Each wrestler now has two fighting style categories, one primary and one secondary. Each fighting style has its advantages and disadvantages in each particular match type.[5] There are eight styles altogether: high-flyer, hardcore, submission, powerhouse, showman, brawler, dirty and technical.[5][6] In addition, creative manager of THQ Cory Ledesma said early in production that he planned on having numerous wrestler animations redone.[5]
A new "struggle submission system" has been introduced, incorporating more analog control into the game. The player executing the submission can now decide how much pressure is applied by moving the analog stick in a particular direction. Similarly, the player locked in a submission hold will have to power out also by using the analog stick.[5]
The game features the revived ECW brand, and it takes its place alongside the established Raw and SmackDown! brands. The official box art features the ECW logo prominently. The game's ECW branding has expanded the number of weapons available under the ring during gameplay. New weapons such as guitars are available and tables and barbed wire bats can be set on fire.[7] Despite the inclusion of the brand, the franchise kept its SmackDown! vs. Raw name, although an early logo included "ECW Invasion" in the title. It had been changed, however, to "Featuring ECW".[5]
The game features several arenas where WWE held events in 2006 and 2007. There are also arenas based on each WWE television show.
