
Raw 2007, THQ took over as the Japanese publisher and the series adopted the western name.Initially, the series was exclusive to PlayStation video game consoles, and was featured in all of the seventh generation consoles by 2008. The series was published by Yuke's and known as Exciting Pro Wrestling in Japan until 2005. The original series was produced from 2000 through 2003, and was titled under the SmackDown name, while the present series, which has been produced since 2004, is titled SmackDown vs. Games in the series are primarily developed by the Japanese-based company, Yuke's Future Media Creators.

WWE SmackDown (formerly trademarked as WWE SmackDown! and known as WWF SmackDown!) is a series of professional wrestling video games published by THQ, based on World Wrestling Entertainment's television program, WWE Friday Night SmackDown!.
