In addition to the Tag Team Match mechanics improvements, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 features the "Inferno Match" for the first time ever. The Gauntlet Match also makes its debut in the series, and Backstage Brawls return.
SmackDown vs. RAW 2009 is the first WWE video game to include the Inferno Match, a match where the player has to set their opponent on fire. It is similar the real life match which takes place with the ring surrounded by fire coming from gas fed pipes. To win the player must increase the temperature of the ring by performing more devastating moves.
When the flames reach 500°F (or in the EU version 300°C), that's your chance to burn your opponent. Get him in a strong grapple, then drag him over to one side of the ring and force him into the fire. If your opponent is the one dragging you towards the flames than a sequence of controller buttons will appear on the screen and you'll have to hit them as they appear to escape. Once you or your opponent have been burnt a cut-scene will appearing showing the wrestler rolling around in pain until the officials decided to extinguish to fire.
The Gauntlet Match also is a newly featured match selection in the Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 series where one superstar takes on three others one immediately after the other.
The Backstage Brawl, where players can battle in either the locker room or the backstage "gorilla position" with a variety of weapons at their disposal, returned and replaced the parking lot brawl match featured in the last game.
Weapons include a table, ladder, trash can, fire extinguisher, ring bell, and barbed wire 2x4. Meanwhile, you'll be able to interact with environmental objects such as metal doors, equipment containers, oil drums, trash dumpsters, trash bins, wooden table, and a TV Monitor.
