers: Gained momentum by performing high-risk moves, taunting when the opponent was down, and following the rules. When their meter was full, they could enter an "Invincibility" state.
  • Dirty Wrestlers: Gained momentum by removing turnbuckle pads, using weapons, or arguing with the referee. Their special state allowed them to perform a low-blow that could instantly swing the momentum of a match.

This division added a layer of RPG-like strategy to the roster. Choosing a character wasn't just about their rating; it was about whether their tactic matched the player's preferred playstyle.

Legacy and Contemporary Value

Even decades after its release, the SvR 2007 roster is considered a high point for the franchise. It captured a moment when the industry was rich with varied personalities and when the game mechanics were shifting toward a more simulation-heavy approach without losing the arcade-style fun of previous entries.

For those revisiting the game today, the roster serves as a time capsule. It features the final appearance of certain legends in their prime and the first appearance of several superstars who would define the next decade of wrestling. The balance between the Raw and SmackDown brands provided a longevity to the Season Mode that many modern titles strive to replicate. Whether you are controlling a powerhouse like Batista or a technical wizard like Kurt Angle, the roster offers a depth of gameplay that rewards mastery of its unique systems.