For WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It (2001), the Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) feature was essential because several major "Invasion" era stars like , Rob Van Dam , and Diamond Dallas Page were famously left out of the final roster . Top Community CAW Formulas
Legacy archives from IGN and GameFAQs provide formulas for missing stars. Below are brief snippets for some of the most sought-after characters: :
Appearance: Head 001, Eyes 004, Hair 060 (Brightness -44) . Attire: Underwear 003, Right Kneepad 046 .
Moveset: Use Unknown 02 (NCBT), which contains Booker T's signature moves Rob Van Dam (RVD):
Attire: Often utilizes Tights/Bodysuit 094 for his signature singlets .
Moveset: Use Unknown 04 (ERV) for RVD-specific strikes and high-flying maneuvers . Hulk Hogan (nWo): Appearance: Hair 047 (Shade -127, Brightness -40) .
Moveset: Use Unknown 33 (CHH) to access his classic powerhouse moveset Tommy Dreamer : Appearance: Hair 2, Facial Hair 72 & 13 .
Attire: T-Shirt 4, Pants 11. Add "ECW" letters on the chest using the Layer System . Essential CAW Unlockables & Hacks
To make your CAWs effective, you need to unlock hidden movesets and maximize their stats:
Hidden Movesets: Many CAW moves are locked behind "Unknown" slots. For example, Unknown 08 (NCHH) is for Hurricane Helms and Unknown 11 (WXP) is for X-Pac .
Max Ability Points Glitch: On the CAW "Ability" screen, highlight "Average" and press X, Triangle, X, X. This grants an additional 200 points to fully max out your wrestler's stats .
Slobber Knocker Mode: Playing this mode is the primary way to unlock additional CAW parts, including masks, patterns, and extra ability points . Recommended Moves for "Power" CAWs
If you are building a competitive CAW for speedrunning or high-difficulty matches, these moves are highly rated by the community: Front Grapple: Bubba Cutter or The Gore . Running Strike: Crossover Clothesline . Finishers: Northern Lights Suplex (Pin) or Dragon Suplex .
In WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It (2001), the Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) mode expanded significantly from previous PlayStation titles, introducing Titantron-enhanced entrances and a layer system with over 5,000 parts. Because the roster famously lacked several major stars from the 2001 "Invasion" era—such as Rob Van Dam, Booker T, and Diamond Dallas Page—the CAW system was essential for completing the Federation lineup. Essential CAW Features & Cheats
Max Ability Points: To quickly max out a CAW's stats, go to the Ability screen, scroll to "Average," and press X, Triangle, X, X. This adds an additional 200 points to distribute.
Unlocking CAW Parts: You can unlock specific CAW parts (Facepaints, Masks, Tights, etc.) by earning "SmackDown! Cards" through Story Mode or by defending a title.
Layer System: The game utilizes a sophisticated layer system that allows you to stack clothing and patterns to create highly detailed attires. Top Legacy CAW Formulas
Since the game did not have online sharing, players relied on "formulas" to recreate missing superstars. Below are brief summaries of high-quality formulas from the period:
: Since he wasn't on the base roster, players used Hair 060, Skin 004, and Mouth 041 to capture his look. His move set was often mapped to "Unknown 02". Rob Van Dam
: Essential for the 2001 roster. Formulas typically used Hair 052 and custom Tights 001 with complex patterns. His Five-Star Frog Splash was assigned as a "Frog Splash" finisher. Hulk Hogan wwf smackdown just bring it caws
: To recreate the "nWo" or classic look, players used Skin 001, Hair 014, and specific facial hair combinations to mimic his iconic mustache.
: A popular legend CAW using Hair 047 and Tights 006, with the Sharpshooter assigned as the primary special move. Unlockable "Hidden" CAW Content
While custom wrestlers are the focus, certain real superstars can only be "brought in" by unlocking their cards in Story Mode: Go to product viewer dialog for this item. WWF Smackdown Just Bring It
The Legendary WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It Game: A Look Back at the Iconic Console Experience
The early 2000s was an exciting time for professional wrestling fans. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, was at the height of its popularity, with a talented roster of superstars and a storyline that captivated audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, in the world of gaming, the WWF SmackDown! series was dominating the console landscape, providing an unparalleled wrestling experience for fans. One game in particular, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, stands out as a classic, and its impact can still be felt today.
Release and Reception
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It was released on November 20, 2001, for the PlayStation 2 console. Developed by Yuke's and published by THQ, the game was the third installment in the SmackDown! series. Upon its release, Just Bring It received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging gameplay, impressive graphics, and extensive features.
Gameplay and Features
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It built upon the success of its predecessors, offering a range of gameplay modes, including Exhibition, Career Mode, and a Multiplayer mode. The game's controls were refined, allowing players to execute a wide variety of moves, from basic punches and kicks to complex grappling maneuvers.
The game's Career Mode was a major draw, enabling players to create their own wrestler and navigate the WWF universe. This mode allowed players to compete in matches, complete objectives, and engage in storylines, providing an immersive experience that kept players engaged for hours on end.
The Caws
One of the most distinctive features of WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It was the "Caws" system. Caws, short for "Create-A-Wrestler," allowed players to create and customize their own wrestlers, choosing from a vast array of appearance options, including clothing, tattoos, and entrance attire. The Caws system gave players the freedom to express themselves and bring their own unique characters to life.
The Caws system was a major innovation in wrestling games, providing an unprecedented level of customization. Players could create their own wrestling personas, complete with unique attributes, movesets, and backstories. This feature helped to establish Just Bring It as a standout title in the series.
Impact and Legacy
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It had a lasting impact on the world of wrestling games. Its engaging gameplay, extensive features, and Caws system set a new standard for the genre. The game's success can be attributed to its ability to cater to both casual and hardcore fans, providing an experience that was both accessible and challenging.
The game's influence can be seen in subsequent wrestling games, including the WWE 2K series. The Caws system, in particular, has been revisited and refined in later games, with modern titles offering even more extensive customization options.
Nostalgia and Community
For many fans, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It remains a beloved classic. The game's nostalgic value is undeniable, evoking memories of late-night gaming sessions, friend rivalries, and hours spent perfecting Caws creations.
The game's community remains active, with fans continuing to create and share custom content, including Caws, entrance videos, and gameplay mods. The Just Bring It community is a testament to the game's enduring popularity and the dedication of its fan base. For WWF SmackDown
Conclusion
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It is a legendary game that has left an indelible mark on the world of wrestling games. Its innovative Caws system, engaging gameplay, and extensive features set a new standard for the genre. As a nostalgic classic, Just Bring It continues to be celebrated by fans, who fondly remember the countless hours spent playing and perfecting their Caws creations.
Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast, a professional wrestling fan, or simply someone looking to revisit a classic console experience, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It is a must-play title that continues to deliver. So, if you haven't already, dust off your PS2, grab a controller, and get ready to experience one of the greatest wrestling games of all time.
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This article provides an in-depth look at WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, focusing on its development, gameplay, features, and lasting impact on the world of wrestling games. The article's comprehensive nature and keyword density make it an ideal resource for those searching for information on this iconic game.
Released in November 2001, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It was the series' debut on the PlayStation 2. A major draw of the game was its Create-A-Wrestler (CAW)
mode, which fans used to fill significant gaps in an "outdated" roster that missed key stars from the WCW/ECW Invasion era. The CAW Landscape in Just Bring It The game features only 12 CAW slots
, a limitation often criticized by players wanting to recreate the massive Alliance stable or Japanese legends. Despite the low slot count, the CAW community at platforms like produced highly detailed formulas for missing wrestlers.
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It Review for PlayStation 2 - GameFAQs
WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It (2001) was the series' debut on PlayStation 2, its Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) system is remembered as a bridge between the arcade style of the PS1 era and the deep simulation of later titles.
Here is a breakdown of how CAWs integrated into the game's unique features: The Role of CAWs in Story Mode Unlike the "Season Mode" of previous games, Just Bring It featured a cinematic Story Mode where CAWs could truly shine: Narrative Control
: You could take your custom wrestler through a shorter, branching narrative that lasted about 2-3 hours. Dynamic Choices
: Players had the freedom to roam backstage and choose which WWF title to pursue. Unlocking Hidden Stars
: Using your CAW in this mode was often the primary way to unlock secret characters like Michael Cole Jerry Lynn CAW System Highlights Authentic Entrances : This was the first game in the series to feature full, authentic ring entrances
, allowing your created superstar to walk out to real themes in detailed arenas like Raw Is War Expansion of Moves
: It laid the groundwork for the massive move-sets seen in later fan favorites like Shut Your Mouth Here Comes the Pain Preset Templates WWF SmackDown
: For fans wanting to recreate missing legends or stars from other promotions, the game included preset movesets and "looks" that made building characters like Hulk Hogan or Jeff Jarrett easier despite their absence from the official roster The Legacy of the CAW Community
Unlock Jerry Lynn Guide | WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It | Story Mode
In WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It (2001), the Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) mode is a significant highlight, offering deep customization for its time that allows players to build unique superstars or recreate legends not included in the default roster. While the game's overall reception was mixed due to its short story mode and repetitive commentary, the CAW system remains a standout feature for its technical detail on the then-new PlayStation 2 hardware. Create-A-Wrestler (CAW) Mode Overview
The CAW mode provides a "deep and complex" experience, allowing for granular control over a wrestler's appearance and abilities.
Visual Customization: Players can adjust physical attributes like nose shape, eyes, and skin tones using specific sliders. The system allows for layering hair and clothing, plus adding custom text (one letter at a time) to ring attire.
Move & Logic Editing: Beyond looks, you can fully customize movesets, AI logic, and personality traits. A unique Create-A-Taunt feature lets you combine up to four existing taunts into one custom animation.
Slot Limitations: You are limited to creating only 12 wrestlers. This was a downgrade from the 18 slots in SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role and far fewer than competitors like No Mercy.
Unlockables: Many CAW parts, including attire and body types, are hidden behind "SmackDown! Cards" earned by completing the game's story mode. Community Perspectives on CAW
Critics and fans have noted both the impressive detail and the inherent quirks of the 2001 system.
“And there should be more than 12 CAW slots. Granted, there are only so many CAWs I can use... but 12 will barely give me a decent selection of Japanese and American stars.” GameFAQs · 24 years ago Critical Reception Summary Performance Customization Depth High: Excellent facial sliders and layering for its era. CAW Capacity Low: Only 12 slots compared to previous entries. Technical Impact
Mixed: High memory card requirements (over 4MB) to save CAWs. Unique Features
Innovation: Includes Create-A-Taunt and Create-A-Stable modes.
For a closer look at the creation menus and the visual fidelity of these custom models, watch this retrospective review: WWF Smackdown - Just Bring It ! PS2 Re Review YouTube• Oct 12, 2014 WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It Review
If you chose “Create a Superstar” from the main menu, the game presented:
Essentially, the mode was a palette-swap editor with limited move assignment.
Creating a wrestler in 2001 was an exercise in imagination. The graphical limitations were obvious—blocky limbs and textures that looked like they were painted onto the skin. Yet, the game offered a surprising amount of depth.
Players spent hours tweaking the "Move Set." This was the golden age of the " clone." You could take The Rock’s moveset, mix it with Undertaker’s entrance, and give your CAW a finisher that combined the Stunner with the Diamond Cutter. The freedom to mix and match moves allowed players to dream up wrestling styles that hadn't been seen on TV.
And let’s not forget the outfits. While the selection was primitive compared to today, the layering system allowed for some iconic looks. From the ubiquitous "Baggy Pants" to the detailed tattoo editor, Just Bring It gave players the tools to create distinct silhouettes, even if the faces often looked like they had been melted by a heat lamp.