Chapter 3: Match Strategies This section provides general strategies for specific match types, including the Royal Rumble, Tag Team, Lumber Jack, and the new Bra and Panties match type.
Tag Team During tag team matches, use the right analog stick to call your tag team partner into the ring to assist. The ref will eventually kick your partner out--unless, of course, the ref has been conveniently knocked out of commission. But while your partner remains in the ring, lure your opponent near and allow your partner to help weaken the opposing team's legal man or the two of you can even perform double team maneuvers.
If you're in the process of being pinned and at risk of getting a three-count, call your partner in the ring to kick your opponent and bust the pin. The key to success in tag matches is using your partner effectively. Don't hesitate to call him in frequently; at worst the ref will escort your partner out of the ring. Note that while the ref is occupied with escorting your partner (or the opposing tag team for that matter) out of the ring, he's distracted. He won't notice a pin and could miss a weapon attack if you choose to take that route to victory. Tornado is one option for tag matches; in a Tornado Tag match, all members of the tag team occupy the ring simultaneously. Double teams maneuvers are key here--both inflicting damage with them and avoiding them if you're on the receiving end. Go after the weakest opponent to set him up for the pinfall. Finally, if you're playing with a manager, get their help! Fight near them so the manager can interfere.
Hardcore Rules are thrown out of the ring for Hardcore matches. There are no disqualifications; weapon attacks are completely legal and definitely encouraged. Weapons inflict serious damage and provide ample boost to your Smackdown meter. Control the weapons. Strike your opponent with standing and ground strikes. You can also employ unique grapples while holding the weapons to keep your opponent off guard and unable to accurately predict counter measures. Likewise, when your opponent holds the weapon, be ready to counter strikes and grapples to steal the weapon.
Lumber Jack
A Lumber Jack match seems like a standard one-on-one match; however, both participants have three allies outside the ring ready to assist when necessary. These allies don't enter the ring but their presence is certainly felt. The allies can interfere by grabbing at the wrestlers' ankles when the wrestler stands near the apron. Also, the allies can grab a wrestler and drop their throat on the rope. But the real punishment occurs if one wrestler gets tossed out of the ring. Now the allies are free to pummel the wrestler as much as possible. Keep the in-ring battle near your allies so they can grab ankles and distract your opponent as much as possible. Once grabbed, your opponent typically turns around to face the ally. This leaves your opponent open to a rear grapple or strike. Go for a school boy pin or send him on an atomic drop.
Bra and Panties Select your favorite WWE Diva (or, by nature of this match, perhaps your opponent should be your favorite WWE Diva) to participate in a Bra and Panties match where the goal isn't to go for a pin but instead to get your opponent down to just bra and panties. To rip off clothes, press down and the grapple button (circle). You'll begin to rip off the shirt or pants and must button mash as you would during a submission move. Press buttons as fast as possible to get the indicator to the left. If it gets all the way left, the shirt or pants come off. If you take too long or the indicator reaches "Escape," then the move is avoided. Wear your opponent down before attempting to tear off clothes; the indicator will start further to the left making the act of ripping much easier.
