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The most anticipated wrestling game in history will be released later this week when WWE SmackDown VS RAW 2007 is shipped to retail shops across the country. Recently, THQ's Creative Manager, Bryan Williams sat down with WU Online and answered some of our questions about the newest WWE game.

WU ONLINE: Let's talk about the creation of a game. How long from the very first game idea to the day the game is shipped to retail stores, does it take to release a game from the WWE SmackDown VS RAW franchise?

THQ: Wow, that’s a tough question. Ideally, you want to begin pre-production as soon as possible in order to get a head start on the design process. Pre-production for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 began in January and the game is set to hit retail on November 14. So, as far as WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is concerned, it took us just under a year to release the game.

WU: With World Wrestling Entertainment restarting Extreme Championship Wrestling over the summer as a third brand, does THQ have any plans on giving ECW its own video game or will ECW be tied into the current WWE product?

THQ: Unfortunately, we’re not releasing any information at this point in time about ECW and its potential involvement within the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise or as a separate entity. You’ll just have to wait and see.

WU: Two divisions that have never had a strong presence in the WWE SmackDown VS RAW franchise are the Tag Teams and Women divisions. Why is this and has the 2007 edition improved on this?

THQ: Yes, as a matter of fact. The season mode this year contains tag team storylines and, without spoiling too much, the Women’s Championship also plays an integral part.

WU: THQ originally announced that Eugene was going to be in this year's game but then was later removed. Why was this? Is there a chance we will find Eugene in the game after all?

THQ: That was actually a mistake on our part. Eugene was never intended to be on this year’s roster.

WU: What are the arenas for this year's game?

THQ: SmackDown vs. RAW ’07 will contain the following areans: SmackDown, RAW, Velocity, HEAT, Backlash, Judgment Day, ECW One Night Stand, Vengeance, The Great American Bash, SummerSlam, Unforgiven, No Mercy, Taboo Tuesday, Survivor Series, Armageddon, New Year’s Revolution, Royal Rumble, No Way Out, WrestleMania 22 and Saturday Night’s Main Event.

WU: What are the match types contained this year?

THQ: WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 contains all the classic and iconic match types you’d expect from a game based on WWE. Steel Cage, Hell in a Cell, Royal Rumble, Backstage Brawls and, making its debut, the Money in the Bank ladder match are just a few of the many different match types available in this year’s game. Table and Ladder matches will also be present and have undergone a facelift of sorts as both match types have seen major game play improvements. Our new Ladder and Table matches are my personal favorites.

WU: What is the one thing you are most proud about regarding this year's game?

THQ: I’m very proud of the game’s overall presentation and game play. Getting past how pretty the game looks and all of its new features, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is simply fun as hell to play! To put it in the proper perspective I’ll say this: I hold SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain in high regard (as I feel that it was one of the most fun SmackDown games ever made), and I can honestly say that WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is even better!

WU: Thank you again for your time and I, along with all the other fans, will anxiously await the next couple of weeks.