JAKKS is more than happy to reenter into its WWE licensing deal with THQ, but the gaming company isn't so sure it's ready to make a commitment. After JAKKS signed on the dotted line to extend its gaming agreement with the wrestling group for five years, THQ sued the toymaker, saying it wasn't ready to make a decision and that JAKKS had no right to sign the agreement without THQ's consent.

There were some reportedly shady dealings when JAKKS originally got the contract -- perhaps THQ wants to get the whole pie for itself. Who knows? Either way, the two companies have entered into arbitration, so hopefully the tiff won't have an impact on releases.

According to the analysts at Cowen and Company, several of THQ's key franchises – think WWE, SpongeBob SquarePants and Saints Row – are in a slump. GI.biz details the firm's findings and all signs point to the publisher posting a "substantial" loss this fiscal year.

The firm states that the 22% Q4 year-over-year decline of the WWE franchise, which it calls one of the last "bastions of strength" at the publisher, is of particular concern, while poor little SpongeBob saw a 19% decline over the prior year. Saints Row 2 also isn't doing too hot, with the firm expecting the gangsta-fied sandbox title to move just 900K units over the next year in the US. Though the original Saints Row performed better on a single console, 2006 also had a very different software landscape (read: Grand Theft Auto IV wasn't out yet). Let's see if this holiday season changes THQ's plans to focus on a few "core" titles yearly.

Tons of bling to get in this WWE game. There are 7 (!) Gold Trophies to acquire ... but only 2 Bronze Trophies.

Who doesn't like the word "exclusive"? While this may not be the biggest news ever, WWE fans will certainly appreciate knowing PlayStation Network will be home to a few exclusive costumes when DLC is made available in January. The first Roster Pack will be available for $4.99 and will include the following:

• Evan Bourne - playable Superstar
• Ted DiBiase - playable Superstar
• Charlie Haas - playable Superstar
• Chris Jericho - alternate attire
• Kelly Kelly - holiday costume (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3)
• Maria Santa - holiday costume (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3)
• Masked Kane - alternate attire (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3)
• MVP - alternate attire (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3)
• Edge - alternate attire (EXCLUSIVELY ON PS3)

[Via PlayStation.Blog]

We knew things had to slow down at some point, and it looks like that "some point" would be now. This week's PSP releases offer a bit of Tom Clancy's patented war thrills, while Europe gets a slightly early taste of WWE's latest.

NA Games:

• Tom Clancy's EndWar

EU Games:

• Pro Evolution Soccer 2009
• Tom Clancy's EndWar
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009

Asian Games:

• No new releases

Surprisingly, we're writing the "no new releases" line for Asia. Who would have thought that was actually ever going to happen?

Lesser wrestling fans may find it difficult to decide which version of the annual WWE Smackdown vs. Raw game to get this year, but the choice should be made easy for true rasslin' aficionados. THQ just announced a Collector's Edition for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009, and it's exclusive to the PS3.

The Collector's Edition includes an extra Blu-ray disc with "a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the videogame, as well as more than two hours of WWE footage." The North American version with have a "steel cage packaging," while Europe and Asia will get their bundle in a mini-ring -- because you're not hardcore enough to step into a steel cage, son. The press release was shy on a price unfortunately; however, with a Sunday, November 9 release so close, we should have that info soon enough.

[Via press release]

While promoting THQ's SmackDown Vs. Raw in London, the WWE's Randy Orton told Eurogamer that he wants to see more violence in games. He believes parents shouldn't be worrying about games when some don't even know their kids are watching shows like South Park.

The 28-year-old pro wrestler, who became a dad for the first time last month, believes movie violence has way more "f*cked up sh*t" than games. The man who makes a living off professional violence points out that playing Mortal Kombat when he was younger didn't hurt him in the long run. So, what's the father of a newborn play when he's not "too covered in poop"? Orton says he plays Mario Kart, but he doesn't use the wheel because he thinks it's "just a gimmick."

[Via GP]

Not much was revealed about WWE Legends of WreslteMania, a new wrestling title to hit next year. All that's known so far about the game is that it's being made by THQ and JAKKS Pacific, and that it will come out March 2009 to coincide with Wrestlemania 25.

Other than that, everything is up for speculation -- especially that coveted roster. If the game's title wasn't enough of a hint, it looks like stars who've appeared at Wrestlemania will be the only ones making it into the game. Please THQ, whatever you do, don't include the likes of Tyson and non-wrestler personalities that have been at the big WM. That will just be disappointing. And, the "Macho Man" better not be missing this time.

[Via press release]

Ripped from the headlines: Using WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008's create-a-wrestler mode, THQ has done their own take on the Democratic presidential rivalry. They designed characters who sorta resemble presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, as long as you're told who they're supposed to be first.

The two politicians run out and play to the crowd, then face off, totally about to wrassle, when the clip unfortunately ends. We wanted to see what Senator Clinton's finishing move was! We wanted to learn the candidates' positions on the issue of "folding chairs: now or later?"

You know, we wouldn't mind fake physical combat as a campaign method. It's not like anyone talks about real policy at debates anyway.

We didn't know wrestling was still popular enough to warrant an annual release, but over the weekend THQ dropped the trailer for WWE: Smackdown vs. Raw 2009. The video showcases the latest feature for the upcoming title, co-op story mode. While we're sure there is still a group of fans clamoring for a "chair-shot to the face" good time, we wonder if we really need another WWE game every year? Madden's annual release already gets us annoyed but we understand the reasoning behind it, but does including one new addition and swapping some characters in the roster really need another $60 price tag?

There's somewhat of a trend forming in DS sports games -- developers eschewing straight sports simulations in favor of bizarre experiences. We've seen it in MLB 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, and now we're seeing it in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009. THQ has hired Japanese "ninja developer" TOSE (best known for Super Princess Peach, the Stafy games, and being mysterious) to create their latest DS wrestling game.

They have bizarred it up indeed, adding an out-of-ring mode in which the backstage area is full of NPCs and rendered environments, much like an RPG overworld. You'll travel around taking on missions and interacting with other wrestlers as you try to level up your character's various attributes, like "Sweatiness," "Shirt-tearing" and "Catchphrases."*

It actually sounds like a really cool take on the RPG. It's like Puzzle Quest, but with wrasslin'! Unfortunately, the screenshots so far don't really show anything but creepy 3D models.

*not actual attributes

THQ's WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw series has, for the longest time, been underwhelming in terms of offering unique experiences between its annual releases. We could even say the series has been suffering from a mild case of Madden syndrome. With the announcement of this year's iteration: Smackdown! vs. Raw 2009, however, things finally look like they're going to change.

First and foremost, the series is finally getting the much needed online gameplay and DLC support that fans have been clamoring for in the past years. Unfortunately, specific details on the DLC are still being kept secret. Senior creative manager Cory Ledesma does hint, however, at the possibility of updating the WWE roster via DLC. As for the second major addition, say hello to the brand new "Create-A-Finisher." This tool allows players to create unique ultimate signature moves by piecing together over 500 animations. Also, a re-vamped career mode makes its debut, now allowing for the first time a co-op season with stronger emphasis on tag team action.

As for the roster, so far only Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Randy Orton, Mr. Kennedy, Undertaker, and John Cena have been revealed. A final number for the roster has not been announced.

Wrestling is a strange phenomenon. There are avid fans and there are those who simply find it absolutely confusing. Not the event itself, but the fact the world has allowed it to remain for so long. This deal isn't for them -- it's for you, the fans. Amazon currently has a deal for WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 for the low price of $30. This is much less than watching a match on Pay-Per-View, so really, you'd be doing yourselves a big favor.

Not many of you seemed too excited when WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 came out, but then again, that was the same week as Super Mario Galaxy's North American release. Also, at that time, the game would have cost you a cool $50 to buy.

Now, though, thanks to Amazon and its video game "Deal of the Day" promotion, you can get the game for half the price (or, for those of you that are terrible at math, $25). As per usual, this sale will end at 3 A.M. EDT, so if you want this title you better be ready to succumb to your inner impulse buyer.

Also, if you like to wrassle but aren't too keen on doing so on your Wii, today's DotD extends to every other console under the sun.

For its third fiscal quarter through the holiday season, publisher THQ saw their sales boost to $509.6 million but profits down to $15.5 million (via Gamasutra). Comparatively, last year they had $475.7 million in sales (a 7% raise) and $62.1 million in profit (a 75% drop). THQ also had $27 million in non-cash charges due to the cancellations of Juiced and Stuntman.

Big sellers include THQ's licenses. Life to date sales from Nickelodeon projects total $1 billion, and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 enjoyed a whopping five million in unit sales -- behold the power of licensing.