Chapter 4: Season Mode Tips
This section provides tips for WWE Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain's season story mode. In season mode, you select a WWE superstar (or a created wrestler) and participate in a series of storylines through an entire year in the WWE. The appearance of storylines isn't set, so expect the order of storylines to change as you play season mode multiple times. And you will begin to see storylines repeated as well. This section will provide tips on surviving your year in the WWE and the different activities you can engage in while joining the RAW or Smackdown roster.
The Superstar of Your Choice When you enter season mode you can select nearly every WWE superstar in the game (unavailable wrestlers include the divas, Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff). You can choose to use the WWE's superstars' original statistics or start from scratch. If you choose a superstar with high statistics, expect an easier road to championship matches and have an easier time battling against tough foes like Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and Triple H. If you choose to enter with low statistics, you'll have to earn your stripes as a "jobber," essentially a wrestler that's a virtual punching bag for the roster's more popular superstars. It will be an uphill, challenging, yet rewarding battle. Note that if you choose original or new statistics, you will be able to increase your superstar's statistics by earning experience during the season.
If you want an easier time in season with the ability to go after title belts very quickly (as well as appear on the pay-per-views as early as possible), then select an established, high-profile wrestler like the Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, Triple H, or Goldberg. You'll likely appear every week on RAW or Smackdown and have the ability to earn lots of Smackdown dollars and experience.
But if you want a greater challenge, start with low statistics (or pick a less-established wrestler with a lower overall rating) or use a created wrestler and work your way from the bottom to the top over the course of a season or several seasons. You'll be pummeled by the top wrestlers but will get your shot. Be sure to convince Vince, Eric, and Stephanie to get you matches so you can build your experience and SP, which is essentially your wrestler's popularity level. The higher your SP, the more visible you will be in weekly shows and pay-per-views.
Note that all legends (including those available in the ShopZone) can be added to the season rosters. You can use the legends or just have them on the roster to participate in matches and stables.
