If you are a fan of both wrestling and video games, chances are you have played or heard of GM mode, one of the most popular features in some of the WWE video games. GM mode allows you to take on the role of a general manager for either Raw or Smackdown (or both), drafting your own roster of superstars, booking your own matches and shows, creating your own rivalries and storylines, managing your finances and contracts, competing against your rival brand for ratings and fans, and ultimately becoming the General Manager of the Year.

GM mode first appeared in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, then returned in Smackdown vs Raw 2007 and Smackdown vs Raw 2008, before disappearing from the main series for over a decade. It finally made its comeback as MyGM in < em>WWE 2K22, the latest installment of the WWE 2K series. GM mode has been a highly requested feature by WWE fans for years, as it offers a unique and immersive experience of running your own wrestling show. But is GM mode really as great as it sounds? Or does it have some terrible flaws that ruin the fun? In this article, we will review the history, features, and flaws of GM mode, and how it can be improved in future games.

GM mode was introduced in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, the seventh game in the Smackdown series and the first to feature the brand split between Raw and Smackdown. In GM mode, you could choose to be the general manager of either brand, or play as both in a co-op mode. You had a limited budget to draft your roster of superstars from a pool of 50, including legends like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. You could also trade superstars with the other brand, or sign free agents. You had to book your matches and shows every week, choosing from a variety of match types, such as singles, tag team, ladder, cage, etc. You could also create your own rivalries and storylines, using cutscenes and promos to build up the hype and interest. You had to keep track of your superstars’ popularity, fatigue, injuries, morale, and contracts, as well as your show’s ratings and fan support. At the end of each year, you could win awards for your performance, such as Best Show, Best Match, Best Rivalry, etc. The ultimate goal was to become the General Manager of the Year by having the most fans and ratings at the end of the year.

GM mode returned in Smackdown vs Raw 2007, the eighth game in the Smackdown series and the second to feature the brand split. GM mode was largely similar to the previous game, with some minor changes and additions. The roster size increased to 60 superstars, including new legends like Bret Hart, Roddy Piper, and Dusty Rhodes. The match types expanded to include more options, such as elimination chamber, money in the bank, backstage brawl, etc. You could also create your own championships and assign them to your brand. You had more control over your show’s presentation, such as choosing the arena, theme song, pyro effects, etc. You could also use power cards to boost your ratings or sabotage your rival’s ratings. However, GM mode also became more challenging and complex, as you had to deal with more factors and scenarios that affected your superstars and shows, such as injuries, suspensions, contract negotiations, trades, drafts, etc.

GM mode made its final appearance in Smackdown vs Raw 2008, the ninth game in the Smackdown series and the third to feature the brand split. GM mode was again similar to the previous games, with some new features and improvements. The roster size increased to 70 superstars, including new legends like Mick Foley, Rick Rude, and Sabu. The match types added more variations, such as inferno match, tables match, first blood match, etc. You could also create your own brands and shows, choosing from different logos, colors, and names. You had more options to customize your superstars, such as assigning them different fighting styles, attributes, and abilities. You could also use interactive interviews to promote or trash talk your superstars or rivalries. However, GM mode also became more difficult and realistic, as you had to deal with more issues and events that affected your superstars and shows, such as wellness policy violations, fan reactions, draft lottery, etc.

After Smackdown vs Raw 2008, GM mode was discontinued from the main series for over a decade. Many fans were disappointed and demanded the return of GM mode in future games. However, the developers focused on other modes and features instead, such as Universe mode, Career mode, Showcase mode, etc. GM mode was only available in some spin-off games, such as WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010
for Nintendo DS and WWE ’12
for Wii. It was not until WWE 2K22, the twenty-second game in the WWE 2K series and the first after a one-year hiatus due to the poor reception of WWE 2K20, that GM mode finally made its comeback as MyGM.

MyGM is a revamped version of GM mode that aims to deliver a modern and immersive experience of running your own wrestling show. MyGM mode has a lot of depth and customization, with a huge amount of features and options available, such as drafting your roster, booking your matches and rivalries, managing your budget and contracts, choosing your show format and presentation, using power cards to boost or sabotage ratings, and more. However, MyGM mode also has some strange omissions and design choices, such as the lack of online multiplayer, the absence of multi-man match types, the limited roster size, and more. MyGM mode is a revamped version of GM mode, but it is not a perfect one.

Despite its flaws and limitations, GM mode has always been a fan-favorite feature in WWE games, as it offers a unique and immersive experience of running your own wrestling show. GM mode appeals to both wrestling fans and gamers, as it combines the elements of simulation, strategy, creativity, and competition. Here are some of the pros of GM mode that make it so enjoyable and addictive:

• The freedom and creativity to book matches, draft superstars, create rivalries, etc. GM mode gives you the opportunity to unleash your imagination and create your own wrestling universe. You can choose your own roster of superstars from a pool of legends, current stars, and future stars. You can book your own matches and shows every week, choosing from a variety of match types and stipulations. You can create your own rivalries and storylines, using cutscenes and promos to build up the drama and excitement. You can also customize your show’s presentation, such as choosing the arena, theme song, pyro effects, etc. You can make your show as realistic or as fantasy-based as you want.
• The challenge and competition to win fans and ratings against the rival brand. GM mode is not just about booking matches and shows, but also about managing your brand and competing against your rival brand. You have to keep track of your ratings and fan support every week, as well as your budget and revenue. You have to balance your superstars’ popularity, fatigue, injuries, morale, and contracts. You have to deal with various factors and scenarios that affect your superstars and shows, such as wellness policy violations, fan reactions, draft lottery, etc. You have to use power cards to boost your ratings or sabotage your rival’s ratings. You have to win awards for your performance, such as Best Show, Best Match, Best Rivalry, etc. The ultimate goal is to become the General Manager of the Year by having the most fans and ratings at the end of the year.
• The immersion and realism of managing a wrestling show with various factors and scenarios. GM mode tries to simulate the real-life experience of being a WWE general manager as much as possible. You have to deal with various factors and scenarios that affect your superstars and shows, such as injuries, suspensions, contract negotiations, trades, drafts, etc. You have to deal with the consequences of your decisions and actions, such as losing or gaining fans, superstars, ratings, revenue, etc. You have to deal with the unpredictability and randomness of the wrestling business, such as superstar requests, fan reactions, power card effects, etc. You have to deal with the pressure and expectations of the commissioner, who sets goals and rewards for you every week.
• The fun and nostalgia of playing with legends and fantasy matches. GM mode also allows you to relive some of the greatest moments in WWE history and create some of the most dream matches in wrestling history. You can draft and play with legends like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Mick Foley, etc. You can create and watch fantasy matches like The Undertaker vs Sting, John Cena vs Roman Reigns, AJ Styles vs Shawn Michaels, etc. You can also create and enjoy custom matches like an inferno match, a money in the bank match, a backstage brawl, etc.

However, GM mode is not without its flaws and limitations. GM mode has also been criticized and complained about by fans for years, as it has some drawbacks and shortcomings that ruin the fun and immersion. Here are some of the cons of GM mode that make it frustrating and disappointing:

• The lack of depth and variety in match types, storylines, promos, etc. GM mode often suffers from repetition and boredom, as it offers a limited amount of match types, storylines, promos, etc. For example, in Smackdown vs Raw 2008, you could only choose from a handful of match types, such as singles, tag team, triple threat, fatal four way, etc. You could not book any special match types, such as ladder, cage, hell in a cell, etc. You also had a limited number of storylines and promos to choose from, and they often did not make sense or fit the superstars involved. For example, you could have a storyline where John Cena and Randy Orton are best friends, or a promo where The Undertaker talks about his love for puppies. You also had no control over the length or quality of the matches and promos, as they were randomly generated by the game.
• The frustration and difficulty of balancing contracts, injuries, morale, etc. GM mode can also be very stressful and challenging, as you have to manage your superstars’ contracts, injuries, morale, and other factors that affect their performance and availability. You have to keep your superstars happy and loyal to your brand, or they might leave for the rival brand or become free agents. You have to renew their contracts before they expire, or you might lose them for good. You have to prevent them from getting injured or fatigued, or they might miss some shows or matches. You have to deal with their requests and demands, such as wanting more money, more title shots, more exposure, etc. You also have to deal with the commissioner’s goals and rewards, which might conflict with your own plans and strategies.
• The glitches and bugs that affect the gameplay and performance. GM mode is not immune to the glitches and bugs that plague many WWE games. GM mode can suffer from various technical issues that affect the gameplay and performance, such as crashes, freezes, errors, corrupted saves, etc. For example, in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, there was a bug that caused your ratings to drop drastically if you used a custom superstar in GM mode. In Smackdown vs Raw 2007, there was a bug that caused your superstars to lose popularity if you used them in a match with a custom superstar. In Smackdown vs Raw 2008, there was a bug that caused your superstars to get injured randomly without any reason. In WWE 2K22, there are reports of bugs that cause your power cards to not work properly, your rivalries to not progress correctly, your shows to not save properly, etc.
• The absence and removal of GM mode in some games. Perhaps the biggest con of GM mode is the fact that it was absent and removed from some games in the main series. After Smackdown vs Raw 2008, GM mode was discontinued for over a decade, leaving many fans disappointed and frustrated. The developers claimed that they wanted to focus on other modes and features instead, such as Universe mode, Career mode, Showcase mode, etc. However, many fans felt that these modes did not offer the same level of depth and customization as GM mode did. Many fans also felt that these modes were not well-developed or well-supported by the developers either. Many fans demanded the return of GM mode in future games, but their requests were ignored or denied for years. It was not until WWE 2K22 that GM mode finally made its comeback as MyGM.

GM mode has a lot of potential and promise, but it also has a lot of room for improvement and innovation. GM mode can be made better in future games by listening to the suggestions and feedback from fans who love and play the mode. Here are some of the desired features and improvements for GM mode that fans want:

• The inclusion and customization of more match types, titles, arenas, etc.
  GM mode should offer more options and variety in terms of match types, titles, arenas, etc. Fans want to be able to book and play any match type they want, such as elimination chamber, money in the bank, backstage brawl, etc. Fans also want to be able to create and customize their own titles and arenas, choosing from different designs, colors, names, etc. Fans want to have more freedom and creativity in GM mode.
• The expansion and diversity of roster size, superstar classes, legends, etc.
  GM mode should offer more choices and diversity in terms of roster size, superstar classes, legends, etc. Fans want to be able to draft and play with more superstars from different eras, brands, divisions, etc . Fans want to be able to draft and play with superstars from different classes, such as cruiserweights, heavyweights, women, etc. Fans also want to be able to draft and play with more legends from different generations, such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Mick Foley, etc. Fans want to have more options and diversity in GM mode.
• The enhancement and innovation of rivalries, storylines, promos, etc. GM mode should offer more depth and variety in terms of rivalries, storylines, promos, etc. Fans want to be able to create and customize their own rivalries and storylines, choosing from different themes, objectives, outcomes, etc. Fans also want to be able to create and customize their own promos, choosing from different scripts, animations, voice-overs, etc. Fans also want to be able to see the impact and progression of their rivalries and storylines on their shows and ratings. Fans want to have more control and immersion in GM mode.
• The addition and integration of multiplayer, online, cross-play, etc. GM mode should offer more modes and features that allow fans to play with or against other players online or offline. Fans want to be able to play GM mode in multiplayer mode, where they can cooperate or compete with other players as general managers of different brands. Fans also want to be able to play GM mode online mode, where they can share or download other players’ shows, rosters, matches, etc. Fans also want to be able to play GM mode cross-play mode, where they can play with or against other players on different platforms or devices. Fans want to have more fun and interaction in GM mode.

GM mode is one of the most popular features in some of the WWE video games, as it offers a unique and immersive experience of running your own wrestling show. GM mode has a lot of pros that make it enjoyable and addictive for wrestling fans and gamers, such as the freedom and creativity to book matches, draft superstars, create rivalries, etc., the challenge and competition to win fans and ratings against the rival brand, the immersion and realism of managing a wrestling show with various factors and scenarios, and the fun and nostalgia of playing with legends and fantasy matches. However, GM mode also has a lot of cons that make it frustrating and disappointing for wrestling fans and gamers, such as the lack of depth and variety in match types, storylines, promos, etc., the frustration and difficulty of balancing contracts, injuries, morale, etc., the glitches and bugs that affect the gameplay and performance, and the absence and removal of GM mode in some games.

GM mode has a lot of potential and promise, but it also has a lot of room for improvement and innovation. GM mode can be made better in future games by listening to the suggestions and feedback from fans who love and play the mode. GM mode should offer more options and variety in terms of match types, titles, arenas, etc., more choices and diversity in terms of roster size, superstar classes, legends, etc., more depth and variety in terms of rivalries, storylines, promos, etc., and more modes and features that allow fans to play with or against other players online or offline.

GM mode is a great feature that allows fans to create their own wrestling universe. But it is also a terrible feature that has many flaws and limitations. GM mode is a great terrible feature that needs more love and attention from the developers and the fans. What do you think of GM mode? Do you love it or hate it? Do you have any suggestions or feedback on how to improve it? Let us know in the comments below!

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the topic of this article:

1. What is GM mode? GM mode is a feature in some of the WWE video games that allows you to take on the role of a general manager for either Raw or Smackdown (or both), drafting your own roster of superstars, booking your own matches and shows, creating your own rivalries and storylines, managing your finances and contracts, competing against your rival brand for ratings and fans, and ultimately becoming the General Manager of the Year.
2. Which WWE games have GM mode? GM mode first appeared in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, then returned in Smackdown vs Raw 2007 and Smackdown vs Raw 2008, before disappearing from the main series for over a decade. It finally made its comeback as MyGM in WWE 2K22, the latest installment of the WWE 2K series. GM mode was also available in some spin-off games, such as WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010 for Nintendo DS and WWE ’12 for Wii.
3. What are the pros of GM mode? Some of the pros of GM mode are the freedom and creativity to book matches, draft superstars, create rivalries, etc., the challenge and competition to win fans and ratings against the rival brand, the immersion and realism of managing a wrestling show with various factors and scenarios, and the fun and nostalgia of playing with legends and fantasy matches.
4. What are the cons of GM mode? Some of the cons of GM mode are the lack of depth and variety in match types, storylines, promos, etc., the frustration and difficulty of balancing contracts, injuries, morale, etc., the glitches and bugs that affect the gameplay and performance, and the absence and removal of GM mode in some games.
5. How to improve GM mode? Some of the suggestions and feedback from fans on how to improve GM mode are the inclusion and customization of more match types, titles, arenas, etc., the expansion and diversity of roster size, superstar classes, legends, etc., the enhancement and innovation of rivalries, storylines, promos, etc., and the addition and integration of multiplayer, online, cross-play, etc.