WWE 2K25 MyRise personality types

There are three different personality types you can assign to your two wrestlers in MyRise. They are ‘bold and brash’, ‘comedic and fun’, or ‘scheming and calculated’. As well as influencing the path of your storylines, these choices also affect which charactღers and other treats you unlock, so select carefully. Below you can see what’s unlocked in each chapter, depending on your personality type.

WWE 2K25 MyRise chapter rewards

Here are are all the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster additions and other bonuses earned by completing each chapter within MyﷺRise.

Chapter 1: A New Era

• All personalities: Triple H Suit Bundle (Clothing Parts)
• All personalities: Nick Aldis Suit Bundle (Clothing Parts)
• All personalities: Men’s Mutiny Shirt
• All personalities: Women’s Mutiny Shirt

Additional note: Choose ‘Rival Promotion’ as yoꦍur second character’s background to unlock Japan Dome in Chapter 2. ‘Indies’ and ‘MMA’ have no unlocks i♏n this chapter.

Chapter 2: Mutiny

• All personalities: Japan Dome (if you chose Rival Promotion in Chapter 1)

Chapter 3: Unite

• Bold and brash second character: NXT Mutiny Arena
• Bold and brash second character: NXT Unity Tag Championship
• Bold and brash second character: Kidnapped Manager (Entrance Motion)
• Bold and brash second character: Double Team Move: Whirlwind Splash
• Comedic and fun second character: NXT Mutiny Arena
• Comedic and fun second character: NXT Unity Tag Championship
• Comedic and fun second character: Unify Tag Team Championship
• Comedic and fun second character: Double Team Move: Whirlwind Splash
• Scheming and calculated second character NXT Mutiny Arena
• Scheming and calculated second character: NXT Unity Tag Championship
• Scheming and calculated second character: Double Team Move: Whirlwind Splash

Chapter 4: Investigate (male)

• Bold and brash male: NXT Mutiny Championship
• Bold and brash male: NXT Mutiny Championship Destroyed
• Comedic and fun male: Clown Horn (Weapon)
• Comedic and fun male: Clown Shoe (Weapon)
• Comedic and fun male: Juggling Pin (Weapon)
• Comedic and fun male: Lollipop (Weapon)
• Comedic and fun male: Carnival Hammer (Weapon)
• Comedic and fun male: Clown Chair (Weapon)
• Scheming and calculated male: WCW NWO Souled Out 1997 Arena
• Scheming and calculated male: Women’s NWO Shirt

Chapter 4: Investigate (female)

• Bold and brash female: Chosen
• Bold and brash female: Arena Estatal
• Bold and brash female: Japan Hall
• Bold and brash female: Chosen MyFaction card 
• Bold and brash female: Monster Truck Entrance 
• Comedic and fun female: Women’s Witch Flowery
• Comedic and fun female: Women’s Sand-witch
• Comedic and fun female: Women’s Witch Traditional Hat
• Comedic and fun female: Women’s Witch Traditional Jacket
• Scheming and calculated female: Men’s Mutiny Mask
• Scheming and calculated female: Women’s Mutiny Mask

Chapter 5: Defend

• All personalities: NXT No Mercy Mutiny Arena
• All personalities: CM Punk Mutiny Alt Attire

Chapter 6: Rally

For this cﷺhapter, your unlockables dep𒐪end on which characters you choose to help, rather than your personality. You have to choose one male superstar, and one female. Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley can only be unlocked on your second playthrough.

• Drew McIntyre: None
• Jey Uso: None
• Seth Rollins: Men’s The Shield Jacket
• Seth Rollins: Men’s The Shield Top
• Seth Rollins: Seth Rollins Casual Bundle (Clothing Parts)
• Seth Rollins: Seth Rollins Casual MyFaction card
• Cody Rhodes: Undashing Cody Rhodes 
• Cody Rhodes: John Cena ‘12
• Cody Rhodes: Randy Orton ‘15
• Cody Rhodes: Stardust
• Cody Rhodes: Raw 2011 Arena
• Cody Rhodes: WrestleMania 31 Daytime Arena
• Cody Rhodes: WrestleMania 31 Nighttime Arena
• Cody Rhodes: R-Truth 2011 Alt Attire
• Becky Lynch: Asuka Mutiny Alt Attire
• Becky Lynch: Bayley ’15 Bundle (Clothing Parts)
• Becky Lynch: Becky Lynch ’14 Irish Dance (Entrance Motion)
• Becky Lynch: Becky Lynch Casual Bundle (Clothing Parts)
• Becky Lynch: Becky Lynch MyFaction reward
• Jade Cargill: Jade Cargill Casual Bundle (Clothing Parts)
• Jade Cargill: Casual Jade Cargill MyFaction reward
• Charlotte Flair: Charlotte Flair ’14 (Clothing Parts)
• Charlotte Flair: Charlotte Flair ‘17 (Clothing Parts)
• Charlotte Flair: Charlotte Flair ‘19 (Clothing Parts)
• Charlotte Flair: Natalya ‘14 (Clothing Parts)
• Rhea Ripley: Rhea Ripley ‘17
• Rhea Ripley: Rhea Ripley ’20

Chapter 7: Attack

• There are no rewards available in this chapter.

Chapter 8: Survive

At the end of Cha♐pter 8, you get to choose to continue a🦄s your first character (Reclaim Ending) or second character (Conquer Ending). If you choose the Reclaim Ending, you then start Chapter 9 be choosing one of three allies options: WWE Legends, Indie Wrestlers, or Past 2K MyPlayers. These choices all affect your Chapter 9 unlocks.

• All personalities: Survivor Series MyRise Arena

Chapter 9: Reclaim

• Legends: Scott Steiner ‘03
• Legends: Alundra Blayze Current
• Legends: DDP Current
• Legends: Wrestling Convention Arena
• Legends: Scott Steiner MyFaction card
• Indie Wrestlers: TBA Arena
• Indie Wrestlers: Josie Jane
• Indie Wrestlers: Paragon Jay Pierce
• Indie Wrestlers: Josie Jane MyFaction card
• Indie Wrestlers: Paragon Jay Pierce MyFaction card
• Past 2K MyPlayers: Motion Capture Studio
• Past 2K MyPlayers: 2K19 Buzz
• Past 2K MyPlayers: 2K20 Red
• Past 2K MyPlayers: 2K20 Tre
• Past 2K MyPlayers: 2K23 LJ
• Past 2K MyPlayers: 2K24 The Captain
• All personalities: WrestleMania MyRise 2K25

Chapter 9: Conquer

• All personalities: Raw Mutiny Arena
• All personalities: SmackDown Mutiny Arena
• All personalities: MutinyMania
• All personalities: Throne Smash (Entrance Motion)
• All personalities: Kevin Owens Mutiny Alt Attire
• All personalities: Bayley Mutiny Alt Attire

WWE 2K25 MyRise Live Event rewards

As well as unlocking characters through the MyRise storyline, you can earn them by gaining stars in Live Events. These are accessed by talking to WWE producer Tory Simpkin backstage. Stars carry over to future playthroughs, so🐻 there’s no rush to work your way through the rewards list. The table below shows the number of 🃏stars needed to unlock each wrestler. Each of them comes with a WWE 2K25 MyFaction card.

• 20: Super Cena
• 28: Chase
• 38: La Cangrejita Loca
• 46: Cole Quinn
• 62: Meilee ‘Fanny’ Fan
• 70: Ava Moreno
• 78: Psycho Sally
• 86: El Ordinario
• 94: El Mago Jr
• 124: Manifestation / Soul Siphon Payback
• 132: Hector Flores
• 140: Odyssey Rift
• 148: Geneva Rose MyFaction card
• 164: Barron Blade MyFaction card
• 180: Zero MyFaction card
• 210: R-Truth (Judgment Day)
• 235: Finn Balor Demon Alt Attire
• 280: Diamond DDP ’98 Alt Attire

And that’s your lot for MyRise. For even more essential wrestling content, hit our guides to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 DLC, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 CAWs, and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 locker codes.

1. AJ Lee

Mrs CM Punk is always an early must-add to entries in the 2K series, as rumours continue to swirl of an in-ring-return to WWE after a decade away. TheGreatRob made this authentic-looking version of AJ, which includes her moveset, ཧentrance, and call name.

2. Ava Raine

WhatsTheStatus is a legend among the creative community, and among his first uploads for WWE 2K25 is Ava. Formerly ꩲa wrestler alongside Joe Gacy, she’s been used as NXT’s general manꦓager for the last year, and is therefore an NPC in this year’s game. This CAW changes that, and makes The Rock’s daughter playable.

3. Bad Bunny

The Puerto Rican rap megastar made guest appearances in WWE from 2021 to 2024, and was therefore a surprise highlight of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster. However, he’s one of 23 male wrestlers ditched following WWE 2K24, alongside names such as Big Boss Man, Shane McMahon and Ted DiBiase. Restore the Bunny man using this LonnyMX creation.

4. Christian Cage

One of the early stars of this year’s creators is the individual known as Valoween. They’ve created a mix of past and present WWE favourites, including the timeless Christian – who’s enjoying one of the best runs of his career as a member of the AEW Fight Foജrever roster. The CAW includes four attires to choose form.

5. Cope

You’re more likely to know Adam Copeland as Edge, following an esteemed WWE career which included 11 world title reigns. As with former tag partner Christian, he’s now in AEW. This excellent likeness is another WhatsTheStatus creation. Say what? You fancy reuniting The Brood, but t🌺he𓆉re’s someone missing? Well…

6. Gangrel

Here we go! Download this Gangrel CAW by AttitudeCreationz, then pair him with Christian and Edge to reform goth trio The Brood. And🍷 take a look at this user’s other CAWs while you’re there. They’ve drummed 🅺up a bunch of realistic names from the late 1990s, including Buff Bagwell, Scott Norton, Perry Saturn, Billy Kidman, and Jeff Jarrett.

7. Jazmyn Nyx

NXT trio Fatal Influence has its theme tune and entrance video in the game – but curiously, only two thirds of its membership makes the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster. Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley are in, but there’s no place for newcomer Nix. Mend that oversight with this CAW by BrandonRbr.

8. Jeff Hardy

Another sterling piece of work from Valoween here, which is especially timely given the TNA tag champs’ recent NXT collisions with Nathan Fra✱zer and Axiom. And yes, you’ve guessed correctly: there’s still ano☂ther member of Team Extreme to come further down this page…

9. Joe Hendry

TNA’s Scottish star made inroads in NXT during 2024, leading to a surprise appearance at the 2025 Royal Rumble. Most therefore expected him as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 DLC – but shockingly, he missed out on the Season Pass list. Thankfully, this DoggFayce ef🐟fort includes accurate attirཧes, motions, moveset and crowd signs. Go grab it.

10. Jon Moxley

Our look at 澳洲幸运5开奖号💃码历史查询:howꦯ to unlock all wrestlers in WWE 2K25 includes retro versions of Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, who you can get through Showcase – and Rollins even comes with their old-school Shield theme. However, team-mate Dean Ambrose is now contracted to AEW under his real name – so you’ll need a CAW to reunite the trio. Kudos for Valoween for this supreme job.

11. Matt Hardy

The Dudley Boyz are already in WWE 2K25. Earlier in this feature we gave you The Brood, and Jeff Hardy. Now all you need to recreate those legendary tables matches from the Attitude era is Jeff’s brother Matt – and sure enough, Valoween has come up wi🅠th 🅘the goods. D’Von: get the tables!

12. Nick Aldis

Like with Ava, WhatsTheStatus has focussed on making NPC cha🧸racters available for regular play with his early creations – and Smackdown general manager Aldis is another you need to download immediately. TNA fans know him as Magnus – while British viewers of a certain age will recognise Aldis as Oblivious, from Sky One’s short-lived Gladiators comeback.

13. Ricky Saints

The creator known as bhangraman is a regular on this annual list, and his solid work continues with NXT’s latest signing from AEW. Ricky Starks is now known as Ricky Saints, and looks set for a big year on WWE’s third brand. This CAW is a collab with Michele54c, and features a face pic by Esmec, and moveset by ibudmoves.

14. Ronda Rousey

While 23 male wrestlers were axed in the move from WWE 2K24 to WWE 2K25, female removals were mercifully limited to three: Beth Phoenix, Xia Li, and the baddest woman on the planet. If you still want Rousey on your roster, fetch this LoneWolf creation – and consider download🅷ing their excellent CAWs from Brie Bella and Nikki Bella immediately after🌳wards.

15. Wren Sinclair

Fatal Influence isn't the only NXT faction partially represented in-game. No Quarter Catch Crew also has its theme and entrance vids, attached to Charlie Dempsey – but Sinclair, and team-mates Tavion Heights and Myles Borne, are all missing. TheJock has put together realistic versions of all three, enabling you to airlift some backup for Dempsey into your next🌊 NXT night.

16. Zaria

We’re getting Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia as DLC, but will have to wait until WWE 2K26 for an official version of their fellow NXT newcomer Zaria. Travisalekz has bridged that gap via this collab with Pac_Creates and mylaseo2k.

Added everyone on this list, and still need to expand your roster with more wrestlers? Then drop into our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 locker codes guide.

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1. The basics of WWE 2K25 MyFaction

WWE 2K25 MyFaction is the wrestling series’ card-building fantasy mode. You build teams of four superstars from the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster then take them into matches either online or off. Some bouts are 4-vs-4, others are solo or feature smaller teams. Cards have individual ratings which can be affected by side-plates, such as increased strength for a certain number of matches, and your faction manager. The main currency is MFP (MyFaction Points) and t’s used to buy packs and cards, which can also be purchased using VC (Virtual Curr💦ency, bought with real cash) and tokens.

2. Fastest ways to earn WWE 2K25 MyFaction MFP

To avoid 🌳the pay-to-win route to MyFaction success, earning MFP needs to be your focus. Here are our recommended ways to bolster your in-𓂃game bank account:

• Complete Match Actions: You get 15 MFP for a Crowd Taunt, 15 MFP for an Opponent Taunt, 15 MFP for a Signature, and 15 MFP for a Finisher. Tick all these off for an easy 60 MFP each match.
• Do all Live Events: These limited-time matches usually offer a minimum of 1,000 MFP, or a five-card pack, upon completion. Some also have four different rewards, so can be completed multiple times for additional MFP.
• Faction Wars runs: The most fun way to play MyFaction is Faction Wars. You play matches or open nodes using an on-screen map which moves from left to right. There are runs per entry, and each ends in a four-on-four boss battle. As well as MFP, you earn FW points which provide another way to get cards – including those bosses, once you’ve defeated each set.
• Weekly Towers: These five-match sets mostly consist of one-on-one bouts, some of which you can rattle off in under a minute. Usually you earn an MFP award for completing a tower, but again sometimes you’ll earn a shiny new card instead.

3. How to unlock WWE 2K25 MyFaction Persona cards

Ultimately, most MyFaction players are in the mode to earn Persona cards, such as masked Dominik Mysterio – one of the first 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 locker codes. Once earned in MyFaction, these characters can be utilised across the entire game. In many instances, it’s a case of grinding through matches. For instance, World Tour offers up a specific award upon comple༒tion of each city. They are as follows:

• Chicago: CM Punk ’10
• New York: Elite Cody Rhodes
• Boston: Elite Rhea Ripley & John Cena ’10
• Orlando: Kelani Jordan ’23
• Philadelphia: Rob Van Dam '17
• Los Angeles: Solo Sikoa (Bloodline Suit)
• Dallas: Ultimate Warrior (No Paint)
• Las Vegas: Seth Rollins '14
• Denver: Jean-Paul Levesque
• Atlanta: John Cena '20 (NWO)

Other Persona cards are trickier to get – you can see the full list via our guide on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how to unlock all wrestlers in WW𝓀E 2K25. The really annoying ones are Elite Bray Wyatt, Elite Trish Stratus, and King Booker, all of whom require Oddities cards. Which leads us to the next point. More Persona cards are coming later in the year, along with a haul of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 DLC.

4. How to find WWE 2K25 MyFaction Oddities for Persona cards

Annoyingly, this is all down to pack luck. There is no way to earn⛄ Oddities cards the unlock Persona cards using gameplay, or to purchase them using any type of in-game currency. Instead, to eventually earn Elite Bray Wyatt, Elite Trish Stratus, and King Booker, you need to keep opening packs until you find the items below. Most packs have a 15% chance of containing an Oddities item. Prepare for the grind.

• Elite Bray Wyatt: Firefly Funhouse Sweater, Lantern, Rocking Chair, The Fiend Mask, The Head Lantern
• Elite Trish Stratus: Cowgirl Hat, Thank You Trish, WWE Women’s Championship, Coach’s Whistle, Leather Trench Coat
• King Booker: Black Gloves, King Booker Crown, Tactical Vest, WCW TV Championship, Grocery Card Oddities

5. How to get WWE 2K25 MyFaction Apex rewards

As mentioned above, some Live Events have four tiers of rewards, the top of which is called Apex. This is usually a bumper MFP haul, or new pack. So, how can you guarantee to get the Apex reward on your first attempt? Well, you can’t. It doesn’t matter how many finishers you hit, match stars you earn, or damaged your o🌄pponent is. The reward is random. The only way to guarantee the Apex reward is to replay the match until you unlock it – which could be on the first try, or take up to four victories. Oof!

6. What do all the WWE 2K25 Faction Wars nodes mean?

A fair number of fans get stumped by this each year. So here’s what e🔜ach node icon represents in Faction Wars:

• Arrows: Prize in exchange for sacrificing health
• Clipboard: Match stipulation, such as no finishers 
• Circle: Match enhancement, such as start with signature or finisher
• Heart: Health or FW credits
• Muscle: Limb healing or FW credits
• Nut: Match modifier, such as consuming half stamina
• Question marks: Random node
• Treasure chest: Prize (usually a wrester, sideplate, armor, or FW credits) 
• Two wrestlers: Swap a new wrestler into your faction 
• Wrestling ring: Match between the specified number of superstars 

7. How to quickly finish a WWE 2K25 MyFaction casket match

The most infuriating element of a Faꦿction Wars run is clicking on a 1-on-1 node – and discovering it’s a casket match. These take a considerable amount of time, but there are ways to slightly expedite the grind. Firstly, know that your opponen🌠t will always escape the casket on the first two attempts to close it, so get these done at any time. Then work on getting their torso or head to red damage. Along the way, be sure to hit at least three finishers. Tick off those boxes and you should be able to finally shut your opponent away at the third attempt. Good luck!

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Active WWE 2K25 locker codes

As of Saturday, June 21 there are two active WWE 2K25 locker codes – but we're told there are plenty more to come. Below you'll be able to see each code, what it gets you, and when it expires. To add even more Persona cards, visit our guide on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:how to unlock💞 all 𒆙wrestlers in WWE 2K25.

• BIGMANJ4MZ – Punches & Promos pack and Legend Series 2 pack [Expires July 18, 2025]
• CHACHING12500 – 12,500 VC [Expires December 31, 2025]

How to use WWE 2K25 locker codes

WWE 2K25 locker codes need to be applied within 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 MyFaction, although Persona Cards are available to use across the game once you've earned them. Cool. It means that, if you were quick enough, you could expand your 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster with Roman Reig🍰ns '24 and masked Dominikಞ Mysterio – and there are more to come.

To apply a code, start up the game and then select the large MyFactio💖n panel oꦗn the left of the home screen. Now select the Locker Codes panel. Finally, enter the locker code you want to redeem in the text box.

Expired WWE 2K25 locker codes

All expired WWE 2K25 locker codes released so far are listed below. We'll catalogue them all the way through to March 2026, so you can see whichꦉ ones you've used, and which you've missed out on. D'oh!

• ELITEROCK2K25 – Elite The Rock Persona Card
• WELCOMEWWE25 – Legend Series pack, Ascent Series pack, and Fierce Series pack
• ROADTOWM41EU – Road To WM Tour of Europe pack
• DIRTYDOMMASKED – Masked Dominik Mysterio '23 Persona Card & 7,500 VC
• GETREADY4WM – Roman Reigns '24 Persona Card, Fierce pack & 7,500 VC
• SINCITY41WM – WrestleMania Series Vol 1 Pack
• WMANIA41PACKS – 2x WrestleMania Series Vol 2 Packs
• IGNL1VE2K25 – Deluxe Sinister Pack
• KNOWURR0LE25 – 15,000 VC and Elite The Rock Persona Card or 4,500 MFP

Where to find WWE 2K25 locker codes

We're committed to updating this WWE 2K25 locker codes guide for the duration of the game’s life cycle, right up 'til WWEꦚ 2K26. For live WWE 2K25 locker code releases, you can also keep tabs on the game’s assorted social media feeds. The main ones are listed below.

Why is my WWE 2K25 locker code not working?

If you're having an issue with WWE 2K25 locker codes not working, it's likely for one of three reasons. You may have mispelled the code, or used it before – or it's already expired. If you're certain that the issue isn't one of those, then raise a ticket with . To see which other wrestlers are coming soon, check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 DLC guide for future content drops.

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WWE 2K25 Store Unlocks

There are 80 wrestlers who you can add to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster using the in-game store. Here’s the full list…

WWE 2K25 MyRise Unlocks

MyRise is great this year, although you’ll need at least two playthroughs to unloc💮k every character. Here’s how to get eac꧙h of them.

WWE 2K25 MyFaction Unlocks

澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 MyFaction Persona Cards are back. Unlock these characters in that mode and you can use them across the rest of the game, too. For cards needing locker codes, check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 locker codes guide.

WWE 2K25 The Bloodline Showcase Unlocks

The Bloodline Showcase serves up a selection of characters, attire, arenas and championships. Here’s e♔verything you can unlock, in match order.

Yokozuna vs Hulk Hogan

• Yokozuna
• Hulk Hogan
• Hulk Hogan Wrestlemania 5 Attire
• Hulk Hogan KOTR ’93 Attire
• Mr Fuji (Manager)
• Jimmy Hart (Manager)
• Jimmy Hart KOTR ’93 Attire
• King Of The Ring ’93 (Arena)
• WWE Championship ’93 (Championship)

Headshrinkers vs Steiner Brothers

• Rick Steiner
• Scott Steiner ’93
• Headshrinker Samu
• Headshrinker Fatu
• Afa (Manager)
• WrestleMania IX (Arena)

Rocky Maivia vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley

• Rocky Maivia
• Hunter Hearst Helmsley
• Intercontinental Championship ’97 (Championship)
• Thursday Raw Thursday 1997 (Arena)

“High Chief” Peter Maivia vs George “The Animal” Steele

• George “The Animal” Steele
• “High Chief” Peter Maivia
• MyFaction Sapphire Showcase reward

Nia Jax vs Lyra Valkyria

• Nia Jax
• Lyra Valkryia ’24

Rikishi vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

• Rikishi 
• Stone Cold Steve Austin ’00
• Stone Cold Steve Austin ’00 No Mercy 2000 Attire
• No Mercy 2000 (Arena)

Umaga vs John Cena

• Umaga
• John Cena ’07
• Armando Alejandro Estrada (Manager)
• WWE Championship ’07 (Championship)
• New Year’s Revolution 2007 (Arena)

3 Minute Warning vs AOP

• Jamal
• Rosey
• MyFaction Sapphire Showcase Reward

Tamina vs Charlotte Flair vs Becky Lynch vs Carmella vs Natalya

• Natalya
• Tamina
• Carmella ’17
• Becky Lynch ’17
• Charlotte Flair ’17
• Money In The Bank 2017 (Arena)

The Usos vs The New Day

• Big E
• Kofi Kingston ’17
• Xavier Woods ’17
• Jimmy Uso ’17
• Jey Uso ’17
• Tag Team Championship ’17 (Championship)
• Hell In A Cell 2017 (Arena)
• MyFaction Emerald Showcase Reward x2

Naomi vs Bayley

• Bayley ’20
• Naomi ’20
• Smackdown Women’s Championship ’20 (Championship)
• Super ShowDown (Arena)

Wild Samoans vs Dudley Boyz

• Afa
• Sika
• Captain Lou Albano (Manager)
• MyFaction Emerald Showcase Reward

Solo Sikoa vs Carmelo Hayes

• Solo Sikoa ’22
• Carmelo Hayes ’22
• Trick Williams ’22 (Manager)
• NXT 2.0 2022 (Arena)

Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins

• Roman Reigns ’22
• Seth Rollins ’22
• Universal Championship ’22 (Championship)
• Royal Rumble 22 (Arena)

The OG Bloodline vs The Rogue Bloodline

• MyFaction Sapphire Showcase Reward
• MyFaction Emerald Showcase Reward

The Islanders vs The Street Profits

• Islander Haku
• Islander Tama
• Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan
• Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan Alternate Attire
• MyFaction Emerald Showcase Reward

The Tribal Gauntlet

• Jey Uso ’10
• Jimmy Uso ’10
• Tamina ’10
• The Tribal Hall Of Acknowledgement (Arena)

For even more wrestlers, check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 DLC guide.

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澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 demonstrates this 🃏more pertinently than an🍬y of its rivals. Honestly, its wrestling engine is spectacular. Modes that don't encourage you to fork out real cash, such as Showcase and MyRise, have rediscovered their mojo after some fallow years. But the majority of the hype surrounding the game centres on a new experience called The Island. And, well, it's hard to view it as anything other than a means of siphoning fans for extra dough.

Get your wallet ready

The ethos at play here is that you create a character, then upgrade his or her abilities and moves by winning one-on-one matches, either against the AI (as decreed by Roman Reigns), or in PVP. In between those bouts, you free-roam an online neigh♛bourhood exploring locations named after WWE stars: Damage CTRL Computer Repair, Hurricane Outfitters, The Arcade Of Tomorrow (Asuka). Many of these locations are stores where you can buy items to kit out your creation – but these aren't just themed on wrestlers. There's also a Nike store, and a Jordan store, enabling you to jump into matches sporting official brands.

Here's where the big dollar drop comes in. To buy, for instance, a pair of orange Nike sneakers, you're looking at 18,000 VC. Yes, you can griꦯnd for that – but many will want them instantly. 15,000 VC costs £4.49. So you're looking at upwards of £5 just for some trainers 💎to put on a CAW. Now consider that most in-game stores have at least a dozen items and it just feels demoralizing. Matches and challenges in these custom arenas are fun – they're exclusive to the mode, marginally increasing its appeal – but overall something feels off about the knowledge that fans will spend hundreds of pounds or dollars on a character they'd have tweaked in previous games for free.

It's especially galling because the community was already down on another VC-focussed mode, MyFaction, which inevitably returns. This mode is WWE's take on Ultimate Team, as you build a ♑four-person squad to take into matches and challenges. As with previous years it's perfectly playable, but alway🅺s with the sense that it's here primarily for profit. Want Persona cards, which unlock gimmicks such as 2010 CM Punk or 1997 Rob Van Dam for use across the game? Get ready to grind, grind, grind – or spend real money on VC to expedite your progress. It isn't subtle. Indeed, it's shameless.

It also does the entire series a disservice because, good lord, the wrestling here is top-tier. Just exceptional. The best we've seen in the series going back to its Smackdown vs Raw heyday. Animations look like the real thing, wrestlers feel like their authentic selves, punches and kicks land with satisfying heft, matches sway back and forth enthrallingly, always with the threat of being ended by a sudden signature or finisher. The return of chain wrestling is a success, and intergender bouts are fun too. Interference-packed Bloodline Rules matches are carnage. The new WWE Archives backstage area is a hoot to brawl in due to its endless easter eggs, and the roster is insanely stacked. From the current day, only Motor City Machine Guns and Penta are missing♍ – and they're coming soon as DLC.

There are so many neat touches to enjoy. Changing camera angles during entrances sounds like a geeky, needless addition💫, but it's brilliant – you get to play director, settling the scene for any bout just as you see fit. The new Giant class makes the likes of Omos feel truly unique to handle, and bruises, blood, and sweat have all taken a noticeable step forward where visual details are concerned. New Netflix arenas for Raw and Smackdown are here, despite only being introduced in January. Five-person entrances for The Final Testament, Judgment Day, and Wyatt Sicks are spot on. Poison Mist and Powder paybacks leave your foes' faces coated in those substances. There's much cool stuff – completely at odds with the design decisions underpinning The Island and MyFaction.

Bloodline injection

The game's best mode is Showcase, and mercifully it remains completely free. As in previous editions it has you replaying bouts from WWE past, but with intriguing new elements. In some matcꩲhes, you have to change the result, while others are completely fictional: such as the Dudley Boys taking on 1970s brawlers The Wild Samoans. The entire mode is themed around past and present grapplers who make u⭕p The Bloodline dynasty: the Anoa'i, Maivia, and Fatu families. It's a great way to integrate characters we've never seen in the series before such as the Headshrinkers, Islanders, and The Rock's own grandfather, Peter Maivia.

In a touch of genius, Paul Heyman – Roman Reigns' onscreen counsel – is tasked with presenting each match, and as a ℱresult every single pre-bout video is unskippable. No exaggeration. They're better than most content on official WWE Blu-rays. The one setting the scene for Reigns' Royal Rumble slugfest against Seth Rollins is as incredible a promo as you'll see on TV all year. It all amounts to a traditional mode that feels utterly revitalised – although the decision to add timed objectives is a wild error, and the only misstep from an otherwise sublime return to form.

Throw in an all-new MyRise with the ability to unlock jobber favourites such as Cole Queen and Odyssey Rift, expanded GM Mode, and the returning Universe – oh, for that mode to have been given the resources ploughed into The Island – and this remain🐓s a colossal package even if you never go anywhere near VC.

But it's there, and until we figure out that new two-tier scoring system, it means The Island and MyFaction have to fac𒅌tor into the final rating. Where in-ring action is concerned, this is right on the cusp of being a five-star wrestling sim. But it has to lose a star for its cash-grab modes, which land as snugly as🌃 a Logan Paul brass knuckle shot to the jaw. In which you're the recipient, rather than the mega-rich Youtuber.

WWE 2K25 was reviewed on PS5, with code provided by the publisher.

How do I get the WWE 2K25 DLC characters?

As with previous years, there are two ways to add DLC. There are five packs on the way between 🍸May 2025 and November 2025, and you can buy each one individually. They're priced at $9.99 / £8.99 per pack. Alternatively, you can♎ grab the WWE 2K25 Season Pass, which grants you all packs for $39.99 / £32.99.

An additional bonus from the Season Pass is the SuperCharger, which unlocks legends, arenas and titles without you having to grind through gameplay modes to get them. New this year is the Ringside Pass, which adds the SuperStar Mega-Boost – bolstering your MyRise wrestler, and adding 100K VC into the bargain. For all available versions of the game, visit our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 Special Editions guide.

Who are the WWE 2K25 DLC Legends?

We’re getting an impressive 14 WWE 2K25 DLC Legends, including one monstrous surprise: longstanding TNA favourite Abyss. He’s never appeared in a WWE game before, because he’s never been an official WWE superstar – although he is now a backstage producer for the company. He landed in June 2025, alongside The Great Khali, as part of the Dunk & Destruction Pack.

July’s Fearless Pack adds another two wrestlers we’ve never seen in the series, in ECW bruiser New Jack and Japanese icon Bull Nakano. It’s followed with more familiar additions in September. The Attitude Era Superstars Pack sees D’Lo Brown, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, Victoria and Mark Henry all return to the ser🎃ies. Yep, the New Age Outlaws are back.

Five more legends arrive in the final DLC drop. The Saturday Night’s Main Event Pack drops in November, and sees a quintet of old-school grapplers added to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster. They are Jesse Ventura, Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff, Tito Santana, Junkyard Dog, and Sid Justice.

What about WWE 2K25 DLC Raw and Smackdown wrestlers?

In so far as WWE 2K25 DLC from Raw and Smackdown goes, the numbers are limited – but that’s because most of those rosters are already in the base game. The three notable exceptions are former Smackdown tag-team champs the Motor City Machine Guns, and Raw newcomer Penta. 𓃲Thankfully, that trio are all on their way.

Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin are now here, as part of the New Wave Pack. We have to wait a little longer for Penta: he’s set to arrive in July, within the Fearless Pack. Given he only debuted in January, that’s an impressive inclusion. Like Cody Rhodes, Jade Cargill and Andrade, it means he’s in WWE 2K25 as well as being on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever roster.

How about WWE 2K25 NXT DLC characters?

Infamously, we only got Lyra Valkyria from NXT last year – and thankfully, 2K has learned a bit of a lesson. This time out three WWE 2K25 NXT DLC characters are headed to the roster, and they’re all ladies who’ve been high on fan wishlists. First up were Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer, as part of May’s New Wave Pack. They’re joined in July by Jordynne Grace, who li🐽nes up next to Penta in the Fearless Pack.

The only disappointment is the lack of Joe Hendry, likely due to being contracted to TNA. To play as the super Scot, you’ll instead need to use Community Creations – and we have a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 CAWs guide to explain how to do that.

Who are the WWE 2K25 DLC celebrities?

For now, we don’t know them all – but there are five celebrity WWE 2K25 DLC additions. Three of them are from the NBA, and form 60% of the Dunk & Destruction Pack in June: Shaquille O'Neal, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson. There’s also one celeb assigned 🌸to Mayℱ’s New Wave Pack, and one locked into July’s Fearless Pack.

Weirdly, however, we're yet to receive the New Wave celeb, long rumored to be Travis Scott. Instead, 2K says it's comiꦏng at a later date, and has given every player 12,5𝓀00 VC by way of an apology for the delay. Claim it using the code CHACHING12500 in MyFaction.

What is the full WWE 2K25 DLC release schedule?

The complete WWE 2K25 DLC release schedule is as follows. All packs are listed in ch💜ronological order, and we’ll add celebrity ch꧑aracters as soon as they’re unveiled.

WWE 2K25 DLC New Wave Pack (May 14, 2025)

• Alex Shelly (Motor City Machine Guns)
• Chris Sabin (Motor City Machine Guns)
• Giulia
• Stephanie Vaquer
• Special celebrity guest (TBA – still unreleased as of Wednesday, June 25)

WWE 2K25 DLC Dunk & Destruction Pack (June 25, 2025)

• Abyss
• The Great Khali
• Jalen Brunson
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Tyrese Haliburton

WWE 2K25 DLC Fearless Pack (July 23, 2025)

• Bull Nakano
• New Jack
• Jordynne Grace
• Penta
• Special celebrity guest (TBA)

WWE 2K25 DLC Attitude Era Superstars Pack (September 17, 2025)

• Billy Gunn (New Age Outlaws)
• D’Lo Brown
• Mark Henry
• Road Dogg (New Age Outlaws)
• Victoria

WWE 2K25 DLC Saturday Night’s Main Event Pack (November 12, 2025)

• Jesse 'The Body' Ventura
• Junkyard Dog
• 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndorff
• Sid Justice
• Tito Santana

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

WWE 2K25 Raw roster

• AJ Styles
• Akira Tozawa
• Alba Fyre
• Asuka
• Bayley
• Bron Breakker
• Bronson Reed
• Brutus Creed
• Carlito
• Carmella
• Chad Gable
• CM Punk 
• Cruz Del Toro
• Dakota Kai 
• Dominik Mysterio
• Dragon Lee
• Erik
• Finn Balor
• Gunther 
• Ilja Dragunov
• Ivar
• Ivy Nile
• Iyo Sky
• JD McDonagh
• Jey Uso
• Joaquin Wilde
• Julius Creed
• Kairi Sane
• Karrion Kross
• Kiana James
• Kofi Kingston
• Liv Morgan
• Logan Paul
• Ludwig Kaiser
• Lyra Valkyria
• Maxxine Dupri
• The Miz
• Natalya
• Otis
• Pat McAfee
• Penta (DLC)
• Pete Dunne
• R-Truth
• Raquel Rodriguez
• Rey Mysterio
• Rhea Ripley 
• Sami Zayn
• Scarlett
• Seth Rollins
• Shayna Baszler
• Sheamus
• Tyler Bate
• Valhalla
• Xavier Woods
• Zoey Stark

WWE 2K25 Smackdown roster

• Alex Shelley (DLC)
• Alexa Bliss
• Andrade
• Angel
• Angelo Dawkins
• Apollo Crews
• Austin Theory
• B-Fab
• Berto
• Bianca Belair
• Braun Strowman
• Candice LeRae
• Carmelo Hayes
• Charlotte Flair
• Chelsea Green
• Chris Sabin (DLC)
• Cody Rhodes
• Damian Priest
• Dexter Lumis
• Dexter Lumis Wyatt Sicks (DLC)
• Drew McIntyre
• Elton Prince
• Erick Rowan (DLC)
• Grayson Waller
• Jacob Fatu
• Jade Cargill
• Jimmy Uso
• Joe Gacy
• Joe Gacy Wyatt Sicks (DLC)
• Johnny Gargano
• Katana Chance
• Kayden Carter
• Kevin Owens
• Kit Wilson
• LA Knight 
• Michin
• Montez Ford
• Naomi
• Nia Jax
• Nikki Cross
• Nikki Cross Wyatt Sicks (DLC)
• Omos
• Piper Niven
• R-Truth
• Randy Orton
• Ridge Holland
• Roman Reigns
• Santos Escobar
• Shinsuke Nakamura
• Solo Sikoa
• Tama Tonga
• Tamina
• Tiffany Stratton
• Tommaso Ciampa
• Tonga Loa
• Uncle Howdy (DLC)
• Zelina Vega

WWE 2K25 NXT roster

• Andre Chase
• Ashante Thee Adonis
• Axiom
• Brooks Jensen
• Channing Lorenzo
• Charlie Dempsey
• Cora Jade
• Eddy Thorpe
• Ethan Page
• Fallon Henley
• Gigi Dolin
• Giulia (DLC)
• Jacy Jayne
• Jaida Parker
• Jakara Jackson
• Je'Von Evans
• Joe Coffey
• Jordynne Grace (DLC)
• Josh Briggs
• Kelani Jordan
• Lash Legend
• Lexis King
• Lola Vice
• Mark Coffey
• Nathan Frazer
• Nikkita Lyons
• Noam Dar
• Oba Femi
• Oro Mensah
• Roxanne Perez
• Shawn Spears
• Shotzi
• Sol Ruca
• Stephanie Vaquer (DLC)
• Tatum Paxley
• Thea Hail
• Tony D'Angelo
• Trick Williams 
• Wendy Choo
• Wes Lee
• Wolfgang

WWE 2K25 Free Agents roster

• Akam
• Baron Corbin
• Becky Lynch
• Blair Davenport
• Cedric Alexander
• Duke Hudson
• Giovanni Vinci
• Elektra Lopez
• Indi Hartwell
• Isla Dawn
• Karl Anderson
• Luke Gallows
• Rezar
• Sonya Deville

WWE 2K25 Figures roster

• Bray Wyatt 'Elite'
• Jey Uso ‘Elite’ (DLC)
• John Cena 'Elite'
• Hulk Hogan 'Elite'
• Rhea Ripley 'Elite'
• The Rock 'Elite'
• Roman Reigns ‘Elite’ (DLC)
• Trish Stratus 'Elite'
• Undertaker ‘Elite’ (DLC)

WWE 2K25 Legends roster

• Abyss (DLC)
• Afa
• Alundra Blayze ’94
• Andre The Giant
• Batista
• Big E
• Billy Gunn (DLC)
• Boogeyman
• Booker T
• Bray Wyatt
• Bret Hart
• British Bulldog
• Bruno Sammartino
• Bubba Ray Dudley
• Bull Nakano (DLC)
• Cactus Jack
• Chyna
• D-Von Dudley
• Diamond Dallas Page
• Diesel
• D'Lo Brown (DLC)
• Doink The Clown
• Dude Love
• Dusty Rhodes
• Eddie Guerrero
• Eric Bischoff
• Eve Torres
• Faarooq
• The Fiend Bray Wyatt
• George 'The Animal' Steele
• The Great Khali (DLC)
• The Great Muta
• Haku
• Harley Race
• Headbanger Mosh
• Headbanger Thrasher
• Headshrinker Fatu
• Headshrinker Samu
• Hollywood Hogan
• Honky Tonky Man
• Hulk Hogan
• Hunter Hearst Helmsley
• The Hurricane
• The Iron Shiek
• Islander Tama
• Jake 'The Snake' Roberts
• Jamal
• JBL
• Jesse 'The Body' Ventura (DLC)
• Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart
• John Cena
• Junkyard Dog (DLC)
• Kane
• Ken Shamrock
• Kevin Nash
• Kurt Angle
• Lex Luger
• Lita
• Macho Man Randy Savage
• Mankind
• Mark Henry (DLC)
• Maryse
• Michelle McCool
• Mighty Molly
• Molly Holly
• Mr Perfect
• Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff (DLC)
• New Jack (DLC)
• Peter Maivia
• Ravishing Rick Rude
• Razor Ramon
• Rick Steiner
• Ricky Steamboat
• Rikishi
• Road Dogg (DLC)
• Rob Van Dam
• The Rock
• The Rock (National Of Domination) (DLC)
• Rocky Maivia
• Rosey
• Rowdy Roddy Piper
• Sandman
• Scott Hall
• Scott Steiner
• Sensational Sherri
• Shawn Michaels
• Sid Justice (DLC)
• Sika
• Stacy Keibler
• Stardust
• Stephanie McMahon
• Stone Cold Steve Austin
• Superstar Billy Graham
• Syxx
• Terry Funk
• Tito Santana (DLC)
• Triple H
• Trish Stratus
• Tyler Breeze
• Ultimate Warrior
• Umaga
• Undertaker
• Undertaker ’90 (DLC)
• Vader
• Victoria (DLC)
• Wade Barrett
• William Regal
• X-Pac
• Yokozuna

WWE 2K25 Managers roster

• Adam Pearce
• Armando Estrada
• Ava
• Bobby Heenan
• Brother Love (DLC)
• Cathy Kelley
• Captain Lou Albano
• Jimmy Hart
• Mick Foley
• Miss Elizabeth
• Mr Fuji
• Nick Aldis
• Paul Ellering
• Paul Heyman
• Theodore Long

WWE 2K25 MyRise roster

• Ava Moreno
• Chase
• Chosen
• Cole Quinn
• El Mago
• El Ordinario
• Hector Flores
• Josie Jane
• La Cangejita Loca
• Manifestation
• Meilee 'Fanny' Fan
• Odyssey Rift
• Paragon Jay Pierce
• Psycho Sally

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Review

Wondering whether this year's annual wrestling sim is worth your cash? Our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 review has the answer. It's another improved year in the ring, while new match typ🌟es such as Underground live up to the billing – and Showcase is brilliant. As for The Island – well, as you can read on that link, it's a bit of a misstep.

Gameplay

Roster

The latest entry in the series that started out as WWF Smackdown has its biggest list of wrestlers ever, with NXT newcomers including Oba Femi, Lola Vice and Lexis King. A few departed faces such as Baron Corbin and Indi Hartwell still cling to a spot, too. See the full wrestler catalogue in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 roster guide.

Unlock all wrestlers

There's one small catch to that supermassive roster: a number of grapplers, including veteran newcomers such as Afa and Sika, are locked until you complete certain objectives in MyRise or MyFaction. Annoying. However, you can find out how to unearth them all in our look at 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查ꦅ询:how to unl🐼ock all wrestlers in WWE 2K25.

DLC

Every year a handful of WWE signings arrive too late to make the game's cut-off point, and are later added as part of the Season Pass. This year, excitingly, Penta, Motor City Machine Guns and Stephanie Vaquer are among those included. They're joined by legends such as the New Age Outlaws. See them all in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 DLC guide.

CAWs

Community Creations enable dedicated fans to create wrestlers (or celebrities!) omitted from the game, and as ever there are myriad options to download into your 100 available slots. See the best versions of AJ Lee, Joe Hendry and the Hardy Boyz in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 CAWs guide.

Special editions

There are three different versions of WWE 2K25 available, if you're still considering a purchase: the standard edition, the Deadman edition, and the Bloodline edition. They come with an escalating variety of goodies, such as new skins for The Undertaker. Compare them all in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 special editions guide.

MyFaction

MyFaction tips

Despite its justified reputation for siphoning players out of their cash, MyFaction is actually strong this year – with a variety of ways to grind up the ladder using time, rather than your wallet. Discover them all in our comprehensive list of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 MyFaction tips.

Locker codes

There are a variety of ways for you to progress through MyFaction without spending real cash – and the best are 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 locker codes. Released sporadically by the dev team, these enable you to score free VC, packs, and other treats. Hit that link to grab them all througho🌟ut the game's annual cycle.

MyRise

MyRise walkthrough

There are three different paths through this year's story mode, and four possible endings – and yes, you need to experience them all to unlock everything. Don't make that face. Everything you need to know is a click away, in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K25 MyRise walkthrough.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Mercifully, developer Visual Concepts is in sync with that approach. New match types such as intergender and underground bouts freshen up your day-to-day options. Roster additions include Kelani Jordan and Sol Ruca from NXT, and some welcome yesteryear names I'll get to shortly. And those surprise elements include neat twists to the long-standing Showcase mode, new backstage areas to fight in, user-defined camera angles during entrances𒐪, and myriad additional details.

It's the intergender matches that many will hone in on, following the rise of dominant female grapplers such as Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax. Putting them in the ring against the likes of The Rock – or Dominik Mysterio, who our Ripley enjoys slinging around with glee – is really satisfying. Blood is turned off for these bouts, but otherwise anything goes. The game's weight detection keeps things believable – Bianca Belair can't powerbomb Bronson Reed – and it's possible to have thoroughly immersive bouts across the sexes. Cool♔.

O▨ne factor fans may weigh in concerns ratings. For instance, while we can't specify numbers, Belair is rated higher than the majority of male wrestlers – making her the favourite to win anyꦬ match, even against male Hall Of Famers. Creative director Lynell Jinks says that's the magic of gaming, likening it to Chun Li vs Ken: "The ratings are the ratings. The things that make Bianca special are her speed and her power, and those things matter in our game. It's like playing Street Fighter when you take a female character and play against a male character. It just works."

The Big Show(case)

2K always places a huge focus on Showcase mode pre-launch, which can feel like a diversionary tactic. After all, this is an element most fans tick off within a fortnight of release, just to get all the unlockables. Longevity comes elsewhere. Even so, this year's instalment feels like a step up from previo♚us iterations. It's based around The Bloodline – the Samoan dynasty wh🍌o've dominated WWE over the last half-decade – and has given Visual Concepts license to shake things up.

Showcase now utilises three different match types: you can revisit history, change history, or create history. Past contests such as Nia Jax vs Lyra Valkyria from Queen of the Ring 2024 see you reliving the bout as it was, while Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins at Royal Rumble 2022 is resuscitated – but with a different finish, unique to the game. Rather than being disqualified, this time around Reigns spe💝ars Rollins out of his boots for the win.

Those are examples of revisiting and changing history; it's creating history within Showcase that's most novel. The example I get my grapp🐽le-ready mitts on is the Wild Samoans vs the Dudley Boyz, in a tag-team tornado tables match. With two generations between those legendary pairings it would never have been possible in reality, b🐲ut really is a formidable experience in game form. Paul Heyman's pre-match intro sets the scene perfectly, and being able to deploy Afa and Sika in a videogame for the first time will delight veteran fans. I won't spoil the match objectives, but it certainly delivers.

Ah yes, Showcase objectives. Here's another component that is going to cause fan consternation. Some objectives are now timed – such as using J✃ax to samoan drop Valkyria twice in 45 seconds. Fail, and you don't get your unlockable at the end of that match. Ouch. "It's for challenges and for replayabliity," says Jinks of this decision. "[In Showcase], some people don't like to do all the objectives, and some do. [We want to] give people a reason to either play it again or have an extra challenge. I think back to the old school days of Gran Turimso, where you had to do all these things to get your licence."

Afa and Sika (along with Captain Lou Albano, as a manager) aren't the only welcome additions to the roster. Naomi returns after an three-year absence, monstrous Bloodline lಌieutenant Jacob Fatu gets a debut and feels brilliantly bulky and heavy hitting, while the new NXT contingent includes Ethan Page, Kelani Jordan, and Sol Ruca. A 2K rep tells us the final list will surpass 300, and be the series' deepest ever. We'll have a guide🀅 to all those names as soon as it's unveiled.

Hart of Glass

It's important to understand that, to the WWE 2K community, gameplay is only part of the puzzle. Whether it's new CAW parts, belt options or other finer details, longstanding players comb the series' intricacies each year. Even at pre-release stage, these feel encouraging. For instance, a new backstage brawl area incorporates the WWE Archives, with a ton of easter eggs to find. You can leap off an old WrestleMania sign, tussle around Bret Hart and Lita standees, or sling an opponent into a glass﷽ cabinet containing the legendary WWE winged eagle title belt – smashing it to pieces in the process.

Even cooler is the option to manually adjust camera angles during entrances. Tap X (on Xbox) to bring up the Spectate view, Y for a third person camera, or B for an animated view whereby you can free roam with the left and right sticks. In this way you end up playing director yourseജlf, watching each intro to a finish. It's very cool, although some will notice similarities to AEW Fight Forever.

Jinks roun൲d things off by admitting that it's been great to have a rival to complete against over the past 18 months. "Competition is healthy," he says. "I come from NFL 2K and NBA 2K, where there was always competition pushing us to go further every year. [Yuke's] did an honorable job of trying to put out a game that reflects their IP [with AEW Fight Forever]. There are some cool, interesting things that they've done, and we still have a lot of respect for Yuke's. Now we're like: let's see what we can do and take it a step further." We'll find out how much further in GR's upcoming WWE 2K25 review – which you can expect in early March.

Want back in the ring? Our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:best fighting games can help!

"WWE or player-created Superstars from the men’s and women’s divisions can now compete against each other to set up limitless matchups across all game modes," 2K explains in a . Intergender matches were once a staple of WWE games in 🔥wrestling's rowdier days, but it's long since been excised from the 2K series that's accompanied the show in its modern family-friendly incarnation.

Rumors and speculation had always suggested that WWE shied away from intergender wrestling for fear that it might be se⭕en as promoting violence against women, scaring away po📖tential advertisers. Whatever the reasons why, intergender competition is now exceedingly rare in WWE - and when it happens, it's almost always one of the most physically imposing women on the roster giving a one-sided beatdown to one of the weakest men. Now, at least, we can get some properly egalitarian wrestling in WWE 2K25.

Another big addition this year is The Island, "an interactive world made up of a series of areas built around different WWE themes" where you'll work to impress Roman Reigns and earn a WWE contract. You'll have a꧂ bunch of quests and challenges to undertake, and it looks like this'll host the big story mode for custom superstars.

It sounds a bit like NBA 2K's The City, though that open-wor🤡ld mode has proven con𒆙troversial for basketball fans. Here's hoping The Island works a little better in the more colorful context of WWE🀅. Either way, the mode will be exclusive to current-gen consoles - while the game itself is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, The Island is only available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Check out our guide to WWE 2K25 Special Editions and pre-order bonuses if you're trying to decide which version is right for you.

WWE 2K25 The Island explained

Before we get i💯nto all the key info, a quick note on The Island. This element of WW👍E 2K25 is exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and forms an interactive world based on various WWE themes. You can explore, challenge rival players, complete quests and customise your MySuperstar. Hence a variety of the bonuses offered below being part of The Island. Goddit? Then let’s reveal those big old treats, and special editions…

WWE 2K25 Pre-order bonuses 

Anyone who orders WW𒀰E 2K25 early, regardless of the specific edition, receives the Wyatt Sicks pack. Included inside are five playable characters, and two cosmetic items for The Island. They are as follows:

• Uncle Howdy
• Dexter Lumis
• Joe Gacy
• Erick Rowan
• Nikki Cross
• Uncle Howdy mask (The Island)
• Nikki Cross mask (The Island)

WWE 2K25 Standard Edition details

The WWE 2K25 Standard Edition costs $69.99 / £64.99 and features Roman Reigns and his ‘Wiseman’ Paul Heyman on the cover. Buying it gives you dual🍨-gen entitlement across PS5 and PS4, or Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. It’s also available on PC.

WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition details

The WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition costs $99.99 / £89.99 and comes out on Friday, March 7 – a full seven days ahead of the standard edition. As that name suggests, it features WWE Icon The Undertaker on the cov꧒er, and delivers you everything below:

• Uncle Howdy
• Dexter Lumis
• Joe Gacy
• Erick Rowan
• Nikki Cross
• Uncle Howdy mask (The Island)
• Nikki Cross mask (The Island)
• Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker
• Original Undertaker ('90)
• Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker Persona Card
• Original Undertaker ('90) Persona Card
• Urn
• Brother Love manager
• Undertaker ’95 mask (The Island)
• 15,000 VC
• 5x DLC character packs (post-launch)

WWE 2K25 Bloodline Edition details

The WWE 2K25 Bloodline Edition is the biggest of the lot. You get all the ☂Standa♍rd and Deadman Edition stuff, plus a whole load more themed on Roman Reigns and co. It costs $129.99 / £119.99. Reigns again features on the cover, with Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Paul Heyman, Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa. Here’s everything contained within – and it’s a long list! Again, this version is out on Friday, March 7, a week ahead of the standard edition.

• Uncle Howdy Dexter Lumis
• Joe Gacy
• Erick Rowan
• Nikki Cross
• Uncle Howdy mask (The Island)
• Nikki Cross mask (The Island)
• Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker
• Original Undertaker (‘90)
• Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker Persona card
• Original Undertaker (‘90) Persona card
• Urn
• Brother Love manager
• Undertaker ’95 mask (The Island)
• 15,000 VC
• 5x DLC character packs (post-launch)
• Season Pass
• Superstar Mega-Boost
• The Rock Nation Of Domination
• The Rock Nation Of Domination Persona card
• Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso
• Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso Persona card
• Mattel Elite ‘Greatest Hits’ Roman Reigns
• Mattel Elite ‘Greatest Hits’ Roman Reigns Persona card
• Family Above All Hoodie (The Island)
• OTC Shirt (The Island)
• Yeet Tank Top (The Island)
• Yeet Sunglasses (The Island)
• Additional 32,500 VC (Steam Only)
• WrestleMania 41 Arena
• 2x WrestleMania 41 playable characters (TBC)
• 2x WrestleMania 41 Personal Cards (TBC)
• Superstar Persona Card (TBC)

WWE 2K25 Bloodline Dynasty Showcase details

The big reason behind the WWE 2K25 Bloodline Edition is that its characters are the main focus of Showcase mode this year. It’s hosted by Paul Heyman, and throws up classic matches featuring Bloodline and Anoa’i family members, along with some drea🍌m bouts too. We’ll have a full match list in a guide her⛦e soon, once WWE 2K25 is released.

WWE 2K25 new match types

The most exciting entry on the list of WWE 2K25 new match types is inter gender 𒅌wrestling. Stars from both the male and female divisions can now compete against one another – so you can pit Rhea Ripley against Dominik Mysterio, or throw Nia Jax into the ring with LA Knight. Bl꧙oodline Rules Matches and Underground Matches are also in, along with the return of chain wrestling. We’ll have more details on all of these in our upcoming WWE 2K25 hands-on.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition The Fiend DLC: what’s different?

Wyatt’s alter-ego of The Fiend was already included on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster. The Bray Wyatt Edition and Bundle adds a new version of The Fiend which was never seen on WWE TV. This version of the character was dreamed up by Win🥂dham Rotunda – the man who portrayed Wyatt – ℱbefore his untimely death aged just 36, working in tandem with Callosum Studios designer Jason Baker. He boasts a reworked mask, and new lantern – which itself shows off The Fiend’s signature grimace in all its terrifying glory. 

What is the WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition price?

As you’ll see below, the WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition contains a host of content already released for the game, along with 82,500 VC. Remember you can top this up further using 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 locker codes. The price is £119.99/$139.99. Even the Season Pass, for DLC characters such as Lyra Valkyria and CM Punk, is included. For full details on that one, hit our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 DLC guide. 

How do I get Bray Wyatt DLC if I already own WWE 2K24?

In this case, you simply need the Bray Wyatt Edition Pack. It costs £8.99/$9.99 anꦿd includes all of the following🍒:

• Alternate playable version of The Fiend
• Playable in-game Bray Wyatt action figure
• Updated playable Uncle Howdy featuring Bo Dallas
• The Fiend themed championship belt
• Firefly Funhouse MyFaction manager card
• 15,000 VC

What’s included in the WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition?

This is everything contained in the mammoth WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition. Note that Bo Dallas' stable the Wyatt Sicks isn't included – for the likes of Erick Rowan, you need GR's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 CAWs guide.

• WWE 2K24 Base Game
• Alternate playable version of The Fiend
• Playable in-game Bray Wyatt action figure
• Updated playable Uncle Howdy featuring Bo Dallas
• The Fiend themed championship belt
• Firefly Funhouse MyFaction manager card
• Forty Years Of WrestleMania Bonus Pack (Triple H (WM 30), Rhea Ripley (WM 36), ‘Macho King’ Randy Savage (WM 6), Charlotte Flair (WM 33), and Rey Mysterio (WM 22))
• Deluxe Edition Bonus Pack (Rhea Ripley (NXT) and Bianca Belair (NXT))
• Nightmare Family Pack (Undashing Cody Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes, Billy Graham, Action Figure Bruised Cody Rhodes, Stardust)
• Season Pass (All WWE 2K24 DLC, MyRise Mega-Boost Pack, SuperCharger Pack)
• Showcase Superstar Unlock
• 82,500 VC

What about the WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt bundle?

Yep, there’s even a third way to unlo🎐ck all this new stuff, and that’s the WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Bundle. This one costs £79.99/$89.99. He🐈re’s what you get:

• WWE 2K24 Base Game
• Alternate playable version of The Fiend
• Playable in-game Bray Wyatt action figure
• Updated playable Uncle Howdy featuring Bo Dallas
• The Fiend themed championship belt
• Firefly Funhouse MyFaction manager card
• 47,500 VC

Active WWE 2K24 locker codes

Let’s cut straight to the good stuff: current active WWE 2K24 lockꦑer codes, as of Wednesday, February 5💦. Below is each code, what it gets you, and when it expires.

• CASHINGITIN – 15,000 VC [Expires March 31, 2025]
• HESEESYOU2K24 – Amethyst Night Bird Manager [No Expiry]
• CANYOUSMELL – The Rock Faction Wars Boss Free Agent, Stone Cold Steve Austin Faction Wars Boss Free Agent, FW Ticket, Heat Series 1 Pack [No Expiry]
• HEADOFTHETABLE – 2x Legend Series Packs, Sapphire Roman Reigns Free Agent [No Expiry]
• SECURETHEBAG – 7,500 VC [No Expiry]

How to use WWE 2K24 locker codes

All 2K24 locker codes are applied in MyFaction, although some of the unlocked content can be used elsewhere in the game – such as Persona cards. Once these are activated the respective character is added to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster and playable across all modes. To apply a code, start up ♓the game then select the large MyFaction panel on the left of the home screen. Now select the Locker Codes panel. Finally enter the locker code you want to redeem in the text box. 

Expired WWE 2K24 locker codes

The following expired WWE 2K24 locker codes were available earlier in the game’s life🃏time, but sadly no longer work.

• GAMEAWARDS24 – 20,000 VC
• WARGAMES – Galaxy Opal Free Agent Liv Morgan, Deluxe Singlet Supreme II Pack, 15,000 VC
• CROWNJEWEL – Deluxe Eras Pack & Deluxe Masked Mayhem Pack
• HALLOWEEN2K24 – Deluxe Eras Pack
• SINGLTLIFE2K24 – Deluxe Singlet Supreme II Pack
• LAMASCARA2K24 – 1x Deluxe Masked Mayhem Pack
• BEASTMODE2K24 – Deluxe Beast Series 2 Pack 
• INYOURHOUSE – Deluxe Beast Series Pack, Deluxe Legends Series II Pack, and 15,000 VC
• BEASTLY2K24 – Deluxe Beast Series II Pack
• GOINGGLOBAL – Diamond Andre The Giant, Diamond Eddie Guerrero ’05, Amethyst British Bulldog
• BASHINBERLIN – 2x Deluxe Head Series II Packs, Amethyst MITB Ilja Dragunov, Pink Diamond Seth Rollins Free Agent
• WWE2KATSMMRSLM – Deluxe Summerslam Pack, Single Supreme Pack, Deluxe Heat II Pack
• SUMMERWWE2K24 – 15,000 VC, 2x Deluxe Summerslam Packs
• PATSMMERGIFT24 – Amethyst Extreme Series Drew McIntyre, Deluxe Punches & Promos Pack, Faction Wars Tickets
• MITBBRIEFCASE – Singlet Supreme Deluxe Pack, WrestleMania 40 Ruby Bayley, WrestleMania 40 Austin Theory, Diamond Free Age
• WWE2KATIGNLIVE – Deluxe Beast Pack, Basic Punches & Promos Pack
• ODDSANDENDS – Oddities: Boxing Gloves, Torch, The People’s Elbow Pads, Just Bring It T-Shirt, Rikishi’s Sunglasses
• KINGANDQUEEN – 2x Faction Wars Tickets, 7,500 VC
• ECWCHAMPS – Bobby Lashley, Rob Van Dam, Kane
• MONFACTION – Beast Series Deluxe Pack, Superstar Series 1 Kofi Kingston, Superstar Series 1 Xavier Woods
• SUPERCARD2K24 – SuperCard Enigma Pack
• WWEDRAFT2K24 – WrestleMania Deluxe Pack, Sole Providers Deluxe Pack
• WRESTLEMANIAXL – Gold Series 1 Cody Rhodes, Silver Series 1 Bayley
• YOURSTORY2K24 – Mattel John Cena Persona Card

Where to find WWE 2K24 locker codes

We pla❀n to update this WWE 2K24 locker codes guide throughout the game’s life cycle. For live WWE 2K24 locker code releases, keep tabs on the game’s assorted socialജ media feeds. These are the main ones:

Why is my WWE 2K24 locker code not working?

The three most likely scenarios for a locker code not working are that it’s expired, you’ve misspelled it, or you’ve already used it before. If you’re certain that the problem is something else, try raising a ticket directly with . For more wrestling goodness, jump on our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 CAWs and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 DLC guides.

After Rotunda's death, the Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal documentary gave us a look at what would have been the next iteration of his Fiend character. Makeup effects artist Jason🅰 Baker revealed that he and Rotunda had been collaborating on a new iteration of the Fiend costume that was effectively complete, including a creepy lantern shaped like the character's mask, complete with animatronic eyes.

On the October 4 edition of Smackdown, a brief teaser trailer for a WWE 2K24 update debuted, showing this new version of the Fiend, which had never previously appeared on WWE TV. Today, the devs🎶 have shown the character's full entrance video. It's unclear if this is set to be a free update or paid DLC, but either way the devs are teasing an October 16,♛ 2024 release date.

While Rotunda's character gimmicks over the years tended to effectively be slasher movie villainsꦆ, he was keen on including some very sweet details. This final iteration of the Fiend includes stitches around the mouth - gruesome at a glance, but they're actually in the shape of Roman numerals, representing what would have been his December 6 wedding anniversary with fiancé JoJo Offerman. The pinstriping on his pants also includes the names of his children. It's a little difficult to tell in the grainy social media videos 2K has provided so far, but these details appear to be faithfully recreated in the game.

"If I can give this to his fans, which meant the world to him, then not all of him is completely gone," Baker said when showcasing Windham's Final Creation, as it's labeled in the documentary. "So if I get to help my fꦏriend live on in some way or capacity, I'll be okay with that. I can do that."

Today, Baker's response to 2K's ♉introduction of this version of the Fiend is elated. "I can't stop crying at this! It is so beautifully bittersweet seeing @Windham6 in the new Fiend gear & knowing how excited he was about bringing his iconic character back to WWE," he says o♓n . "You’ve given all us fireflies  an amazing look at what should have been. Best Birthday present ever!" 

1. Akam & 2. Rezar

The Authors of Pain returned to WWE in December 2023 after a three-year absence, linking up with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster members Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Collectively the stable is known as The Final Testament, and you can complete it in-game using these excellent creations by ByecawzZ. Both Akam and Rezar come with two outfits.

3. Andrade

Another excellent piece of work from ByecawzZ here. In the gaming world Andrade remains a member of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever roster, but he switched b༺ack to WWE in January 2024, via a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble. That surely makes him a must-add from this WWE 2K24 CAWs list.

4. Charlie Dempsey

This year’s entry in the series happily saw the return of British bruiser and four-time European champion William Regal. Sadly there was no place for his son, Charlie Dempsey, who had a promising year on NXT after aligning with Drew Gulak. Make that right by downloading this strong MandoYo76 doppelgänger.

5. Demon Finn Balor

Weirdly, Visual Concepts no longer includes Finn’s face-painted alter-ego on the default roster. Step forward WhatsTheStatus, whose skills at unlocking hidden assets within the game’s code have made him a legend in the communiꩲty. This demonic version of Balor is his work, and can also be set as an alternate attire to regular Finn.

6. Elektra Lopez

When Santos Escobar’s Legado del Fantasma stable was called up from NXT to Smackdown, WWE made the curious call to replace manager Elektra Lopez with Zelina Vega. Two years on, she’s finally returned to the role – even if the faction’s make-up is a little different, with Angel and Humberto operating as Escobar’s henchmen. This CAW is by BrandonRbr – and he’s also made a decent Jade Cargill, in case you don't want to pay for 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 DLC.

7. Erick Rowan

While October's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 Bray Wyatt Edition is excellent, there's still no official way to play as his tribute stable, the Wyatt Sicks. You can change that by downloading alternate attires for Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis to accompany Uncle Howdy. The finishing touch is then grabbing this fine Erick Rowan CAW, by WhatsTheStatus.

8. Gangrel

Christian and Adam 'Edge' Copeland's Brood stablemate gatecrashed AEW Double Or Nothing in May 26, attacking the latter on behalf of Malakai Black. It made him one of the hottest names on the Community Creations servers – and this XvClutchOz effort is the best versi𝓀on of Grangel you can find on there.

9. Jakara Jackson & 10. Lash Legend

The most surprising exclusions from this year’s NXT roster are unquestionably The Meta-Four. Noam Dar’s faction has been prominent on WWE TV since the summer of 2023, while Legend’s tenure goes back even further. We’re still waiting for a decent Oro Mensah, but in the meantime grab these DivaDadde offerings. Their movesets are by lexveraux, with hair from WhatsTheStatus.

11. Jon Moxley

These days former Shield member Dean Ambrose can be found in AEW under the name of Jon Moxley, but he remains one of modern WWE’s most popular pugilists. That’s reflected in this kamok effort being downloaded more than any other CAW – 126,000 times, as of March 11. Attires are by Kamillon2K, with a moveset from HarvAddy.

12. Kerry Von Erich

The Texas Tornado hasn’t appeared in the series since WWE 2K18, but fans of the new movie The Iron Claw can rectify that with this HonchosLegends muscleman🦩. It comes with a full moveset, entrance, and victory motion, and the same creator has provided other classics from the era like Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine and ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan.

13. Kiana James

In February 2023, James and partner Fallon Henley overcame Katana Chance and Kayden Carter to claim the NXT Women’s tag titles – and immediately sealed her place in WWE 2K24. Or so we thought. While Henley is in this year’s game, James is a mystery omission, meaning you need this BigDivaFann creation to match that pair up again.

14. Lexis King

Remember Brian Pillman? The curly haired high-flyer wowed fans as a face in WCW, then portrayed the loosest cannon in the business during a memorable WWE run. His son Brian Pillman Jr is now in NXT, using the name Lexis King. This version of him is by MyNamesDEADMAN, with a tights texture by PAC_Creates and travisalekz.

15. Naomi

After two years away from WWE, Naomi returned at the Royal Rumble, and was always a certainty for a WWE 2K25 spot – but her neon-tastic comeback came too late to make the WWE 2K24 season pass. Instead grab this CAW by RecluzexTM, who also credits Lucharumblejp for devising her gear.

16. Oba Femi

WWE has always loved a big man, and Oba Femi looks set to receive a big push over the next 18 months or so. Indeed, he’s already captured the NXT North American Championship from Dragon Lee. Bhangra22man made this spot-on creation, with credit to esmec for the face pic, and wolfpac for piecing together Oba Femi’s moveset.

17. Sasha Banks

Mercedes Mone may be contracted to AEW, but the former Sasha Banks recently admitted she’ll be back with her home promotion someday. Mercifully, Community Creations mean you don’t need to wait until WWE 2K29. Banks has been recreated by notzaddik, and must immediately feud with Charlotte Flair in your game. It’s,𒐪 like,🐷 a rule.

Alas, money talks – remember that phrase – and no serious publisher is going to skip a year's worth of sales unless they can help ꦑit. More's the pity, as the Cena-strong foundations of WWE 2K22 and 2K23 remain in place, with enhancements and other flourishes sprinkled on top. We get more new match types than any wrestling game in recent memory: special guest referee, ambulance, casket, and three different flavors of gauntlet. We get the ability to throw weapons, and super finishers, where three bars in your HUD can be turned into a colossal move such as a top-rope manhandle slam for Becky Lynch. (Who even gets 'welcome home!' chants if you use her in NXT.) And we get an outrageous level of authenticity: 240-odd roster members, seven real refs, three different ring announcers. Plus, um, Muhammad Ali.

Channel your Rage

Central to all this is the way WWE 2K24 handles. Wrestlers behave according to their attributes, and bouts unfold differently depending on weights, move-sets, and player skill. There's a heft to behemoth Braun Strowman, a daintiness to Spanish high-flier Axiom, a sense of technical ex⛎cellence when controlling Chad Gable or Kurt Angle. But that was all true of the previous editions. Layered on top are countless new animations and a greater sense of fluidity. New Paybacks such as Rage, which immediately fills your finisher meter, boost the fun factor. Fresh camera angles during 🅘entrances and pin attempts enhance realism. As do tag partner instructions, and more manager involvement – such as Ludwig Kaiser removing the turnbuckle unprompted to help Gunther retain his Intercontinental title.

For the most part, those gameplay improvements are matched outside of the squared circle. After two false starts, MyGM is now deep, detailed, and replayable. The mode sees you helming one of four brands across a series of 25-week seasons – drafting wrestlers, booking matches, and honing in on management minutiae such as arena sizes and pyro effects. Bouts can be simmed, watched, or played yourself. The competitive element is great, e🐻specially against another human, while building up lesser-known wrestlers tow📖ards greatness becomes increasingly engaging – particularly when your scouts dredge up hilariously hammy fictional jobbers. 240 real wrestlers on the roster, yet I'm loving the escapades of Chuck McWagon and Cindy Fluff.

While MyGM treats matches as legit sporting contents – unless you take control, the AI decides results – Universe puts you in charge of every brand, show, and match result. It's pared down compared to previous years, with the compelling option to trigger in-ring promos long gone, but booking match cards and selecting cutscenes remains both straightforward and all-consuming. MyRise is similarly immersive, offering one story for each of the women's and men's divisions. No spoilers, but the male tale of Roman Reigns vacating his title after 1,253 days and your quest to steal his spot is full of branching options and cute Easter eggs. Cameos for cult ꦅfaves Cole Quinn and Geneva Rose in the women's story are welcome, too.

Howev🀅er, the eagle-eyed will have spotted one inconsistency. WWE 2K24 improves on 2K23 in almost every way, yet still gets the same four-star score. You're right to꧙ wonder why, and it's mainly down to two modes. One that is beginning to show its age, and one which is in danger of permanently holding this franchise back.

Showcase is a longstanding series tradition, earning you unlockables and video treats for play🌃ing through matches of yesteryear. But the format is wearing thin, and this year's theme – 40 Years of WrestleMania – is a disappointment. It's great to see lost classics such as Roddy Piper vs Bret Hart given some love, but it's loaded with other bouts which are a grind once you get to them. Once again we're lumbered with a dire soundtrack, instead of commentary, although Corey Graves' video packages are excellent. Still, the format feels formulaic, and you'll never play it again once all unlockables are ticked off.

Problematic Personas

The series' most controversial mode, MyFaction, also returns – and here's where we come back to that earlier phrase: money talks. Much like Ultiꦚmate Team in FC 24, you're funneled towards this mode at every turn. One fan-requested change is♔ welcome: the addition of Persona cards, where gimmicks unlocked in MyFaction can now be utilized across the rest of WWE 2K24. But even this comes with a dispiriting caveat. Menu and wrestler-select screens contain blanked out faces and names for those cards, effectively reminding you that you need to play MyFaction to complete your roster. You know, the mode featuring paid-for currency. It's garish, and sullies all those wonderful improvements found across the rest of WWE 2K24.

MyFaction does add new elements, such as more 4x4 match types, and even some roguelike features such as persistent damage. Those who do enjoy that mode are likely to embrace those tweaks. But for many fans – there's a gro൩wing chunk of the community braying for it to be scrapped altogether – it's going to be a bigger turn-off than the infamous Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt disaster from WrestleMania 33.

That bout mercifully doesn't make it into Showcase, but brilliantly we do get five different versions of Wyatt following his untimely passing last August, aged just 36. Like the real refs, and ring announcers, and extra match types it's a sign that 2K is listening to its audience, and keen to deliver fan service. Which only makes MyFaction feel like an even bigger contradiction to that wider ethos. Then again, money talks. And it's the biggest hurdle in this rejuvenated series ꧅securing true greatness.

WWE 2K24 was reviewed on PS5, with code provided by the publisher. 

WWE 2K24 release date

The WWE 2K24 release date was March 8, 2024. However, those who pre-ordered either the Deluxe or 40 Years of WrestleMania edition got the game three days early, on March 5, 2024. Inevitably they received other goodies for their money, too, such as alternate versions of cover star Cody Rhodes. You can see exactly what's contained in each verꩲsion below.

WWE 2K24 trailer

The first WWE 2K24 trailer dropped ahead of the Royal Rumble, which saw Cody Rhodes and Bayley win their respective 30-wrestler brawls, and book their tickets to WrestleMania 40. The video offers plenty of footage from the 40 Years of WrestleMania mode, plus a tease of the new casket and special guest referee matches. Hit the image above to wat♎ch.

WWE 2K24 cover star

The WWE 2K24 cover star is Cody Rhodes, with the former 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever favorite headed to WrestleMania in the hope of capturing his first WWE world title. That quest has inspired the game's catch line: "finish your story", a𒁏fter Rhodes fell short o🐻f this goal last year.

Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair share the cover of the WWE 2K24 👍deluxe edition, while t🅘he 40 Years of WrestleMania edition features a montage of retro stars such as Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and Andre The Giant.

WWE 2K24 Pre-orders

These were the three different tiers of WWE 2K24 pre-order available, with each offering a different set of access and un🐈lockable items. Here's the breakdown of what you could gཧet in each WWE 2K24 edition:

WWE 2K24 Standard Edition

• Dusty Rhodes (with MyFaction card)
• Mattel Cody Rhodes (with MyFaction card)
• Stardust Superstar Billy Graham
• Undashing Cody Rhodes
• Pharaoh card for MyFaction (manager)

WWE 2K24 Deluxe Edition

• 3 Days early access
• All standard edition bonuses
• Rhea Ripley alt attire & MyFaction gold card
• Bianca Belair alt attire & MyFaction gold card Season Pass (5 DLC packs)
• MyRise Mega Boost
• SuperCharger

WWE 2K24 40 Years of WrestleMania Edition

• All standard edition & deluxe edition bonuses
• WrestleMania 40 arena
• Macho King Randy Savage (WrestleMania 6)
• Rey Mysterio (WrestleMania 22)
• Triple H (WrestleMania 30)
• Charlotte Flair (WrestleMania 33)
• Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania 36)
• Gold MyFaction cards for all five above wrestlers

WWE 2K24 new match types

Four new match types are featured in WWE 2K24. They are the ambulance match, casket match, gauntlet match, and special guest referee match. Backstage brawl bouts have also been expanded with interactive vending machines, cars, and even a working elevator. You can read more about those, plus other new features such as super finishers, in GR+'s 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 preview.

WWE 2K24 40 Years of WrestleMania matches

In-game, 40 Years 𓄧of WrestleMania is known as Showcase of 🍷the Immortals. These are the matches featured in the mode:

• Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage (WrestleMania 3)
• Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant (WrestleMania 3)
• Rick Rude vs Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 5)
• Hulk Hogan vs Randy Savage (WrestleMania 5)
• Ultimate Warrior vs Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania 6)
• Bret Hart vs Roddy Piper (WrestleMania 8)
• Razor Ramon vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 10)
• Bret Hart vs Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
• Steve Austin vs The Rock (WrestleMania 17)
• Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 20)
• Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 21)
• Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25)
• Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker (WrestleMania 30)
• Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins (WrestleMania 31)
• Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns (WrestleMania 31)
• Becky Lynch vs Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair (WrestleMania 35)
• Bray Wyatt vs John Cena (WrestleMania 36)
• Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens (WrestleMania 38)
• Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania 39)
• Bianca Belair vs Asuka (WrestleMania 39)
• Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes (WrestleMania 39)
• 30-Man Royal Rumble (Bonus Match)

WWE 2K24 DLC release schedule

There will be five WWE 2K24 DLC drops. CM Punk is the biggest name to make the Season Pass offering, while other intriguing names include the Dudley Boyz, Sandman, and Michelle McCool. Unlike the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC list, only one NXT wrestler makes the cut: women's champion Lyra Valkyria. The release schedule is below, and you can get full details of what's in each pack via our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 DLC guide. 

• WWE 2K24 DLC Pack 1: May 15
• WWE 2K24 DLC Pack 2: June 26
• WWE 2K24 DLC Pack 3: July 24
• WWE 2K24 DLC Pack 4: September 20
• WWE 2K24 DLC Pack 5: November 13

WWE 2K24 new legends

Many icons from previous games are already locked into the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster, and have been mentioned above – we're talking Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Triple H, and numerous others. 🍃However, the recent series of mobile game WWE SuperCard suggested that many new (old!) faces may be set to join them, too. Sure enough, Ken Shamrock and William Regal make long-awaited returns, while we're even getting Japanese icon The Great Muta as DLC. Hit that link for all the names in this year's game, both new and old.

WWE 2K24 MyFaction details

MyFaction is inevitably back, and the biggest news of all is 'Persona' cards. Unlock these and you can take the character they belong to into all modes – meaning we shouldn't see a repeat of last year's Scott Steiner travesty. 2K added his Big Poppa Pump gimmick, but it was exclusive to that mode. Not a good look when it's the only one in the game offering paid-for currency. Also new this year are ranked quickp💯lay, a revamped Faction Wars 2.0, more 4v4 match types, and a Faction Wars specific reward shop.

How do I get the WWE 2K24 DLC characters?

There are two ways, both of which are fairly simple. You can either buy the Season Pass for £32.99/$39.99, or you can purchase individual packs – these cost £8.99/$9.99, which at the end is actually slightly cheaper than 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC. Handy.

The bonus of the Season Pass is that, along with the DLC, you get the MyRise Mega-Boost pack, which features an additional 200 Attribute Points, and traditional SuperCharger – wh✱ich unlocks all base game legends and additional arenas, without you having to grind to earn them.

Who are the WWE 2K24 DLC legends?

There’s a big focus on old school superstars in the WWE 2K24 DLC offering. 14 playable old-school additions dropped in total, and the first four landed as part of the ECW Punk Pack on May 15. They are Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley – AKA the Dudley Boyz – along with Terry Funk and Sandman. The latter is an especially cool inclusion, as h🍎is last appearance was in WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008.

June 26’s Post Malone & Friends Pack added another four playable legends, in the Honky Tonky Man, Sensational Sherri, and Headbangers Mosh and Thrasher. They’re joined by famed 1980s manager Jimmy Hart. Michelle McCool then gatecrashed the squared circle as part 🍨of 𝔍the Global Superstars Pack on September 18.

A two-month break followed before the last batch of legends. They are Diamond Dallas Page, Iron Sheik, Mr Perfect, Great Muta, and Lex Luger. Together, that quintet form the WCW Pack, and it hit on November 13. Japanese wrestl﷽ing icon Great Muta in a WWE game? Oh yes. A big deal indeed.

What about the WWE 2K24 DLC Raw and Smackdown wrestlers?

The contemporary element of the WWE 2K24 Season Pass has been handled somewhat controversially. Let’s start with the good news: CM Punk arrived on May 15 as the first of six current-era stars. You can grab him as part of the ECW Punk Pack and it means that he’s in WWE 2K24 and on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever roster.

Things got more curious after that. The list of additional Raw and Smackdown stars being added as DLC is a formidable one: in addition to Punk, we received Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Carlito, Kairi Sane and Dragon Lee. But we had to wait until September 18’s Global Superstars Pack to play as them. That causedಌ some serious debate among the community, and understandably so.

Is there any WWE 2K24 NXT DLC?

Look away now, NXT fans. After an impressive selection of 12 up-and-comers last year such as Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams, this time around we received… one. No, reallyꦕ.

Former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria landed as part of the Global Superstars Pack on September 20, and that’s your lot as far as NXT is concerned. It’s an astonishing decision. Especially as Valkyria won that title in October 2023, and really should have been on the main 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster.

Who are the WWE 2K24 DLC celebrity inclusions?

Two intriguing celebrities do at least fortify the WWE 2K4 DLC roster. There’s a series debut for Post Malone as part of the Post Malone & Friends Pack, after the rapper curated this year’s soundtrack. Former NFL punter, and WWE favourite, Pat McAfee followed him into the fray on July 31.

The one-time Indianapolis Colts man forms part of the Pat McAfee pack, which also delivered AJ Hawk, Boston Connor, Darius Butler, and Ty Schmittꦜ. McAfee has been on fan ‘most wanted’ lists for the last two years, but seeing his buddies added to the game when we could have had Lash Legend or Lexis Kin🃏g from NXT is a huge gamble. Again, this feels like a mis-step.

Where can I see the full WWE 2K24 DLC release schedule?

Here we go. All five WWE 2K24 DLC Season Pass packs, along with their releas♒e dates, are listed below in chಌronological order.

WWE 2K24 DLC ECW Punk Pack (May 15)

• Bubba Ray Dudley (Dudley Boyz) 
• CM Punk
• D-Von Dudley (Dudley Boyz)
• Sandman
• Terry Funk 

WWE 2K24 DLC Post Malone & Friends Pack (June 26)

• Honky Tonk Man
• Mosh (Headbangers)
• Post Malone
• Sensational Sherri
• Thrasher (Headbangers)
• Jimmy Hart (manager)

WWE 2K24 DLC Pat McAfee Pack (July 31)

• AJ Hawk
• Boston Connor
• Darius Butler
• Pat McAfee
• Ty Schmitt

WWE 2K24 DLC Global Superstars Pack (September 18)

• Carlito
• Dragon Lee
• Jade Cargill
• Kairi Sane
• Lyra Valkyria
• Michelle McCool
• Nia Jax

WWE 2K24 WCW Pack (November 13)

• Diamond Dallas Page
• Great Muta
• Iron Sheik
• Lex Luger
• Mr Perfect

AJ Styles & Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows & Michin

Mia Yim made a shock return to WWE in November 2022, and there were further surprises to come. First she too𝓡k on a new ring name of Michin. Then came a link up with The OC: AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows, who are upgraded from DLC this year. 

Akira Tozawa & Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri & Otis

Former LA ꧑Rams cheerleader Sydney Zmrzel has had an intriguing WWE run. She debuted as valet to Von Wagner under the name Sofia Cromwell. A change to Maxxine Dupri followed as she was paired with now-departed tag-team MNM, before a surprise face turn to join Alpha Academy. 

Alba Fyre & Drew McIntyre & Isla Dawn & Nikki Cross

Scottish stars Fyre and Dawn were called up to the Smackdown roster together in May 2023, having held tag gold🌺 in WWE’s developmental division. However, only Fyre was already in the series. She’s joined🌳 by Dawn this year, adding to a list of Scots that also includes Drew McIntyre and Nikki Cross.

Alexa Bliss & Braun Strowman & Ricochet

The Mixed Match Challenge꧙, pairing male and female wrestlers for tag bouts, m🦩ay be long forgotten – but Bliss and Braun were a major highlight. Their 'little-and-large' chemistry was repeated in more traditional fashion as Strowman buddied up with Ricochet last year.

Andre Chase & Duke Hudson & Thea Hail

We got a tease of popular NXT faction Chase U when its leader, Andre Chase, arrived as WWE 2K23 DLC, but there was no such digital graduation for Thea Hail or Duke Hudson. After a prominent year on NXT that changes in WWE 2K24, with the male pair having claimed t🎉ag-team title gold.

Andre The Giant & Harley Race & Randy Savage & Undertaker & Yokozuna

Four y▨esteryear legends were confirmed in one hit ahead of this year’s Royal Rumble, before being joined by Race. They’re all familiar inclusions in the series, with a new twist for WWE 2K24: each plays a role in the new 40 Years of WrestleMania mode.

Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo & Santos Escobar

Santos Escobar made Legado del Fantasma the most watchable faction on NXT, which meant his turn on partners Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Wilde was all the more shocking. He's now reformed the stable with the gents formerly known as Los Lotharios. Alas, valet Elektra Lopez doesn't make the cut – instead grab her from our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 CAWs guide.

Angelo Dawkins & Bobby Lashley & Montez Ford

It didn't last long thanks to Karrion Kross, but the Stre𒆙et Profits' brief heel run alongside Bobby Lashley proved staggeringly entertaining. The shock turn saw both Dawkins and Ford get immaculate glows-up, and display nefarious sides we never knew they had. There's plenty of scope for those personas to be revisited in WWE 2K24, should you wish.

Apollo Crews

The man once known as Uhaa Nation has scarcely been seen since a brief 2023 feud with the Judgment Day, but he nonetheless sneaks onto the 2K24 roster. The same can't be said for ex-partner Titus O'Neil, who misses out for the f🌊irst time since WWE 13.

Ashante Adonis & Cedric Alexander & MVP & Omos

WWE 2K👍23 DLC competitor Top Dolla may by gone, but his Hitও Row band-mate Ashante Adonis is back, along with brief tag partner Alexander. His previous success came alongside MVP in Hurt Business – but Shelton Benjamin is sadly no longer with the company. You could, however, reform the troupe using MVP's more recent client, Omos.

Asuka

Asuka, Kairi Sane and Io Sky make for a strong Japanese contingent in current-day WWE, and there were hopes of seeing them joined by experienced campaigner Meiko Satomura. She held the NXT UK Championship for an astonishing 451 days, an♚d astonishingly also made sporadic appearances for WCW back in the late 1990s! However, it wasn't to be.

Axiom & Nathan Frazer

NXT's pair♓ of supreme high flyers are long overdue a main roster call-up. They've put on spectacular matches against one another, and also worked brilliantly as a duo against the likes of Chase U. WWE has been seeking a masked successor to Rey Mysterio for years. It's time the brilliant Axiom was given a shot at the gig.

Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

A-Town-Down wrestled on the Indies for four yꦺears before signing with WWE in 2019. He’s held the United States Championship twic🌞e, and kicked off 2024 as one half of a new tag-team with Grayson Waller, known as A-Town-Down-Under.

Bad Bunny & Logan Paul & Muhammad Ali

Stunner! Just when it looked like Bad Bunny and Logan Paul were going to be the biggest celebrity names in the game, 2K announced t🌜hat boxing's greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, is a brand new addition to the series. Ali was special guest referee for the main event of the very first WrestleMani🎀a.

Baron Corbin

After ditching his naff Happy Corbin gimmick and returning to the Baron name under which he debuted, this NXT bruiser is back on track in WWE – even claiming tag gold w🌱ith Bron Breakker in early 2024. Corbin returned to the main roster early in the summer.

Batista & Randy Orton & Triple H

Evolution was t♍he most powerful ❀stable of the early 2000s, and WWE 2K24 enables you to unite three quarters of the faction, to add to their two tag titles and host of world championships. Alas, Ric Flair is not along for the ride.

Bayley & Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky

Kairi Sane was last seen in WWE 2K20, which formed her second series appearance after 2K19. Following a two-year absence she returned at Crown Jewel to assist c🧔ountrywoman Iyo Sky, which set her up for a WWE 2K24 appearance – although it turned out to be as DLC. Damage Control members Bayley and Dakota Kai are at least in.

Becky Lynch & Blair Davenport & Nikkita Lyons

GR 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:interviewed Becky Lynch back in 2016, ahead of her meteoric rise to the top of WWE – and now a fellow Ir꧅ish lass kicker is primed to follow in Lynch’s footsteps. Lyra Valkyria defeated Big Time Becks to become NXT Women’s Champion in October 2023, and wa😼s considered a strong roster contender – but instead set aside as DLC. Boo! At least NXT rivals Blair Davenport and Nikkita Lyons are in.

Beth Phoenix & Eve Torres & Lita

Most fans expected Phoenix to be axed this yea🐼r, after husband Edge departed for AEW – and exited the serꩵies as a result. But pleasingly she's back, along with three-time Divas champ Torres, and groundbreaking high-flyer Lita – who famously also once dated The Rated R Superstar. Lita gets a long-overdue new model this year. 

Bianca Belair & Charlotte Flair

These two Smackdown stalwarts were confirmed together in January 2024. Flair is cu🌟rrently sidelined with tears to her ACL⛦, MCL, and meniscus, but will be good to go in WWE 2K24, where you can add to her 14 world title victories.

Big E & Kofi Kingston & Tyler Breeze & Xavier Woods

The New Day are another faction who the series would feel weird without, even though Big E hasn’t wrestled since May 2022 due to injury. Weꦏ’ve grouped𓆉 Breeze in with New Day as he’s a regular on Woods’ UpUpDownDown gaming channel. 

Big Boss Man & Boogeyman & Booker T & Bruno Summartino & Doink

A quarter of B-based names from the legends roster here, along with dastardly clown Doink. Sammartino is the most notable of the five, having onc🐽e held the WWWF Championship for 2,803 day🎉s – almost eight years!

Bray Wyatt & Uncle Howdy

Bray Wyatt passed away꧙ in August 2023, aged just 36 – and WWE fans have been mourning his untimely loss ever since. In tribute, an amazing seven different Wyatt gimmicks are in WWE 2K24, following the release of the Bray Wyatt edition. They including dastardly alter-ego The F𝐆iend. Mysterious sidekick Uncle Howdy, portrayed by little bro Bo Dallas, is also in.

Bret Hart & British Bulldog & Jim Neidhart & Natalya

Three members of the expanded Hart Foundation feature in WWE 2K24, along with Jim Neidhart's daughter Natalya. There's hope for the future, too. With Brian Pillman's son Lexis King now in NXT, we may see the Harts' wildest ally make a shock series appearance alongside his offspring come WWE 2K2ﷺ๊5.

Brock Lesnar* & John Cena

Two of the biggest names in the busines🐻s contested a memorably controversial match at Extreme Rules 2012, when Lesnar dominated Cena – only to lose after being hammered with a steel chain. However, Brock was 'unrevealed' from the roster in mid-February – and is now only playable in Showcase of the Immortals mode.

Bron Breakker & Carmelo Hayes & Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner & Trick Williams

The first NXT stars confirmed were Hayes and Breakker, which is fitting given that they featured in the brand’s best rivalry during 2023. Hayes is joined by longtime sidekick Trick 𒉰Williams, while Breakker’s dad Rick Steiner and uncle Scott are in too.

Bronson Reed & Maryse & The Miz

Raw powerhouse Reed had his model created for inclusion in WWE 2K22, only for it to be removed from the final game when he was axed by WWE in August 2021. He returned to the company in December 2022, so this overdue se♍ries debut is welcome. Miz, the man who brought him back in storyline, is also confirmed, alongside wife Maryse.

Brooks Jensen & Josh Briggs

Remember the NXT UK Tag-Team Championships? Gallus and Pretty Deadly are among𓄧 the names to have held them, but it was the American pair of Briggs and Jensen who enjoyed the final re♋ign. They’re now established members of the NXT’s Stateside roster, and deserve their videogame debut. 

Brutus Creed & Damon Kemp & Ivy Nile & Julius Creed

Ivy and the Creeds may be called Diamond Mine, but did you know none are original members? It 🦹was actually formed by Roderick Strong and Malcolm Bivens in June 2021. Thanks to WWE 2K24 CAWs, you can reinstall ꦺthem as a quintet should you please, along with short-term member Damon Kemp.

Butch & Ridge Holland & Sheamus & Tyler Bate & Wade Barrett

The Brawling Brutes may be over, but WWE 2K24 enables you to reಌunite them for one last hurrah ꧒– and add Butch's 'New Catch Republic' tag partner Tyler Bate into the bargain. Fellow Brit veteran Wade Barrett is upgraded from DLC to the main roster, too.

Cactus Jack & Dude Love & Mankind & Vader

Yessss! All three faces of Mick Foley are back in the series, after we were limited to Cactus Jack alone in WWE 2K23. Why have we paired him wi♓th Vader here? Because it was during a match contested between the two back in 1994 that Foley got caught up in the ropes, and lost💧 half his ear.

Candice LeRae & Dexter Lumis & Johnny Gargano & Indi Hartwell & Tommaso Ciampa

A bunch of Raw superstars connected to Johnny Gargano her🐻e. Candice LeRae is his wife, while Dexter Lumis and Indi Hartwell combined with tha♑t pair to form celebrated NXT faction The Way. Ciampa, meanwhile, was recently reunited with the babyfaced one as fan-favourite tandem DIY.

Carmella & Kane & Robert Roode & Scrypts & Tamina

What do this unlikely quintet have in common? They're all former 24/7 Championship holders – yes, even Kane, who held the belt under his real-life alias of Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Scrypts, meanwhile, was known as Reggie. R-Truth score𝓡d the most overall reigns, with 53.

Cameron Grimes

As well as snaring the North American Championship during his NX😼T run, Grimes also holds 🎐the honor of being the final Million Dollar Champion – after an unlikely link-up with Ted DiBiase. 2023 was a quiet year for the bearded one, and he was released in 2024.

Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo & Tony D'Angelo

The tandem known as The Family claimed༺ N𒈔XT’s tag-team championships last July, but you couldn’t emulate this feat in WWE 2K23. Tony D’Angelo made that game as DLC, but there was no spot for his tag partner Stacks. Instead they're finally paired together in WWE 2K24.

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven & Sonya Deville

Green was on and off w﷽ith WWE from 2018 to 2021, but finally found her niche in 2023 playin🎐g a role inspired by ‘Karens’ of the Internet. She’s sampled tag title glory with both Sonya Deville and Piper Niven, and is married to former star Matt Cardona – AKA Zack Ryder – in real life.

Chyna & Shawn Michaels & X-Pac

We’ve covered Triple H as part of Evolution, and his DX bandmates Chyna, Shawn Michaels and X-Pac are also part of🐠 the WWE 2K24 roster. Sadly they won’t be joined by Billy Gunn, as these days he’s contracted to rival company AEW.

Cody Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes & Superstar Billy Graham

Rhodes is t🐈he WWE 2K24 cover star, and those who pre-order get playable version of three of his alternative gimmicks: ‘Un🙈dashing’ Cody, ‘Mattel’ Cody, and Stardust. Dad Dasty and legend Superstar Billy Graham come as part of the same DLC. 

Cora Jade & Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne & Roxanne Perez

The NXT 🧜women’s roster is always intriguing, as it teases those ladies who may be called up to Raw or Smackdown in tඣhe year ahead. Jade and Dolin were the first two revealed, and former partners Roxanne Perez and Jacy Jayne are back for more too.

Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde & Rey Mysterio & Zelina Vega

Carlito's last appearance pre-dated 2K taking over the reins from THQ. That was 🐼WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010, so he seemed primed for a return after multiple appearances during 2023. However, we were initially left without him – althoug🐈h the rest of the LWO are here. Carlito later arrived as DLC, after turning on his team-mates.

Damien Priest & Dominik Mysterio & Finn Balor & JD McDonagh & Rhea Ripley

The Judgment Day faction got its own entrance in WWE 2K23, and expanded to include Do🍸minik Mysterio and JD McDonagh following the game’s release. Three members were confirmed ahead of the Royal Rumble, and we now know they're all in. Although these days Ripley and Priest are at war 💝with their former friends…

Dijak & Ilja Dragunov & Wes Lee

Along with Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes, this trio featured heavily in NXT's main event scene throughout 2023. Diꦬjak finally sheds the label of T-Bar from WWE 2K23, and Lee continues to prosper solo. Dragunov, meanwhile, started off the year as NXT Champion.

Drew Gulak

This in-ring stalwart was one of WWE's unsung heroes – entertaining on 🎶the mic as both a face and heel, and capable of top-drawer matches when given time. Recent times saw Gulak mentoring Charlie Dem🀅psey and Damon Kemp, as the No Quarter Catch Crew, before he was released in 2024.

Eddie Guerrero & Kurt Angle

The Olympic gold medallist most definitely does ꦫnot suck, but even after two decades it’s fun to hear live audiences proclaiming otherwise. This pair have their brilliant match from WrestleMania 20 recreated in Showcase of the Immortals mode.

Elton Prince & Kit Wilson & Tiffany Stratton

Smackdown heels Pretty Deadly and Stratton debuted together as the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC Pretty Sweet Pack, and they're on the roster from the outset this year. Sadlꦓy, not all last year's add-ons return, however, wit💜h no place for Zeus or Top Dolla.

Eric Bischoff & Hulk Hogan & Kevin Nash & Scott Hall

The NWO is back for another year, giving you to chance to establish feuds with DX or Evolution, or simply run roughshod over the roster just🤡 as they did with late-‘90s WCW. This is icon Hogan’s ninth appearance in the WWE Smackdown/2K series.

Erik & Ivar & Valhalla

Even by thei🅺r standards, the Viking Raiders have experienced an unusual 18 months. They were drafted to Raw in 2023, but Erik is out of action indefinitely due to neck fusion surgery. In his absence, Ivar has established himself as one of Raw's most threatening heels. Their manager, Valhalla, is Erik's wife in real life.

Faarooq & JBL

In a word: Damn. Oh, you need more? Fair꧑ enough. As the APA, these two powered through the tag ranks in the early noughties, enjoying three different title reigns. The former Bradshaw then reinvented himself as money obsessed JBL, and famously dethroned Eꦦddie Guerrero for a shock WWE Championship run.

Fallon Henley & Katana Chance & Kayden Carter

T♔he unlikely coupling of Henley and Kiana James shocked Chance and Carter in February 2023 by ending their NXT tag title reign after 186 days. They’ve since gone their separate ways, with James heeling it up in a rivalry with Roxanne Perezꦬ. However, she curiously misses out on the WWE 2K24 roster.

George Steele & Jake Roberts & Jerry Lawler & Ken Shamrock & Roddy Piper

Five legends revealed at the ve♌ry last minute here, two of whom are especially noteworthy. Ken Shamrock's last series appearance was in WWE 2K16, while George 'The Animal' Steele has been absent since WWE Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain – back in 2003!

Giovanni Vinci & Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser

With Vinci and Kaiser both showing plenty of individual talent, 2K24 is Imperium's last hurrah as a trio. They're going out on a high – the pair played a key role in Gunther's dominant Intercontinental Ch💦ampionship reign, which wa🌠s finally ended by Sami Zayn after 666 days.

The Hurricane & Molly Holly & Stacy Keibler

As well as earning a pinfall v🎶ictory over The Rock, Shane 'Hurricane' Helms expanded his spoof super-hero act over the years with two ace female partners: 'Mighty' Molly Holly and 'Super' Stacy Keibler. 2K24 sees both standard Holly and her Mighty persona included. While we only get Keibler's normal gimmick, you can bet there'll be a 'Super' alternate attire📖 on Community Creations soon enough. 

Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso & Rikishi & Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa

The Brotherhood lost Jey Uso in one of 2023’s most enduring storylines, but cꦗousins Reigns and Jimmy Uso remained united in the build to WWE 2K24 – with younger Uso sibling Solo Sikoa still in tow. Their gradual implosion after WrestleMania made for a sublime storyline. The Usos' dad Rikishi is back too.

Jinder Mahal & Sanga & Veer Mahaan

There was no place on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 tag team entrances list for Ind🐓us Sher, although two of its members – Jinder Mahal🦩 and Veer Mahaan – could be grouped together manually. WWE 2K24 finally provides the chance to complete the trio with series newcomer Sanga.

Joe Coffey & Mark Coffey & Wolfgang

The trio of Gallus have been among 🍰the most prominent – and dominant! – characters in NXT across 2023, and are rewarded with debuts in WWE 2K24. All three were born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, with Wolfgang a former foe of Drew Galloway – AKA McIntyre – on the independent scene north of the wall. 

Joe Gacy & The Rock

What do you do when you sign Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s daughter? Promote her in a way that mostly ignores that illustrious heritage, apparently. Despite that curious decision, Ava gradu🐲ally made a name for herself in NXT alongside Joe Gacy – although weirdly she misses out on the on-disc roster. Shame.

Karrion Kross & Scarlett

2023 was largely quiet for Kross following his return to WWE along with manager Scarlett. That changed when be brought in Akam and Rezar, AKA Authors of Pain, to for🍌m the Final Testament. Sadly, you’ll need 2K24 community creations for those guys.

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Owens and partner Zayn closed ꦇout one of 2023’s best storylines by capturing WWE’s tag titles from The Usos at WrestleMania, exacting Zayn’s revenge on the💃 Bloodline faction in the process. They’re both long-established 2K roster members.

LA Knight

The former Max Dupri – let’s never speak of that gimmick again – was WWE’s breakout star of 2023. He came up short in a world title tilt with Roman Reigns, but remains Smackdownꦓ’s most popular grappler. Let’s see keep rising skywards in 2025. 

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez

Morgan made a welcome return at the 2024 Royal Rumble after missing six months of action due to a shoulder injury, and finished r🌊unner-up in the match for the second year running. She's joined by Raquel Rodriguez, with the pair having scored tag-title glory twice in 2023.

Noam Dar

Scottish wrestler Noam Dar returned for WWE 2K23 after a curious absence from 2K22, and had a big year on NXT – forming his own Meta-Four faction with Jackson, Legend and Mensah. It's therefore a shock that his team members miss out, even as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 DLC. Jackson offers great potential, while Legendಞ has been on our screens for two yearཧs

R-Truth

A fun year for Ron Killings&a💧pos; alter-ego continues with yet another 2K series appearance. His comical attempts to join Judgment Day – and their desperate efforts to stop him – provided some of Raw's best bits at the outset of 2024.

Rick Rude & Ricky Steamboat & Ultimate Warrior

Tꦛhe second batch of matches confirmed for Showcase mode include Steamboat's classic tilt with Randy Savage at WrestleMania 3, and Rick Rude's contest with Ultimate Warrior from WrestleMania 5 – one of the few bouts Warrior lost during his WWF career.

Rob Van Dam

RVD! RVD! The longstanding ECW favourite scores another series appearance despite recently wrestling Swerve Strickland and Jack Perry in rival organisation AEW. Rumour has it that t🍃his is the last of a three-year deal with 2K, so make the most of his Five-Star Frog Splash while you can.

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler

Baszler is back, and most expected former partners Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey to return too. Jax was a series regular until WWE 2K22. She made a surprise cameo at the 2023 Royal Rumble, then returned full-time in September of the same year to feud with Rhea Riple🎶y. However, she was held off the original 2K24 roster, and instead delivered as DLC.

Seth Rollins & Shinsuke Nakamura

Having held the newly minted World Heavyweight Championship throughout 2023 there was no chance of Rollins being omitted from WWE 2K24. It's the latest addition to a trophy cabinet that also includes two WWE Championshi꧃p wins, and two Universal Championship reigns. Summer rival Nakamura a🍨lso returns.

Shotzi & Tegan Nox

When Candice LeRae and Mia Yim returned to WWE in 2023, Visual Concepts patched their WWE 2K22 models into WWE 2K23 as free DLC. Many expect🅷ed Welsh scrapper Nox to receive the same treatment, but it wasn’t forthcoming. Thankfully, she's on the WWE 2K24 roster instead, along with former partner Shotzi.

Shane McMahon & Stephanie McMahon

With controversy brewing around former owner Vince McMahon, 🌺this 🐎will be the first series entry since WWE 2K16 in which he won't feature as a playable character. That leaves son Shane and daughter Stephanie – real-life wife of company CCO Triple H – to represent the family name.

Steve Austin

Austin has three bouts in 40 Years of WrestleMania mode, beginningꦗ with his submission match with Bret Hart at WrestleMania 13. Once you're done with those, feel free to enact dream 'greatest of all time' contests with Hulk Hogan or John Cena. 

Ted DiBiase

'Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase is a series mainstay these days, and rightly so given his past as one of WWE’s greatest heels. Money Inc tag partner IRS, however, has never appear꧑ed in a 2K console game. His inclusion in WWE Supercard suggests that may chang🐻e in any upcoming entry.

Trish Stratus & Zoey Stark

Utah pugilist Stark was called up from NXT to Raw in May 2023, and soon formed an unlikely alliance – seconding legend Trish Stratus in her war with Becky Lynch. It came unstuck when Stratus ෴turned on Stark at Payback 2023, converting her into a face for the first time.

Umaga

The Samoan Bulldozer passed away in 2009, at just 36 years old – and wrestling lost one of its most underrated monster heels. There's a strong family connection here. Umaga was uncle to The Usos and Solo Sik🌄oa, and cousin of Yokozuna and Roman Reigns.

Wendy Choo

After making WWE 2K23 as🔯 DLC, Choo makes the step up to main-disc roster status for 2K24 – but there are some glaring omissions among her NXT friends and f✅oes. Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan and Sol Ruca can all feel a little hard done by to miss out.

William Regal

Regal is a former WWE favourite who’s been brought back via WWE Supercard, and earns a🍨 welcome WWE 2K24 return. Alas there's no spot for son Charlie Dempsey. The Blackpool 🦩brawler has followed in his dad’s footsteps with some hard-hitting NXT match-ups, and should score a main roster run in 2024.

Xia Li

After failing to connect with fans during two years on Smackdown, Chinese grappler Li crossed over to Raw in May 2023 and reinvented herself as a heel. An ensuiಌng feud with Becky Lynch had entertaining moments, as did her brief return to NXT to challenge the brand's Women's🐼 Champion, Lyra Valkyria.

WWE 2K23 Showcase essentials

Before we get to the list itself, here’s the essential intel on WWE 2K23 Showcase. As in previous years, it’s a mode dedicated to replaying a WWE legend’s biggest matches. Step forward, John Cena. Only this year there’s a twist: the majority of the mode sees you go up against Cena. Featured 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster members include The Rock, Undertaker and Batista. 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC additions and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 CAWs aren’t ꦫౠfeatured in the mode – but those guides are still worth a look if you’re looking for fresh combatants to go up against Angle, Van Dam and co.

The complete WWE 2K23 Showcase matches and unlockables list

Match 1: John Cena vs Rob Van Dam (ECW One Night Stand 2006)

• Rob Van Dam 
• John Cena ‘06 
• WWE Championship ’05-’13 
• ECW One Night Stand ‘06 arena
  

Match 2: John Cena vs Kurt Angle (Smackdown 2002)

• Kurt Angle 
• John Cena ’02
• Smackdown ‘02 arena

Match 3: John Cena vs The Undertaker (Vengeance 2003)

• Undertaker ‘03
• U Can’t See Me entrance
• Vengeance ‘03 arena

Match 4: John Cena vs The Undertaker (WrestleMania 34)

• The Undertaker ‘18
• John Cena ’18
• WrestleMania 34 arena

Match 5: John Cena vs Triple H (Night of Champions 2008)

• Triple H ‘08
• John Cena ’08
• Night of Champions ‘08 arena

Match 6: John Cena vs AJ Styles (Summerslam 2016)

• AJ Styles ‘16
• John Cena ’16
• Summerslam ‘16 arena

Match 7: John Cena vs Edge (Summerslam 2006)

• Edge ‘06
• Lita ’06
• John Cena ‘06 (alternate attire)
• Summerslam ‘06 arena

Match 8: John Cena vs Edge (New Year’s Revolution 2006)

• Edge ‘06 (alternate attire)
• Lita ‘06 (alternate attire)
• John Cena ‘06 (alternate attire)
• New Year’s Revolution ‘06 arena

Match 9: John Cena vs Roman Reigns (Summerslam 2021)

• Roman Reigns ’21
• John Cena ’21
• Summerslam ‘21 arena

Match 10: John Cena vs The Rock (WrestleMania 28)

• The Rock ’12
• John Cena ’12
• WrestleMania 28 arena

Match 11: John Cena vs Brock Lesnar (Summerslam 2014)

• Brock Lesnar ’14
• John Cena ’14
• WWE Championship ’13-’14
• World Heavyweight Championship
• Summerslam ‘14 arena

Match 12: John Cena vs Brock Lesnar (Backlash 2003)

• Brock Lesnar ’03
• John Cena ’03
• WWE Undisputed Championship
• Backlash ‘03 arena

Match 13: John Cena vs Batista (Summerslam 2008)

• Batista ’08
• John Cena ’08
• Summerslam ‘08 Arena

Match 14: John Cena vs Randy Orton (Hell in a Cell 2009)

• Randy Orton ’09
• John Cena ’09
• Hell in a Cell ‘09 arena

Match 15: John Cena vs a wrestler of your choice

• Super Cena

Match 16: John Cena vs Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Hulk Hogan vs Bruno Sammartino

• Hulk Hogan
• Bruno Sammartino

How do I get the WWE 2K23 DLC characters?

There are 25 playable wrestlers in total, not including pre-release content like Bad Bunny. The first arrived one month after the WWE 2K23 release date of Friday, March 17, while the final instalment dropped in mid-📖August. As well as all those playable stars, we also got Hit Row member B-Fab as🔯 a manager.

Individual packs cost £8.99/$9.9⛦9. Alternatively you can grab the season pass, covering all five packs, for £32.99/$39.99. As a bonus, it grants you the MyRISE Mega-Boost, which includes an additional 200 Attribute Points, and Supercharger, which unlocks all base game WWE Legends and throwback arenas♉. 

Who are the WWE 2K23 DLC legends?

Six ye▨steryear favourites are added to the gameౠ as WWE 2K23 DLC as part of the five packs. 

DLC Pack 1, AKA the Steiner Row Pack, lives up to its name. It sees Scott Steiner make his first 2K appearance since WWE 2K14, and delivers Rick Steiner for the first time ever. This isn’t a coincidence: Rick’s son, Bron Breakker, was NXT Champion for most of 2022 and makes his debut on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster.

There’s no DLC legend in Pack 2, but Pack 3 – the Race To NXT pack – saw Harley Race added to the game. (See that they’ve done with that name?) The grizzled grappler had a four-year stint in what was then the WWF, ܫbut is best known for his eight NWA World Heavyweight Championship reigns. 

Hulk Hogan’s 1980s rival Zeus was next to land, in the Revel With Wyatt Pack. He was followed up by two more modern retirees: Wade Barrett and Eve Torres. That pair arrived in the final DLC release, which is called the Bad News🌺 U pack.

What about the WWE 2K23 DLC current stars?

Eight members of the Raw and Smackdown roster get the nod as DLC – i🀅n most cases because they returned to WWE in 2022, but were too late to make the on-disc ros🍸ter.

The trio of B-Fab, Top Dolla and Ashante Adonis – collectively known as Hit Row – joined the Steiner Brothers in the first DLC pack. However, note that B-Fab is an NPC. Another tag-team, comprising Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, arrived hot on their heel༒s in the following month’s Pretty Sweet Pack.

DLC Pack 4 delivered the words every fan has been entering into search engines for months: WWE 2K23 Bray Wyatt. Joining him is onscreen family member Uncle Howdy, as a surprise bonus. The Viking Raiders’ valet, Valhalla, also arrived as part of same pack – you may recognise her by her former 🐻name of Sarꦜah Logan.

Is there any WWE 2K23 NXT DLC?

Third brand NXT is the big winner when it comes to WWE 2K23 DLC. It’s scored no fewer than 12 additional 𓆏superstars – almost half of the full DLC selection.

First up are Tiffany Stratton, Elton Prince and Kit Wilson as part of the Pretty Sweet Pack. The latter 🧜pair are known as Pretty Deadly, and have already captured♓ the NXT and NXT UK tag-team belts during their short time in WWE.

Two ladies and two men landed as part of the following month’s Race To NXT Pack. We got Ivy Nile and Wendy Choo on the female side, and Trick Williams and Tony D’Angelo on the male one. There’s sadly no place for D’Angelo’s long-time sidekick Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo. You’ll need our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 CAWs guide for him.

Blair Davenport and Joe Gacy continued the NXT drops in the Revel With Wyatt Pack. We then got three more newcomers in the final Bad News U Pack: Damon Kemp, Nathan Frazer, and Andre Chase. It’s an impressive selection which neatly fleshes 🧔out the roster with young talent.

Where can I see the full WWE 2K23 DLC pack list?

Right here. All f🍨ive packs, and 26 wrestlers, are listed in chronological order below:

WWE 2K23 DLC Steiner Row Pack (April 19)

• Ashante Adonis (Hit Row)
• B-Fab (Hit Row) [NPC]
• Top Dolla (Hit Row)
• Rick Steiner (Steiner Brothers)
• Scott Steiner (Steiner Brothers)

WWE 2K23 DLC Pretty Sweet Pack (May 17)

• Karl Anderson (The OC)
• Luke Gallows (The OC)
• Elton Prince (Pretty Deadly)
• Kit Wilson (Pretty Deadly)
• Tiffany Stratton

WWE 2K23 DLC Race To NXT Pack (June 14)

• Ivy Nile (Diamond Mine)
• Harley Race
• Tony D’Angelo
• Trick Williams
• Wendy Choo

WWE 2K23 Revel With Wyatt Pack (July 19)

• Valhalla (Viking Raiders)
• Blair Davenport
• Bray Wyatt
• Uncle Howdy
• Joe Gacy
• Zeus

WWE 2K23 Bad News U Pack (August 16)

• Andre Chase (Chase U)
• Damon Kemp (Diamond Mine)
• Eve Torres
• Nathan Frazer
• Wade Barrett

1 Ava

You may not have heard of this budding NXT talent yet – but you’re going to in the coming years. Why? She’s Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s daughter! Ava was surprisingly paired up with Joe Gacy on her company debut, and he arrived in July as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC. Be sure to grab this creation by rowdydivatwo too.

2 Bronson Reed

The big lad known as Jonah outside of WWE was surprisingly let go following an encouraging NXT run, only to debut on Raw at the back end of last year. Alas, he was too late to make the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster. This effort from LoganSaib features Reed’s current attire and his gear from N🐎XT Takeover XXX. The same creator has also produced classic versions of Mankind, Dude Love and NWO-era Randy Savage.

3 Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo

Creator HacksawHouseDLC is building quite the reputation🃏 on the WWE 2K23 CAWs front. He’s produced exceptional versions of NXT newcomers such as Charlie Dempsey (son of UK legend William Regal!), Edris Enofe, and Malik Blade. Stacks is the best of the bunch, meaning you can finally team him with fellow NXT tag-team champion – and DLC inclusion – Tony D’Angelo. 

4 Chelsea Green

Green returned to WWE this year playing the character of an internet ‘Karen’ - and was tossed from the women’s Royal Rumble within five seconds. She’s nailed down the role with self-effacing humor, and is an essential add for your Smackdown roster. BlenkKrieger is the mastermind behind this WWE 2K23 CAW, in a collaboration with thatboiblunty.

5 CM Punk

Punk made an astonishing return to WWE at Survivor Series after nine years away, and having been a prominent member of the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster. This excellent creation is by WhatsTheStatus, but there are other options too. Weigh them up in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 CM Punk guide. 

6 Duke Hudson

Receiving Andre Chase as WWE 2K23 DLC was a pleasant surprise when the extra content was announced – but sadly we didn't get Chase U tag-team partner Andre Chase. That's especially frustrating given that the pair snagged NXT tandem gold in October 2023. Fix the problem with this cool BaddestHotelDE creation.

7 Emma

Another piece of outstanding work from BlenkKrieger here. Australian bombshell Emma returned to WWE in 2022 following a five-year absence, and while her use on TV has been sparing, she’s an incredibly solid hand. In real life she’s dating ponytailed powerhouse Madcap Moss, a long overdue addition to the on-disc roster this year. Alas,🌊 Emma was released in September 2023.

8 Finn Balor (Demon)

The Irishman’s demonic alter-ego has long been a fixture of the WWE 2K series – but it was bafflingly removed this year after Balor’s commitment to the Judgment Day faction. This caused fans and developers alike a headache when he brought the gimmick back for a WrestleMania clash with Edge. WhatsTheStatus is the dude to credit here. T♚he model com🌱es with bespoke Demon Finn commentary and crown signs.

9 The Giant

Paul Wight hasn’t appeared in a series entry since WWE 2K20, and won’t be back anytime soon given his current place on the AEW roster. Amend that using this collab between WhatsTheStatus and KelsCreation. It offers hಞidden voice taunts and crowd chants for theꦜ 7 ft 2 colossus. You need to search for The Giant, but can easily change to his WWE name of the Big Show should you wish.

10 Isla Dawn

This fiery Glaswegian debuted in WWE as Stacy Coates, but has since established herself under a much more memorable name – first on both NXT UK and NXT, then most recently as Alba Fyre's tag partner. This creation is by DivaDadde, with a moveset made by lexveraux.

11 Jeff Hardy

The most downloaded WWE 2K23 CAW as of late April belongs to the ‘charismatic enigma’, AKA Jeff Hardy. It was made by VirtualAK, and has been imported more than 114,000 t♏imes since the game’s March 17 release date. It offers his full mo🥂veset from WWE 2K22, and two attires: one with paint, and one without.

12 Kairi Sane

The Japanese veteran is one of the first names linked to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K24 roster, after returning to the company and aiding countrywoman Iyo Sky at Crown Jewel 2023. However, that was in October, so it may need to be as DLC. For now enjoy her comeback in WWE 2K23 using this StoneColdBroEU creation.

13 Lyra Valkyria 

Ireland’s latest grap export is looking to follow in the footsteps of names such as Becky Lynch and Finn Balor. She’s had an encouraging start on NXT, falling just short of title glory in a decent tilt with Tiffany Stratton, before capturing the belt from Lynch in October 2023. This creation lives up to its creator’s monicker – Fantastic by name, fantastic by nature.

14 Mandy Rose

WhatsTheStatus is again your boy here, having resuscitated a hidden Mandy Rose model. The long-time NXT Women’s Champion was removed from WWE 2K23 at the last minute, following her surprise pre-Christmas release from the company. Gigi Dolan and Ja𝔉cy Jayne are both on this year’s roster, in case you wish to reunite the🐠 once-dominant trio of Toxic Attraction.

15 Matt Hardy

This veteran scored plenty of search traffic over the summer, after appearing as a pre-order bonus for WWE's new rival game. Hit our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever Broken Matt Hardy guide for all the details, or download this WorldsFinest and Azorthious collab to deploy him in 2K23.

16 MJF

Maxwell Jacob Freidman is a key element of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever, having captured that company’s world title in November 2022. However, he’s rumored to be on WWE’s radar in the longer term. This Iconic creation enables you to see how he’d fare against Roman Reigns and Randy Orton. The same creator has also made great versions of Samꦜoa Joe, Billy Gunn, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler.

17 Odyssey Jones

This fresh face made the leap from NXT to Raw in the most recent WWE Draft, and so immediately becomes a name you need to add. His man-mountain sized doppelgänger is the work of creator HeadBussr, who also has threeꦓ different versions of NXT newcomer Dragon Lee to chose from. Pick up Jones and🐼 then grab one of those too.

18 Ric Flair

This classic take on Charlotte’s legendary daddy is a collaboration between three creators: WhatsTheStatus, KelsCreation and SkyMovesets. It’s based on his 1988 WCW run, and features a🔯uthentic entrance chants, crowd chants 🐼and voice taunts for the Nature Boy. Woo!

19 Roderick Strong

Strong may have been the most baffling WWE 2K23 omission of all – he was the leader of NXT faction Diamond Mine, and has been a series regular since WWE 2K18. No matter: this fine Ikeakarl effort enables you to reinstall the veteran. Turns out being left off the roster was prescient: Strong showed up in AEW in late April to side with former Undisputed ꦓEra buddy ♈Adam Cole.

20 Sanga

Two existing roster members, Jinder Mahal and Veer, were joined by Veer’s former partner Sanga in spring 2023 to reform NXT stable Indus Sher. Their promise as a trio was rewarded with a call-up to Raw, where Mahal is flourishing in a manager role. Now you can bring them together in-game with this excellent Yarliixx CAW.

21 Thea Hail

One of the best models we’ve seen in this or any other year belongs to spritely NXT starlet Hail. It has two outfits, and a render to display on menu screens too. Illitegaming made this one, in collaboration with XayPlays2K and Lexveraux. Looking to bring Naomi back to WWE after her d๊eparture in 2023? The same creator has made her, too.

22 Tegan Nox

Yet another lady who was released in 2022 only to be brought back by Triple H just too late for the WWE 2K23 roster cut-off. IoShinice has done us a service by not just getting her face right, but also including all the Welsh lady’s tattoos from WWE 2K22. Nox’s moveset, meanwhile, is credited to WolfpacPrinxe.

23 Xyon Quinn

Daniel Vidot spent eight years as a professional rugby league player in his home nation of Australia before trying his hand as a wrestler. After debuting in NXT back in 2020, he finally received a main roster call up earlier this year. This model is by LRitchie, using logos and face textures from Iconic2K. It has a bespoke moveset, entrance, victor💮y and render.

AJ Styles & Omos

The evergreen technician makes his fifth consecutive WWE appearance. Despite being well into his forties, Styles has showcased solid recent bouts with Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio and Sami Zayn. Former tag partner Omos will also be in, but returning buddies Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows missed the cut-off date. Instead, grab them as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC.

Akira Tozawa & Tamina

This unlikely pair featured in one of 2022’s more curious storylines. In March, Tamina and Tozawa got engaged – only fo🐼r the former to pin the latter and win the 24/7 Championship. The best bit: this happened during their wedding ceremony!

Alba Fyre

Kay Lee Ray was a shock inclusion on the WWE 2K22 roster. She’d shone in NXT UK, but most fans wrongly figured that brand wouldn’t get a look in. Now Stateside, and successfꦉully rebranded as the witch-like Alba Fyre, the company’s longest reigning UK champ is assured of a big role in 2K23.

Alexa Bliss & Asuka

This unlikely pairing picked up surprise gold in October 2022, overcoming Damage CTRL to capture the Women’s Tag-Team Championship. Sadly the reign only laꦏsted a week, and Bliss has edged back towards the ‘Twisted Bliss’ character featured prominently in WWE 2K22. 

Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez

Aliyah has been with WWE since 2015, but took six years to make the main roster leap. Even then she flew under the radar until team♎ing with R﷽aquel Rodriguez (formerly Gonzalez) to claim the women’s tag titles. That gold ensures a series debut at long last, alongside Rodriguez’s second consecutive appearance.

Andre The Giant & Doink & Jake Roberts & Jerry Lawler & Roddy Piper

Five legendary heels of the ‘80s and ‘90s in one🧜 go. Okay, Doink isn’t on par with the others, but we still love his inclusion for a sneaky easter egg. Call for interference during a match as the crafty clown and you’ll be aided by a second Doink, just like at WrestleMania 9.

Angel & Humberto

Col🍷lectively known as Los Lotharios, this tandem is arguably WWE’s most under-utilised – but you can change this in WWE 2K23. The pair are real-life cousins. Cool trivia note: From 2008 to 2015, Angel worked under the brilliant name El Hijo del Ninja.

Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford

The Street Profits’ inclusion isn’t official yet, but will be very shortly. They’re one of only three teams ever to achieve WWE’s t🐟ag-team triple crown – winning the titles on Raw, Smackdown and NXT. The other pairs are The Revival, and The New Day. 

Apollo Crews & Commander Azeez

Commander Azeez recently resurfaced to war with his former tag partner Crews in NXT – but under his previous gimmick, of Dabba-Kato. Usually we bemoan outdated𒐪 likenesses being in the game but given that the switch occurred in February, this one gets a pass.

Axiom

NXT’s high-flying Spaniard took his series bow as WWE 2K22 DLC. However, a mid-2022 gimmick change saw A-Kid don a mask and switch names to ꦿAxiom. His high-flying acrobatics guarantee a fun few minutes every time he’s in your control. Sadly, rival Nathan Frazier is unlikely to make the cut. 

Austin Theory

The two-time US champ will finally get his own trons and ‘A-Town Down’ theme in WWE 2K23, after being considered a member of NXT troupe The Way last year. He had a decent 2022 despite coming up short in his Money In The Bank cash-in attempt ܫon Seth Rollins. 

Bad Bunny

The first brand-new roster member was announced to tie in with the game’s reveal. The rapper has had a handful of competenꦫt matches, and even held the 24/7 Championship back in February 2021. He’s offic𓆉ially the pre-order bonus for WWE 2K23. 

Batista & Brock Lesnar & Randy Orton

Three of John Cena’s earliest opponents were all confirmed in one go, alongside the announcement that he’d be on this year’s cover. Like Cen💎a🐲, all three went on to become goliaths in their own right – and now you can enjoy retro versions of them, too. 

Bayley & Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky

Io Shirai was expected to leave WWE and return to Japan in 2022. Instead, she shockingly aligned with the returning Bayley and Dakota Kai at Summerslam, to form Damage Control. A new name, Iyo Sky, was in order too. Impressively, Sky and Kai followed up their surpris🦹e pairing with two women’s tag-team title reigns. 

Becky Lynch & Bianca Belair

Raw’s most-pushed ladies had a stellar bout at Summerslam 2022, before joining forces against the nefarious trio of Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky. It represented a long-overdue face turn for Lynch, who sh🍰ould ascend back to prime popularity in 2023 – hop𓃲efully by feuding with Rhea Ripley (also pictured). 

Beth Phoenix & Edge

Following a few false starts – including a self-billed ‘Greatest Match Ever’ with Randy Orton at WrestleMania 36, which was anything but – Edge finally enjoyed positive fan feedback in 2022, after being🦹 usurped ♔as leader of Judgment Day. Real-life wife Phoenix is confirmed, too.

Big Boss Man & British Bulldog & Bruno Sammartino

Three iconic Bs in this spot, with Sammartino the most intriguing choice. Boss 𝔍Man and Bulldog are series regulars, but the ‘60s and ’70s icon hasn’t appeared since WWE 2K14. He owns the longest WWE Championship reign in history, at 2,803 days. 

Big E & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

What should have been a special year for Big E following his fi🐻rst WWE Championship went awry with a seri♐ous injury. It may be that he has to call it a career, which would be a huge shame. For now, an in-game reunion with his New Day team-mates is at least assured.

Bobby Lashley & Cedric Alexander & MVP & Shelton Benjamin

Lashley confusingly flip-flopped from heel to face and back again in 2022, but did enjoy a dominant run as US Champion. Early 2023 saw him tease a reunion with Hurt Business members MVP, 🧜Alexander and Benjamin – fingers crossed, as the quartet were superb together. 

Boogeyman & Cactus Jack & Vader

This collection of crazy landed as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 DLC, and gets carried over to the proper roster this year. Indeed, the majority o༺f the names found at that link make it in, with three curious exceptions: celebs Mr T and Machine Gun Kelly, and NXT lady Sarray.

Booker T

The six-time WCW champ made a surprise appearance in this year’s Royal Rumb﷽le, unleashing a spinaroonie – and then getting dispatched over the ropes by marathon man Gunther. He’s since announced that it was his last in-ring performancﷺe, at the grand young age of 57.

Braun Strowman & Ricochet

Smackdown’s big-man-little-ma🔜n duo teased a tag-team title win in early 2023, but were usurped by perennial belt-holders Th𝔍e Usos – much like all other tandems over the past year. Strowman is a late inclusion after his surprise return to WWE in September.

Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart & Natalya

Three members of the Hart 🐷family make it in this year, although we also like to use British Bulldog as Harꩵry Smith – they are, after all, father than son. Grab a decent Tyson Kidd off the Community Creations servers and you have a solid stable to use all campaign long. 

Brie Bella & Nikki Bella & Molly Holly

Holly and the Bella Twins were all announced together, heralding their return to the series after missing out on WWE 2K22. Brie looks great, but there’s been some ♛community backlash to Nikki’s likeness. Also returning this year is Lita – but we’re getting aheaꦗd of ourselves…

Bron Breakker

Son of Rick Steiner and nephew of Scott Steiner, Bron overcame his baffling new surname to dominate NXT throughout 2022, holding its main championship for most of the year. H🦹is series debut also heralds the return of his tag-legend father, AKA the dog-faced greml♓in, as DLC.

Brutus Creed & Julius Creed

NXT’s🃏 most athletic young tag-team are carved from the same bedrock as Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin, and Chad Gable & Jason Jordan. The brothers w⛎ere both two-time All-Americans in their NCAA years, and have translated their amateur excellence to the ‘real’ WWE ring seamlessly.

Butch & Ridge Holland & Sheamus

It took an incredible Clash At The Castle performance from Br💫awling Brutes leader Sheamus to finally establish former UK rugby player Holland (real name Luke Menzies). The Irishman’s brave, bloody losing effort to Gunther turned his entire troupe face, with fans immediately taking to Holland and partner ꧒Butch (the former Pete Dunne) on the subsequent Smackdown.

Candice LeRae & Mia Yim

May 2023 saw 2K drop a couple of welcome surprises, as part of the game's 1.10 patch. Both Candice LeRae and Mia Yim returned to the series as free DLC. The models used were identical to WWE 2K22, but that's no bother – it was a great means of freeing up two 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 CAWs slots. Well done, dev team. 

Cameron Grimes & Ted DiBiase

Beardy bruiser Grimes is a staple of NXT, to the point that many forget his unl𓃲ikely alliance with legend Ted DiBiase. The Million 𓆉Dollar Man was paired with Grimes for a 2021 feud with LA Knight, which saw the Million Dollar Championship briefly restored to active competition.

Carmella & Dana Brooke & Doudrop

You’re rig🌱ht, Doudrop is the most terrible name in the wrestling industry – and thankfully WWE’s Scotch colossus is now back to her original monicker of Piper Niven. Sadly, the change happened too late to occur in-game. Fellow Raw combatants Carmella and Brooke join her in 2K23.

Carmelo Hayes

Since debuting in June 2021 Hayes has cemented his spot as one of NXT’s most reliable hands, capturing the Cruiserweight Championship once and North American Championship twice, before finally snatching the main belt from Bron Breakker. Sidekick Trick Williams has demonstrated abundant potential in his limited appearances, but misses out on the main roster, instead featuring asꦺ DLC.

Chad Gable & Otis

Alpha Academy weren’t on the initial roster list, but it’s only a matter of t𝔉ime before that changes. Otis is one of the company’s most entertaining big lads, while Gable remains an unsung hero. They’re besties in real life too, having trained for the 2012 Olympics together in Colorado.

Charlotte Flair & Trish Stratus

Along with Lita, Stratus was one a female icon of the attitude era. These dates she’s branched out in acting and yoga instru🌠cting, along with occasional WWE appearances. The seven-time champion last competed one-on-one with Charlotte in her hometown of Toronto, at Summerslam 2020.

Chyna

It’s now more than half a decade since Joanie Laurer sadly passed on, but her legacy remains g꧅roundbreaking. Chyna is the only women to have ever held the Intercontinental Championship – and impressively, she did so on three separate occasions. Naturally, she’s a former Women’s champ too.

Cody Rhodes

Oh yes. WWE’s most stunning signing in years debuted at WrestleMania 38, making the shock leap from AEW – where he’d played a key role in the company’s launch. After being shelved with a torn pec, he's due back a🧸t the Royal Rumble. This should mean a feud with top dog Roman Reigns – and first-ever world title reign.

Cora Jade & Roxanne Perez

Jade got over as NXT’s most popular new lady in 2022 – so naturally its writers had her senselessly turn on best friend Perez, shortly after they’d cap🅘tured the third brand’s female tag cha🌼mpionships. Daft. Retcon such booking madness by reuniting them in 2K23.

Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde & Santos Escobar

Raul Mendoza debuted in WWE 2K22 alongside Legado del Fantasma team-mates Wilde and Escobar. But while he’s confirmed for t𒆙he new roster, it won’t be under tha൲t monicker. Mendoza is now on Smackdown as Cruz Del Toro, with his buddies retaining their names after the switch from NXT.

Damien Priest & Dominik Mysterio & Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley

Two members of the Judgment Day were confirmeജd in January, with Mysterio and Balor sure to follow imminently. Rhea Ripley is the superstar of the group, and – if WWE has any booking sense – should score a d𝔉ominant run as Raw Women’s Champion at some point of 2023. 

Dexter Lumis & Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa

Gargano & Ciampa had memorable matches both with and against one another in NXT, as tag-team DIY and heated rivals. They’re yet to be paired up again since moving to Raw – but if you fancy making that happen, WWE 2K23 Un𝔍iverse mode provides the perfect opportunity. Throw in Gargano's buddy Lumis for even more fun.

Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode

Roode still owns the best theme tune in all of wrestling – but﷽ we haven’t heard much of ‘Glorious’ of late. He last appeared on Smackdown in April 2022. Dirty Dawgs partner Zi🐻ggler has featured a little more frequently, but they’ve still flown under the radar to make the 2K23 roster.

Drew Gulak

The eight-time 24/7 Champion formed a fun yet short-lived tandem with Daniel Bryan in 2019 – but sadly that won’t be found here as the bearded great is now on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever roster. Instea👍d, Gulak has 🥂carved out an amusing niche for himself as NXT’s onscreen training guru.

Drew McIntyre

Ugh. WWE’s biggest missed opportunity of 2022 was the chance for McIntyre to capture both world titles at Clash Of The Castle, in front of 62,000 braying fans. Roman Reigns yet again won out, and the Scot hasn’t been the same since. We’ll be immediately undoing that disaster in WWE 2K23ꦿ.

Eddie Guerrero

Guerrero has been a series staple since WWE 2K17, after missing out on a couple of mid-2010s series entries. He’s also appeared in a host ♈of WCW games, and Japanese favourite Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Toukon Retsuden 3 back in 1998.

Elias & Ezekiel

For the first time, both of Jeffrey 𝕴Sciullo’s on-screen aliases appear in a WWE game. Ezekiel is purported to be Elias’ younger brother, and enjoyed a fun feud with Kevin Owens during the spring of 2022. However, he's not been since an apron powerbomb at the hands of Owens.

Eric Bischoff & Hollywood Hogan & Kevin Nash & Scott Hall & Syxx

The Hulkster endured an extended absence from the series after falling out with WWE, but is now back in its good graces – and a fixture on the annual roster. As well 💙as ‘Hollywood’, you can play as him in legendary yellow-and-red garb too. The rest of NWO also return.

 Erik & Ivar

The Viking Raiders got their umpteenth repackaging in 2022, edging back towards the War Raiders gimmick which made them beloved in NXT. Erik’s wife Sarah Logan also returned under the new name Valhalla – and we’re hopeful that s🅷he’s also restored to the series as DLC.

Faarooq & JBL & Happy Corbin

JBL is best known for teaming with Faarooq in the Acolytes, but he returned to WWE screens in a surprisingly new role last year as Corbin’s mentor and sidekick. It didn’t last long, with the cowboy-hatted ꧃heel cutting ties with Corbin following a dismal showing in the 2023 Royal Rumble.

Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne

NXT’s female ranks were dominated by the suddenly brilliant Mandy Rose in 2022, and in the process she elevated both her Toxic Attraction tag partners. Dolin & Jayne look set for a strong main roster run in 2023, withও or without their champion mentor.

Giovanni Vinci & Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser

So long, Fabian Aichner, Walter and Marcel Barthel. All three Imperium members received new names upon promotion from NXT to Smackdown. Indeed, Austrian powerhouse Gunther looks like a different guy꧟, having shed the pounds which helped make him famous. His Clash At The Castle bout with Sheamus is GR’s match of the year. 

Goldberg

Goldberg was a pre-order bonus ahead ofও WWE 2K17 – and it led to a real-life comeback and two Universal Championship runs. Alas, he only wrestled once last year: a losing effort to Roman Reigns for that same belt, at Elimination Chamber. 

Grayson Waller

The mouthy Australian is a truly new addition to the series, having proven himself to be a key player in NXT throughout 2022. His rise culminated in a tilt for the main gold belt at Judgment Day – but like many before him, Waller was unable to dethrone the🍃 im🥃perious form of Bron Breakker.

The Hurricane & Stacy Keibler

Another D✤LC pairing from last year who everyone can play as from the outset this time around. They were partnered up in WWE back in 2005 too, with the long-legged Keibler shepherding Hurricane and partner Rosey to the ring a🌳s Super Stacy.

 Ilja Dragunov & Indi Hartwell

An NXT pairing who both debuted as DLC for🌜 WWE 2K22, and now get boosted toꦰ main roster status. Dragunov was the company’s UK champion for an entire year across 2021 and 2022, while Hartwell remains a key player in the NXT Women’s title division.

JD McDonagh

Like Kay Lee Ray, Jordan Devlin was an NXT UK standard bearer who earned a surprise place on the WWE 2K22 ro෴ster. And like Kay Lee Ray’s switch to Alba Fyre, a move to the US in 2022 saw him rebranded. Devlin is now JD McDonagh, and presented as a cocky showboat with money to burn.

Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso & Roman Reign

Many f𓆉ans have tired of The Brotherhood, having clung onto four of WWE’s key titles for most of 2022. Reigns has held the WWE and Universal Championships since WrestleMania, while The Usos have reigned as Raw and Smackdown tag champs since May. Don’t like it? Change it all up in WWE 2K23!

Jinder Mahal & Shanky

After a short career in Bollywood, 7-foot♉ Shanky signed 🅷for WWE in 2020 and was soon aligned with supposed countryman Jinder Mahal. (Who is, in fact, Canadian. Uh, let’s not go there.) He mysteriously disappeared from WWE TV in July 2022 – so there’s every chance of a repackaging in WWE 2K23.

John Cena

Can’t see him? You’d better look harder, because Big Match John is the WWE 2K23 coverꦉ athlete. Not only that’s, he’s the focal point of Showcase mode, in which you replay some of this greatest matches – such as slugging it out with The Roc🅷k at WrestleMania 28.

Kane

The Undertaker’s bother (on screen, anyway) has been chokeslamming his way to victory for almost 30 years, and gets yet another in-game appearance. In real life Glen Jacobs ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚspends his time as mayor of Knox County, and hasn’t tombstoned any political opponents into oblivion. Yet.

Karrion Kross

Like Braun Strowman, Kross was a surprise 2022 addition to the Smackdown brand after being let go from the company months earlier – but he lost his first major feud🧸, with Drew McIntyre. And like in WWE 2K22, manager Scarlett is also included as an NPC.

Katana Chance & Kayden Carter

Of all 20ꦦ22’s renaming conventions, Kacy Catanzaro scored the most bizarre. After appearing as DLC in WWE 2K22, she turned into Katana Chance – and even now no-one’s quote sure what it means. Not that it’s derailed her, after capturing the NXT Women’s tag titles with Carter in August 2022.

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Owens’ switch to S🍎mackdown and potential reunion with real-life bestie Sami Zayn has been the brand’s st𝓰rongest recent storyline. However it turns out, these two will be linked for life – they’ve been teaming ion and off all the way back to 2007, and their time in Ring Of Honor. 

Kurt Angle

WWE’s only ever Olympic gold medallist scored spots in 2K18, 2K19, and 2K20, only to curio😼usly disappear from last year’s comeback effort. Fans were shocked, and 2K has listened. Angle is back as part of John Cena’s showcase, and it’s a move that’s been celebrated across social media.

LA Knight & Mace & Mansoor

All t🧸hree of these guys were repackaged last summer, to form Maximum Male Models – with Knight in the (terrible) role of Max Dupri. Mace and Mansoor remained saddled with the limp gimmick, but Knight has mercifully returned to the character which scored acclaim in NXT.

Lacey Evans & Liv Morgan & Shotzi & Sonya Deville & Xia Li

Five Smackdo🗹wn ladies for the price of one here, with Xia Li the latest star to switch from WWE 2K22 DLC to a main roster role. Morgan has had the best 12 months of the bunꦚch, shocking Ronda Rousey for the brand’s women’s title at Money In The Bank.

Lita

The WWE 2K22 roster featured many pleasant surprises, but the most glaring omission was the lady who, alongside Trish St🤪ratus, transformed women’s wrestling in the 2000s. Lita being left out was even more bizarre given that she wrestled Becky Lynch for the Raw title at Elimination Chamber 2022. It surely won’t happen again in the years ahead.

Logan Paul & The Miz & Maryse

Paul was both th💮e standout on the WWE 2K22 DLC roster, and real-life newcomer list – shocking the world with his abilities upon debut at WrestleMania. Tag-team partner Miz turned on him after the match, triggering a heated bout between the pair at Summerslam. Miz's wife Maryse of course makes it in, too.

Madcap Moss

The year’s most wholesome t♍urnaround has seen the big man eradicate memories of his dull Riddick Moss persona to pound on former tag partner Happy Corbin, and establish himself as a face with genuine fire. His pre-show performance alongside the Street Profits was a surprise highlight of the UK’s Clash At The Castle event.

Matt Riddle & Seth Rollins

Real-life animosity between this pair spilled over into a highly watchable feud. At one point it was strongly suggested that Rollins refused to work with Riddle. Instead they turned it into a heated rivalry where 𝕴both picked ups big wins. What next? WWE’s unlikeliest tag-team? You🦂 never know…

Mr McMahon & Shane McMahon & Stephanie McMahon

The usual ♏trio of McMahon family members take their customary spots in WWE 2K23. In Shane’s case, it’s a bit of a surprise. He was let go from the company in February 2022 following rumours of backstage discontent. However, that surname is still enough for a videogame appearance fee.

Mustafa Ali

Ali has flop-flopped from face to heel and back again throughout his seven years in WWE, and never fully caught on with fans as a result. It’s a shame as he’s amo🍨ng the company’s finest all rounders. Get those booking woes fixed you꧑rself via WWE 2K23’s all-compassing Universe mode.

Nikki ASH

ASH stands for Almost A Superhero, and saw the former Nikki Cross return under a cape and mask, getting over with fans – then bizarrely being turned heel. She went back to the Cross gimmick later in 2022, and both incarnations of the Scottish lass should featꦚure in WWE🐟 2K23.

Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark

This pa🐠ir of feisty ladies formed an unlikely alliance in late 2022, coming together to challenge Katana Chance and Kayden Carter for the NXT Women's Tag-Team Cham𝔍pionships. Ultimately their futures lie alone, with main roster call-ups in 2023 likely, and set to be accompanied by deserved gaming debuts. 

Noam Dar & Tyler Bate

The Brit element of the roster looked to be a man down after Bate’s long-term partner Trent Seven – who 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:we interviewed ahead of his series debut ཧ– was let go. However, Scotsman Dar make🗹s a surprise return after missing out on WWE 2K22.

R-Truth & Titus O’Neil 

Two wily pros who are seldom seen on WWE TV these ♚days, but add some solidarity – and jobbing experience – to the roster. O’Neil mainly features i💛n an ambassadorial role, and hasn’t had a match on Raw since November 2020.

Randy Savage

Macho Man is a roster regular these days, but holds a curious Guinness Worl🥀d Record – for the longest absence from a WWE game! After appearing in November 1994 Game Gear release WWF Raw, he went awol for 14 years – until March 2011 saw the arrival of WWE All Stars.

Reggie

After being Introduced as Carmella’s bizarre sommelier, the summer of 2021 saw Reginald become Reggie, with his unꦰconvincing French accent dropped completely. Four 24/7 Championship wins did little to establish him among Raw’s big timers, and in November 2022 he returned to NXT as new masked character🅰 Scrypts.

Rey Mysterio

No longer aligned with son Dominik, the cruiserweight veteran switched to Smackdown for a quietly efficient second half of 2022. His high-flying moveset remains a ton of fun in videogame form, even if he’s eased off many of the bigger stunts as a big 50th bi🍎rthday appr𒐪oaches. 

Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura

By all accounts Boogs and Nakamura were due to win the Smackdown tag titles at WrestleMania, before the guitar-playing brawler blew out 🃏a knee. It put him in the shelf for the rest of the year, but he’s finally back on WWE TV screens – and surely boosted by a♔ spot on the on-disc roster for the first time.

Rikishi & Umaga & Yokozuna

WWE 2K22 unleashed this Samoan trio as DLC, and all receive a main roster upgrade for its successor. And yes, despiꦛte being billed as Japanese, Yokozuna really is Samoan – and cousin to both the Usos and Roman Reigns.

Rob Van Dam

WCW’s favourite frog-splash merchant returned as DLC for WWE 2K22 after a five-year absence. This year, he’s happily upgraded to the o✃n-disc roster. RVD brings the ECW One Night Stand with h♎im too, thanks to the inclusions of his famous tilt with John Cena in Showcase mode.

The Rock & Steve Austin 

These two squared circl💮e colossi were never going to miss out. 2K knew this, and so included both Rock and Austin in the game’s reveal coverage. Four of Austin’s WrestleMania matches were against Rocky – at ‘Mania 15, 19, and an all-time masterclass that lit up ‘Mania 17ꩲ.

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler

The most dominant female in MMA history has lacked her old magic since returning to WWE. A run with the Smackdown Women’s Championship felt empty🔯, and she droppeꦅd the belt to Charlotte in December. On the upside, she’s back on disc after appearing as DLC last year. Best pal Baszler is in, too.

Shawn Michaels & Triple H

The DX boys were never going to miss out on WWE 2K23 – Triple H is the company’s chief conteꩲnt officer, while Michaels runs developmental brand NXT. Let’s hope they bring with them a DX ring entrance, after it was frustratingly omitted from WWE 2K22.

Solo Sikoa

After an effective NXT run, Jimmy and Jey Uso’s younger brother debuted on the main roster in ꦍSeptember 2022, helping cousin Roman Reigns overcome Drew McIntyre at Clash At The Castle. He wasn’t done in NXT, however, soon returning to defeat Carmelo Hayes for the North American Championship.

T-Bar & Wes Lee

January’s NXT Judgment Day event saw these two square off in the match of the night, with Lee coming out on top and retaining the North Americꦺan Championship. T-Bar currently goes by his old name of Dijak, and WWE 2K22 saw both guises included. Let’s hope history repeats this year. 

Ultimate Warrior & Undertaker

Two retro favourites round off the legends list – who amazingly never managed a pay-per-view bout against one another. The closest thing is a bodybag match at Madison Square Garden, recorded for the Rampage 1991 VHS tape. Wish they’d main evented WrestleMania together? Make it happen in ꦦWWE 2K23. 

Veer Mahaan

The third man in Jinder Mahal and Shanky’s all-Indian alliance split from the stable in November 2021, initially being pushed as a solo powerhouse on Raw. But that momentum died away, and more recently Veer has returned to teaming witꦐh 2020 tag paꦛrtner Sanga. Alas, he's not featured in WWE 2K23.

Queen Zelina

Vega has appeared in the series twice before – as Andrade’s NPC manager in WWE 2K19, and a playable character in the doomed WWE 2K20. But her brief departure from the company fell at exactly the🐬 ♋wrong time for 2K22. Vega’s familiar character model returns in 2K23 under her regal ‘Queen Zelina’ gimmick.

1 Asuka

The Japanese veteran returned to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster with a new face-painted look in January, which has made it into MyFaction mode – but not the main game. Naughty 2K. Popular creator WhatsTheStatus has rectified that, in this excellent collaboration with Tha_Great_Muta. 

2 Austin Theory

Another WhatsTheStatus effort here, made using logos from well-known CAWs mastermind GameVolt. The main outfit is f🃏rom Theory’s WrestleMania 39 bout with John Cena, and there’s a second one thrown iಞn for good measure.

3 Becky Lynch

The community isn’t that impressed with Becky Lynch’s heel look in this year’s edition - so jsnmrrll got together with qwertiak to recreate two of Lynch’s classic face attires. She also has longer hair. Want some throwback Lass Kicker? Enjoy GamesRadar’s 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Becky Lynch interview from way back in 2016.

4 Cody Rhodes

Rhodes made the leap from the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Fight Forever roster in 2022, and a massive impact – and it’s gear from his return to WWE that’s used here by Gamevolt. Specificall💦y, his WrestleMania 38 comeback, and memorable Hell๊ In A Cell 2002 appearance where Rhodes wrestled with a torn pec. 

5 Cora Jade

With 191💃6 upvotes and 65,000 downloads, this veꦺrsion of NXT upstart Jade is one of the most popular going. That’s because her in-game character is a face, whereas in late 2022 she turned heel on long-time best friend Roxanne Perez. Creator dfiregirl is the one to praise for this updated Jade. 

6 Dominik Mysterio

Reckon Cora Jade’s numbers were impressive? Heel Dom is even more essential, at least going by the stats. It was made by DemonZeroM bꦬased off his Royal Rumble 2023👍 look, and has notched 167,310 downloads and 9361 upvotes as of late May. 

7 Kurt Angle

Along with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC additions Wade Barrett and Zeus, Angle is one of the most popular old schoolers to return this year – and that’s meant a wealth of WWE 2K23 alternate attires celebrating his classic red, white and blue look. This one was put together by Petchy, with additional help from GameVolt and King69.

8 Macho Man Randy Savage

We’re going even more retro than Angle now, with two incredible looks for Randy Savage. The first pays homage to his Ultimate Maniacs tag team with UItimate Warrior, while the second is his Macho King gimmick. WhatsTheStatus is again the man of the hour, in collaboration with PHENOMCAWS and Bhangra94877286.

9 Queen Zelina 

In one of the year’s most surprising performances, Zelina came within seconds of claiming the Smackdown Women’s Championship from Rhea Ripley at Backlash 2023. Part of the magic was a Puerto Rican crowd cheering on their hometown girl wearing the nation’s colours – and that’s what we have here, courtesy of dontitello.

10 Rey Mysterio

Zelina wasn’t the only member of the Smackdown roster to have a memorable night at Backlash. Fellow Latino World Order colleagues Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar, Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Willde also had a great evening, humiliating the Judgment Day during Damien Priest’s match with Bad Bunny. This JUSTROYD creation toasts Rey’s new look, as part꧒ of that faction. 

11 Shotzi

Another MyFaction exclusive here, which WhatsTheStatus has successfully recreated for use across all other modes – with some help from 2kattiresbyme. Former partner Tegan Nox isn’t on this year’s roster, but you can add the Welsh lady, and reunite her with Shotzi, using GR’s 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 CAWs guide.

12 Stone Cold Steve Austin

Austin’s return to the ring in 2022 for a WrestleMania match with Kevin Owens was – forgive the pun – a stunner, and it’s his ageing look from that show which Petchy has added to WWE 2K23. The T-shirt is spot on too. His excellent creation was drummed up with some help from WhatsTheStatus and King69.

13 T-Bar

While he’s still listed under his old gimmick of T-Bar, this is of course NXT muscle man Dijak – and DemonZeroM has brought him right 🔴up to date with two immaculate attires. 2K updated him for free as part of patch for WWE 2K22 – so there’s still a little bit of hope that they do the same again this year.

14 Trish Stratus

If Trish’s early 2023 return was itself a surprise, she then outdid herself further by turning heel on Becky Lynch. Stratus’ in-game model is agonisingly old, and hasn’t been updated across multiple editions of the game. Kudos, then, to WhatsTheStatus and stratusfied96 for coming t﷽ogether and unle🍨ashing this modern take on Trish.

15 Ultimate Warrior

Hey, we couldn’t give you the Ultimate Maniacs version of Randy Savage and leave you hanging without a partner, could we? As with Macho Man, a trio of creative minds came together for this one: WhatsTheStatus, PHENOMCAWS and Bhangra94877286. Top work, all.

What will be the WWE 2K23 release date?

Historically WWE sim games were an annual pre-Christmas event. That changed following the dreadful feedback to WWE 2K20, and subsequent cancellation of WWE 2K21. WWE 2K22 moved to a release window shortly before WrestleMania, the biggest annual evenꩵt on the wrestling calendar. Sure enough, that new precedent remains in place this year.

The official WWไE 2K23 release date is Friday, March 17. However, those who pre-ordered the Deluxe or Icon Editions got to play it 😼three days early, on Tuesday, March 14. More on those very shortly…

Where can I see the WWE 2K23 trailer?

Right here! The WWE 2K23 trailer is focussed on gameplay, and gives glimpses at John Cena, Roman Reigns and Bad Bunny. Yes, we said Bad Bunny. Again, all will be explained immine𝓡ntly. You can watch it in the window above.

What are the WWE 2K23 pre-order bonuses?

Okay, now we can eඣxplain the references above. The main pre-order bonus is Bad Bunny: the Puerto Rican rapper who has made sporadic, yet impressive, appearances in WWE over the past two years. He's fully playable, and the standard edition comes with him for use across the game, along with Bad Bunny's Ruby Edition MyFaction card.

There are also two specꦍial editions available to pre-order. Here's what you get in each, in addition to those Bad Bunny goodies…

WWE 2K23 Deluxe Edition

• Early Access – Access to the game three days early.
• Full Season Pass – All five post-launch DLC character packs, MyRise Mega-Boost pack, 200 additional Attribute Points, and the Supercharger pack that instantly unlocks all base-game WWE Legends and old-school arenas.
• Deluxe Edition Bonus Pack – John Cena EVO card, Emerald-tier Bianca Belair, and Gold-tier Asuka and Edge cards. It also comes with additional three Basic Day 1 MyFaction card packs

WWE 2K23 Icon Edition

• Early Access – Access to the game three days early.
• Ruthless Aggression Pack – Old-school versions of John Cena, Randy Orton, Batista, and Brock Lesnar with the additional WrestleMania 22 arena, and John Cena Legacy Championship.
• Full Season Pass – Same as the Deluxe Edition – all five post-launch DLC character packs, MyRise Mega-Boost pack, 200 additional Attribute Points, and the Supercharger pack that instantly unlocks all base-game WWE Legends and old-school arenas.
• Deluxe Edition Bonus Pack – Includes a John Cena EVO card, Emerald-tier Bianca Belair, and Gold-tier Asuka and Edge cards, plus three Basic Day 1 MyFaction card packs.
• Icon Edition Bonus Pack – Comes with a Paul Heyman Emerald tier Manager MyFaction Card and additional three Deluxe Premium Launch MyFaction Packs

Who is the WWE 2K23 cover star?

16-time world champion John Cena scores his first series cover since fronting WWE 2K14, almost ten years ago. Indeed, he has three covers in total: one for the standard version of WWE 2K23, one for the Delu❀xe Edition, and another for the Icon Edition. 

As well as scoring the box art, Cena is the focus of the returning Showcase Mode. Like in previous years, you replay famous matches introduced by the man himself – but with a twist. This time around, you have to defeat Cena in every contest to advance, and unlock past lege🍃nds and arenas. That ensures variety as you control Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle, Batista and more, in memorable bouts against Mr You-Can't-See-Me. 

What WWE 2K23 gameplay features are new?

As you can read about in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 preview, the new game largely focuses on building upon the solid foundations of WWE 2K22. That means matches feel similar, but with some neat incremental additions. For instance, you can now kick out of pin attempts by flicking the right stick up at the correct point on a timing bar. It's a🦂 subtle yet smart way of mimickin꧟g reality.

The biggest new addition, in every sense, is WarGames. This new ✤match type sees two teams of three go head-to-head inside two rings, held within a single elongated steel cage. Team-m♋ates enter in staggered intervals and can bring weapons in with them, making for sheer mayhem once all six combatants are inside. It's playable online and off, in two different arenas: NXT and Survivor Series. 

The dev team says squeezing WarGames in was a colossal challenge. “Having two rings doesn’t seem li♌ke it would cause a problem: copy, paste, put it in the other spot,” explains lead gameplay designer Derek Donahue. In fact it meant retooling the entire engine. “The assumption that the ring is at the centre of the world, and the ropes are a certain distance away, with four corners, are al🅷l baked into the game. Anything [you did] broke as soon as you put another ring in there. We had to revamp every interaction in the game, to get two rings to work. And then you’ve got a [larger] cage…”

Who’s going to be on the WWE 2K23 roster?

A whole load of fresh blood. Visual Concepts did a tremendous job with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 DLC, adding many newꦕ faces whose rise to Raw or Smackdown occurred late in the development process. As such Omos, Rick Boogs, Piper Niven (AKA Doudrop) and Commander Azeez (AKA Dabba-Kato) are all in WWE 2K23 from launch.

They’re joined by the company’s biggest signing of 2022, Cody Rhodes, and a selection of goodies and baddies who’ve shot to prominence in NXT. Rick Steiner’s son Bron Breakker heads the pack, while upcoming female starlet Cora Jade is also confirmed. You can keep tabs on all wrestlers as they're confirmed using our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster guide.

2K is also committed to unleashing five DLC packs post-release. Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, and Valhalla – the lady formerly known as Sarah Logan – are all on this magic list, along with 21 other stars. See them all in GR's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 DLC guide.

Which wrestlers have been cut from WWE 2K23?

While some old favorites return – welcome back, Kurt Angle! – this year’s entry also bids a fond farewell to a significant chunk of the last game's line-up. Eleven of those who featured in WWE 2K22 have since joined the rival 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster, and will therefore be gone from🎐 the series. They are:

• Ariya Daivari (M, 70)
• Cesaro (M, 84)
• Isaiah Scott (M, 80)
• Jake Roberts (M, 85)
• Jeff Hardy (M, 85)
• Keith Lee (M, 80)
• Kyle O’Reilly (M, 81)
• Murphy (M, 77)
• Samoa Joe (M, 86)
• Ember Moon (F, 81)
• Toni Storm (F, 80)

In total, almost 50 wrestlers who made WWE 2K22 are no longer with the compan♒y. That means it's goodbye to♐ Mickie James, Lana, Fandango and many more from the WWE 2K23 roster.

Was WWE 2K23 ever truly at risk?

That's a very intriguing question. WWE 2K22 saw Visual Concepts overcome the disaster that was WWE 2K20, revitalizing the series with genuine physicality, user-friendly mechanics and huge cosmetic upgrades. GR awarded it 3.5 s🎃tars, and patches since have bolstered it further.

Yet rumors circulated post-release that WWE may have ꦑquietly cut ties with 2K, with 2K22 acting as the series’ swansong. In March, 🦩wrestling publication Fightful reported WWE had even held talks with EA. The company’s May financial call was non-committal, with new boss Stephanie McMahon praising the recent release, without mentioning 2K23.

"After taki💧ng a little more than a year off to improve the game engine, we worked hand in glove with our partners at Take Two Interactive, listened to our customers and fans, and earned back their trust by delivering a game that exceeded their expectations," she said. ”WWE 2K22 was a commercial and critical success with the highest Metacritic ꦏscores on both Xbox and PlayStation platforms in franchise history.”

However, it's all turned out ros𒅌ily for now. WWE 2K23 is official – and shaping up promisingly, too.

What made the WWE 2K23 features wishlist?

Brilliant independent fan site had a number of excellent suggestions for WWE 2K23. Luke Skywalker was keen to see sharable rosters. For instance, a fan could create a comprehensive WCW 1996 roster which you could then download in one hit. GM Mode is where he’d like the biggest changes, with evolving rosters the most tantalizing suggestion: “A wrestler gets fired from the compꦺany or brought in, [or you] bring in new created players in an existing Season mode. Three years 💎down the line, I don’t expect the roster to be the same. Hell, some people [on the roster] aren’t even in WWE right now.”

Custom entrance themes always appear high on fan wishlists, but as SmashMan explains, tech restrictions likely render this impossible. “We had custom music on the P💎S3/360 gen but it disappeared in the PS4/X1 [era],” he writes. “The only games that I know of that support custom soundtracks (Fire Pro Wrestling and MLB The Show) were not on XBOX, and since The Show has gone multiplatform they've dropped it from the PS5 version. This one might be a situation where Xbox doesn't support it in the same way Sony did/does, so it's left off to keep the experience equal across platforms.”

Over on , wildcharmander1992 wanted Royal Rumbles to be overhauled. "I simply want the AI improved,” he says. “We have a great little thing where we can add allies and rivals to superstars and I think🦹 this needs to have a bigger impact. [Let’s say] Triple H and Randy Orton are in Evolution in yಞour game? They’re Level 4 allies – so they shouldn't be attacking one another in the Royal Rumble unless they're the only two in the ring… By the same token, if an ally is at risk of elimination [there could be] an RNG to determine whether they ignore it or take out their team-mate. Basically, add more immersion to those bouts."

WWE 2K23 is packed with stellar modes, but the in-ring action is the main reason for that colossal comeback. It eliminates annoyances from WWE 2K22, expands its best bits, and adds some subtle touches for good measure. Sure, some will decry it for not being No Mercy, or Fire Pro, but this series has never tried to be that type of wrestling game. It's a sim brawler, with a few arcade touches thatﷺ makꦐe matches just a little quicker than what you see on TV.

Get your kicks

Engine highlights? The new pin-break mechanic, where you flick the right stick up to mimic a kick-out, with the timing more challenging as you lose energy. Smartly lifelike, but with button tapping also an option if you're not keen. Stamina matters now, with grapplers slower to charge around late in matches, and a host of 'knackered wrestler' animations to 🌌match. AI behaviors can be tweaked for every brawler in the game – such as completely stopping a giant like Omos from leaping off the turnbuckles. Some bouts en🌳d swiftly, others sway back and forth via finisher reveals and last-ditch kickouts. Exactly what you'd hope for.

The match type everyone is hyped for is War Games. One cage, two rings, teams of three (or four) walloping one another with Stop signs and tables. It's fun. Oh god, it's fun. Team members enter at alternating intervals, giving one squad a numbers advantage early on. The match can't end until everyone is in, lending a neat risk-reward mechanic to its initial stages. Do you tire while damaging opponents, or save big moves until there's a chance for victory? Once the carnage starts, your eyes dart all over the screen. You hit a finisher, but notice your mate bಌeing pinned in the other ring… can you dash over in time to save him? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, keeping you on your toes to the end. Brilliant.

Still, you're not going to play one new match type non-stop for 12 months. Visual Concepts knows this, and wants to keep you coming💜 back with a suite of upgraded modes. The traditional career option, MyRise, does away with the old tale of a newbie rising up from scratch. Instead you jump into one of two storylines. The Legacy tracks a rising second-generation star looking to live up to their heritage, while The Lock covers an elite athlete starting afresh in the 'E. It's immersive, with intriguing branching options, and humor too. Sami Zayn nails his whiny heel gimmick, and there are some amusing nods to the main character sounding like a very ♔famous Dwayne.

Challenging Cena

You won't be playing Showcase for as long as MyRise, but it deserves praise too. It's based around John Cena, with candid interviews discussing the biggest matches of his career. In a neat twist, they're all losses! In this way you unlock Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle, and assorted arenas. The bouts are great – the dirge soundtrack in place of commentary less so. MyGM is bolstered by a swathe of new options such as four-way play 🦩and secondary titles. And Universe mode, in which you run every show, contains one massive improvem♑ent. As well as matches, you direct cutscenes: specifying that you want one star to cheap-shot another before a match, or have two opponents show mutual respect after.

Soliꩲd as these inclusions are, Visuals Concepts is determined to funnel players into MyFaction – the equivalent of Ultimate Team from EA's FIFA series. You collect cards, build teams ofꦗ four, then take them into Towers, Live Events and other challenges against the AI. Or, new to this year, human opponents. The structure is solid, and opening packs to unearth wrestlers, managers, nameplates, and logos proves as fun as you'd expect if you're a regular FIFA 23 player.

There's a sucker punch, though. The addition of online matches ensures a race to get the top c✨ards – but, unlike FIFA, there's no market or auction house for you to buy and sell. You either find them in packs, or pay a set price fro🔴m the in-game Store. Across the coming year fans are going to shell out hundreds of pounds or dollars chasing special versions of The Rock or Undertaker, for a game whose Icon edition already cost £104.99/$119.99. It's a hard structure to defend.

Wrestlers caged

There's one 🔯more issue with MyFaction. During the latter stages of WWE 2K22, Visual Concepts began dropping alternate looks for wrestlers, exclusive to that mode. Not only is it doing so again this year, it's promising this mode as thไe only way to stay up to date with onscreen gimmick changes. This doesn't feel right – imagine if FIFA or Madden started locking roster updates to MUT or FUT. If 2K wants to add bespoke gimmicks to a specific MyFaction card, fine. But an owner should be able to use it across all other modes.

Nonetheless, WWE 2K23 is a return to form, even with MyFaction muddying the waters. The new match enhancements deliver, its myriad modes will keep you hooked throughout the year, and the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster is well-rounded  too – with loads of surprise NXT additions such as Grayson Waller and Nikkita Lyons to bolster more celebrated names. This series looks set for a strong run on PS5 and Xbox Series X. So long as its annual focus doesn't bec𒅌ome milking fans for c𓄧ash, long after its WrestleMania release date. 

WWE 2K23 was reviewed on PS5 with a code provided by the publisher.

My takeaway from a two-hour hands-on is that it plays almost identically to WWE 2K22 – and this is a very, very good thing. Indeed, as someone still plowing three or four hours per week into that game, it’s what I’d hoped for. Many moves, such as the spear-into-pin combo, have been reanimated. A new optional pinning mechanic, flicking the right stick up at the correct point of a timing bar, neatly mimics the physical feel of kicking out. Fresh 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 roster additions Cody Rhod🦂es and Bron Breakker do not disappoint. Overall, it feels like a safe yet solid extension of last year’s game.

This means WarGames

Not sold on WWE 2K23 for the above reasons? Rest assured the big new match type is a winner, too. WarGames was a WCW favorite back in the late ‘80s, and made its WWE debut in 2017 on developmental brand NXT. After taking its main roster bow at Nove🃏mber’s Survivor Series, it’s now in a videogame for the first time ever too. It’s exactly as fun, chaotic and – towards the climax – desperate as you’d hope.

The🍷 match type pits teams of three against one another, with one member of each starting out in the rings, and the other two confined to shark cages. In real life these are on the entrance stage; WWE 2K23 places them atop a set of steps in the crowd area. That requires some suspension of disbelief but becomes irrelevant once the action kicks in. You and your opponent duke it out for a minute or so before one of the shark cages opens, and a team-mate heads to the rings. You’ve noticed I’ve written ‘rings’, as in plural? Yep – that’s no typo. The set-up for WarGames is two rings, side by side, in an extended steel cage. It’s an incredible playground for mayhem.

The first team-mate arriving changes the dynamic for two reasons. It affords a brief numbers advantage, and the newcomer is able to collect a weapon before entering the ring. By the time all six combatants have entered it’s full of chairs, tables and Stop signs. The two opponents who started the match are flagging; the two newest additions are fresh. Only at this point can victory be achieved, by pin or submission. Within 30 seconds you can be nailing a finisher in one ring, dashing to the other to save a pin attempt on a team-mate, and climbing the cage to launch a crazy diving move. It’s carnage, 🤪and exactly what the match should be.

A few quick character notes from assorted War Games matches: Edge has finally had a haircut after numerous years of the series featuring his long-haired look. Breakker and Rhodes’ models are faultless, right down to them getting unique nameplates during their entrances. Becky Lynch has her stony faced ‘Big Time Becks’ entrance, which f꧅eels outdate⭕d – let’s hope the Irish lass kicker’s ‘face’ movements are included too. Although it’s also true that advanced entrances, where you can update a character’s ring walk in stages, are back this year – so fixing Lynch shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

The big Showcase

Also returning is Showcase mode, where you relive the career of a popular superstar, unlo🌟cking treats along the way. This year it’s devoted to a series mainstay from the Smackdown gaming era: WWE 2K23 cover athlete John Cena. The structure is what you’re used to: Watch intro video. Start match. Complete objectives to trigger cut-ins of real footage. Finish match. Unlock new character and arena.

Some smart design decisions freshen it up, however. For one, Cena’s intro videos feel candid and honest. I love Rey Mysterio, but his interviews🔯 for last year’s mode stuck rigidly to ‘kayfabe’, in which wrestlers pretend wrestling is an authentic sporting content. Cena cunningly straddles the line between ‘real’ and ‘choreographed’, offering insightful perspectives on bouts with Rob Van Dam and Kurt Angle. What’s more, in each match you’re tasked with defeating Cena – so you always get to play as a different character, adding variety. Cool.

The knock-on effe🍌ct is that in-match instructions, which you need to follow to score all unlockables, are delivered from Cena’s perspective: ‘[Rob] used a Hammer Throw to toss me to the floor like a sack of potatoes.’ This too differentiates Showcase from its previous guises, even if there are a few moments where these hints don’t sound as natural as you’d like: ‘He followed me to ringside, where he stunned me with a Light Combo’. But added to the challenge of playing as Cena’s opponents and his bordering-on-honest chats, they should turn the mode into an engaging five hours’ worth of FU-evading and Big-John-bashing.

Still, you’re entitled to want to play this for five months (and more), rather than hours. That’s where GM Mode, in which you build your own super brand, and the card-collecting MyFaction come to the party. They don’t form part of my preview build, so judgment on these key elements will have to wait until our WWE 2K23 review in mid-March. For now, however, I’m truly encouraged. WWE 2K22 was the complete reset that this series so desperately needed. With that achieved, WarGames and a refreꦉshed roster look like launching it another step closer to main event status.

Whilst nothing is set in stone - at least not yet - Insider Gaming reckons 2K is planning on holding a WWE 2K23 event at the Royal Rumble event in San Antonio, TX, on January 28. The site also teases that the event 𒁃will offer a hands-on gameplay preview for guests as well as pull back the curtain on an all-new mജode, too.

Interestingly, the sit⭕e also believes that more information is expected to be announced on February 1, although it's unclear if that's pertaining to embargoed content from the January Royal Rumble event or something completely new. We'll find out one way or the other soon enough, I guess.

"WWE 2K22 saw Visual Concepts overcome the disaster that was WWE 2K20, revitalizing the series with genuine physicality, user-friendly mechanics and huge cosmetic upgrades," Ben wrote in his feature, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K23 guide: Everything we know so far. "GR awarded it 3.5 stars, and patches since have bolstered it furthe☂r."

"The diluted feel of MyGM when compared to its forebears is a blow, and legacy flaws are frustrating, but there’s so much else to like he𝔍re," Ben said in his WWE 2K22 review. 

"The in-real action feels fresh and weighty. Animations, likenesses, and entrances all blow previous series entries away🌄. And both MyFaction and Universe offer long-term value for money. After two-and-a-half years, developer Visual Concepts finally brings ♏closure to the disastrous WWE 2K20 era. Over to you, AEW."

Ben also t𝔉ouched upon the post-release rumors that suggested that WWE may have quietly cut ties with 2K, with 2K22 acting as the series’ swansong. However, that seems less likely the closer we get to release, which is rumored to be in March 2023, a year after WWE 2K22 hit the mat.

Keep up to date with all the best games set to launch next year with our guide to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:new games 2023. 

1 Bryan Danielson / Daniel Bryan

Creator Iconic is a name you’ll get used to seeing inꦿ this list. The first of his three entries brings WWE’s most popular face of recent times back to the longstanding series. Danie𝔉lson departed the company in 2021 to sign for AEW, where he feuded against – and then teamed up with – the artist formerly known as Dean Ambrose. He’s on this list too, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves…

2 CM Punk

The most shocking return of 2021 saw Chicago’s favourite son return after a seven-year absence. His first match back versus Darby Allin was a hit, and things got even better in 2022 with a memorable feud against cocky, bolshy MJF – who’s sure to be added to this guide in due course. This in-game version of punk is the work of DreCAWS.

3 Paige

Having been immortalised by the hilarious Stephen Merchant film Fighting With My Family, the two-time Divas Champion seemed a lock for the roster despite retiring through injury. That turned out not to be the case, and she publicly called out developer 2K for her omission on Twitter post-release. For now, this CAW by Blunty is the best means of using her in-game.

4 Bron Breakker

Rick Steiner’s son has been a sensation since debuting last year, capturing the NXT Championship from Tommaso Ciampa and earning comparisons to uncle Scott Steiner and even Brock Lesnar. As such there are loads of WWE 2K22 CAWs bearing his likeness, but four attires give this MisterFiendX model the edge. The same creator has also uploaded an exce🦋llent Wardl♏ow from AEW.

5 Mark Henry

There are a number of excellent World’s Strongest Man doppelgängers on the Community Creations servers, but I’m using the one made by NXTDiscipleTB for two reasons. Unlike most others it h🌠as two distinct attires, including Henry’s Bent On Destruction entrance tee, and there’s some very sl♕ight variation in its two assigned finishers – Front Slam 1 and Front Slam 3.

6 Lita

This 2014 Hall Of Famer has one of the most recognisable faces in wrestling, making her tricky to get right in CAW form – although plenty have tried. HarryPotterFan’s attempt is the one featured here and definitely scores a 7/10. She’s a particularly surprising omission from the roster having returned ear🅷li🦄er this year to battle Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship.

7 Jon Moxley / Dean Ambrose

As promised in the Bryan Danielson entry, here’s another AEW import whose switch from WWE stunned the wrestling world – especially given that wife Renee Young was also contracted to the company at the time. Now firmly established as a megastar in his new home, he’ll score lots of downloads from Community Creations, and this Iconic effort is the pick of the bunch.

8 Zelina Vega

Axed by WWE in late 2020, Zelina made a surprise comeback the following summer, going on to win the first ever Queen’s Crown tournament. This CAW was made by ConcertContenderMania. Wondering why defeated Queen’s Crown finalist Doudrop doesn’t make the list? You’ll find her alongside Ronda Rousey, Rick Boogs and Omos in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 DLC guide instead.

9 The Great Khali

Creator WhatsTheStatus is beloved within the community, as he’s fished out attires hidden in other modes, then shared them for use across the game – such as Booker T and Happy Corbin’s King of🅘 the Ring gimmicks. Khali is his first bespoke creation in this year’s game, and looks and feels exactly like the lumbering giant who stomped around WWE rings from 2006 to 2014.

10 Aliyah

It took six years for Aliyah to advance from NXT to the main WWE roster, but 2021 finally saw her achieve that ambition by being drafted to Smackdown in October. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to earn the spritely Canadian a video game spot. She’s very popular on the Community Creations servers, however, and this creation by Blunty is the best one so far.

11 Corey Graves

Another appearance on this list for creator WhatsTheStatus, and this is exactly what we mean by mining character models already stashed in the game. Graves is only officially included as a comme𝕴ntator, but WhatsTheStatus has managed to unlock the former NXT grappler for playable use. The only downside is he’s announced as ‘The Superstar’. St♋ill, you can live with that, right?

12 Carmelo Hayes

The third and final appearance from Iconic on this list sees the creator bring reigning North American Champion to life with an exceptional facial likeness and authentic tattoos. Hayes was signed by WWE in 2021 and made his debut in a losing battle for the Cruiserweight Championship against Kushida 🌃that June, but has swiftly c💖emented himself as an NXT roster highlight.

13 Bray Wyatt

He's back! Fans clamoured for The Fiend to be included in WWE 2K22 despite his release in July 2021, but either WWE or 2K wasn’t playing ball with that idea. He first appeared in the series as Husky Harris, back in WWE 12, and was a pre-order bonus for WWE 2K20. This Azorthious creation features three different Wyatt attires for you to choose from, and there♉ a⛦re likely to be more soon after his return to WWE in October 2022.

14 Cody Rhodes

The former AEW headliner made a shock return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, overcoming Seth Rollins on his first night back, and picking up wins over The Miz and Kevin Owens in subsequent weeks. Inevitably the Community Creations servers have been inundated with Rhodes CAWs as a result. There are plenty of decent ones, but it's Iconic yet again who just about outdoes the rest.

15 AJ Lee

While CM Punk has made an incredibly successful return to the squared circle, wife AJ Lee remains happily retired – meaning we won't be seeing the three-time Divas Champion in any upcoming videogame. All power to LassKickBoss, then, for co🍌ming to the rescue. His WWE 2K22 CAW features two highl💧y realistic outfits, plus an accurate moveset and entrance for the pint-sized scrapper.

16 Nash Carter

Wes Lee's tag partner in MSK was released by WWE in May, and immediately removed from the WWE 2K22 DLC schedule as a result. However, Lee still appeared in the Stand Back Pack. If you're seeking to reunite them in game then Iconic is ye𝔍t again the guy to credit for this exc༺ellent creation. 

17 Sting

As of Wednesday, 28 September, this doppelgänger by DreCAWS is the most downloaded character on PlayStation since release, having been imported an incredible 360,335🧸 times. To go with the former WCW champ, the same creator has also made strong versions of AEW stars Jade Cargill, Danhausen and Scorpio Sky.

18 Solo Sikoa

Drew McIntyre looked set to send 60,000 UK fans home happy at Clash at the Castle in September, with the Scotsman a split-second away from pinning Roman Reigns for two world titles. Enter Solo Sikoa. Reigns' cousin pulled the ref from the ring to a huge chorus of boos, and McIntyre's moment was lost. Want to seek revenge in WWE 2K23? Iconic is yet again the creator to search for.

19 Chris Jericho

Iconic? Again? Y💮ep! The CAW-ma♑ker has had an especially prolific year since the release of WWE 2K22, and the same can be said of former world champion Chris Jericho. Now in AEW, he recently captured the ROH Championship to further a gold collection that also contains three WWE World Heavyweight Championships and a monstrous nine Intercontinental Championship wins. 

WWE 2K22 wrestler names explained

To ensure this list is completely up to date, we’ve sorted contracted WWE wrestlers according to their current names. Some of 🐟these have changed since WWE 2K22 was released – in these instances, we’ve added a note to clarify. For instance, Gunther is known in the game as Walter, Ludwig Kaiser as Marcel Barthel, and Alba Fyre as Kay Lee Ray.

For those Legends and those no longer with WWE, we’ve maintainᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚed their in-game name, as it’s usually their best-known moniker from their time wrestling for the company.

All WWE 2K22 Legends

• Andre The Giant (M, 88)
• Batista (M, 88)
• Beth Phoenix (M, 87)
• Big Boss Man (M, 81)
• The Boogeyman (M, 81) [DLC]
• Booker T (M, 88)
• Bret Hart (M, 91)
• British Bulldog (M, 86) [DLC]
• Cactus Jack (M, 82) [DLC]
• Diesel (M, 87) / Kevin Nash (M, 88)
• Doink The Clown (M, 81) [DLC]
• Eddie Guerrero (M, 90)
• Eric Bischoff (M, 69)
• Faarooq (M, 88)
• Goldberg (M, 88)
• Hulk Hogan (M, 91)
• The Hurricane (M, 82) [DLC]
• JBL (M, 88)
• Jerry Lawler (M, 86)
• Jim Neidhart (M, 86)
• John Cena (M, 92)
• Kane (M, 82)
• Mr McMahon (M, 76)
• Papa Shango (M, 79)
• Razor Ramon (M, 84) / Scott Hall (M, 87)
• Randy Savage (M, 88)
• Ric Flair (M, 88)
• Rikishi (M, 86) [DLC]
• Road Dogg (M, 85)
• Rob Van Dam (M, 91) [DLC]
• The Rock (M, 93)
• Roddy Piper (M, 85)
• Shane McMahon (M, 79)
• Shawn Michaels (M, 88)
• Steve Austin (M, 92)
• Ted DiBiase (M, 85)
• Triple H (M, 91)
• Ultimate Warrior (M, 88)
• Umaga (M, 88) [DLC]
• The Undertaker (M, 90)
• Vader (M, 91) [DLC]
• X-Pac (M, 85)
• Yokozuna (M, 90) [DLC]
• Chyna (F, 87)
• Stacy Keibler (F, 75) [DLC]
• Stephanie McMahon (F, 77)
• Trish Stratus (F, 88)

WWE 2K22 Raw wrestlers

• AJ Styles (M, 91)
• Akira Tozawa (M, 75)
• Angelo Dawkins (M, 80)
• Austin Theory (M, 80)
• Bobby Lashley (M, 91)
• Cedric Alexander (M, 76)
• Chad Gable (M, 76)
• Damian Priest (M, 84)
• Dexter Lumis (M, 79)
• Dolph Ziggler (M, 82)
• Dominik Mysterio (M, 79)
• Edge (M, 91)
• Ezekiel (M, 75) [known in game as Elias]
• Finn Balor (M, 87)
• Johnny Gargano (M, 82)
• Kevin Owens (M, 85)
• Logan Paul (M, 80) [DLC]
• The Miz (M, 86)
• Matt Riddle (M, 85) [known in game as Riddle]
• Montez Ford (M, 82)
• MVP (M, 80)
• Omos (M, 82) [DLC]
• Otis (M, 77)
• R-Truth (M, 77)
• Randy Orton (M, 88)
• Rey Mysterio (M, 90)
• Robert Roode (M, 81)
• Tommaso Ciampa (M, 84)
• Seth Rollins (M, 81)
• Shelton Benjamin (M, 81)
• T-Bar (M, 76)
• Titus O’Neill (M, 76)
• Alexa Bliss (F, 84)
• Asuka (F, 90)
• Becky Lynch (F, 92)
• Bianca Belair (F, 87)
• Carmella (F, 79)
• Dakota Kai (F, 79)
• Dana Brooke (F, 74)
• Doudrop (F, 82) [DLC]
• Iyo Sky (F, 82) [known in game as Io Shirai]
• Maryse (F, 79)
• Nikki ASH (F, 82)
• Rhea Ripley (F, 86)
• Tamina (F, 75)

WWE 2K22 Smackdown wrestlers

• Angel (M, 79) [known in game as Angel Garza]
• Big E (M, 87)
• Braun Strowman (M, 90)
• Brock Lesnar (M, 94)
• Butch (M, 81) [known in game as Pete Dunne]
• Drew Gulak (M, 79)
• Drew McIntyre (M, 91)
• Erik (M, 80)
• Giovanni Vinci (M, 80) [known in game as Fabian Aichner]
• Gunther (M, 86) [known in game as Walter]
• Happy Corbin (M, 81)
• Humberto (M, 77) [known in game as Humberto Carrillo]
• Ivar (M, 81)
• Jey Uso (M, 85)
• Jimmy Uso (M, 85)
• Jinder Mahal (M, 77)
• Karrion Kross (M, 84)
• Kofi Kingston (M, 88)
• Ludwig Kaiser (M, 79) [known in game as Marcel Barthel]
• Mace (M, 76)
• Max Dupri (M, 81) [DLC, known in game as LA Knight]
• Mansoor (M, 80)
• Mustafa Ali (M, 77)
• Rick Boogs (M, 81) [DLC]
• Ricochet (M, 82)
• Roman Reigns (M, 95)
• Sami Zayn (M, 80)
• Sheamus (M, 85)
• Shinsuke Nakamura (M, 88)
• Xavier Woods (M, 86)
• Bayley (F, 88)
• Charlotte Flair (F, 90)
• Lacey Evans (F, 81)
• Liv Morgan (F, 77)
• Naomi (F, 79)
• Natalya (F, 84)
• Raquel Rodriguez (F, 81) [known in game as Raquel Gonzalez]
• Ronda Rousey (F, 91) [DLC]
• Sasha Banks (F, 88)
• Shayna Baszler (F, 84)
• Shotzi (F, 77)
• Sonya Deville (F, 79)
• Xia Li (F, 76) [DLC]

WWE 2K22 NXT wrestlers

• Apollo Crews (M, 81)
• Axiom (M, 82) [DLC, known in game as A-Kid]
• Cameron Grimes (M, 79)
• Commander Azeez (M, 77) [DLC]
• Cruz Del Toro (M, 79) [known in game as Raul Mendoza]
• Ilja Dragunov (M, 86) [DLC]
• JD McDonagh (M, 79) [known in game as Jordan Devlin]
• Joaquin Wilde (M, 79)
• Katana Chance (F, 79) [DLC, known in game as Kacy Catanzaro]
• Roderick Strong (M, 80)
• Santos Escobar (M, 81)
• Tyler Bate (M, 82)
• Wes Lee (M, 79) [DLC]
• Alba Fyre (F, 81) [known in game as Kay Lee Ray]
• Indi Hartwell (F, 77) [DLC]
• Mandy Rose (F, 80)
• Sarray (F, 80) [DLC]

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with AEW

• Ariya Daivari (M, 70)
• Cesaro (M, 84)
• Isaiah Scott (M, 80)
• Jake Roberts (M, 85)
• Jeff Hardy (M, 85)
• Keith Lee (M, 80)
• Kyle O’Reilly (M, 81)
• Murphy (M, 77)
• Samoa Joe (M, 86)
• William Regal (M, 85)
• Ember Moon (F, 81)
• Toni Storm (F, 80)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with Impact

• Mickie James (F, 81)
• Mia Yim (F, 79)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with MLW

• Lince Dorado (M, 75)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with NJPW

• Kushida (M, 79)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers with Pro Wrestling NOAH

• Timothy Thatcher (M, 80)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with CMLL

• Gran Metalik (M, 79)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with WXW

• Alexander Wolfe (M, 77)

WWE 2K22 wrestlers now with NWA

• Fandango (M, 77)

All WWE 2K22 free agents

• The Brian Kendrick (M, 74)
• Candice LeRae (F, 77)
• Danny Burch (M, 77)
• John Morrison (M, 80)
• Kalisto (M, 74)
• Oney Lorcan (M, 76)
• Slapjack (M, 71)
• Tucker (M, 71)
• Tyler Breeze (M, 77)
• Billie Kay (F, 77)
• Lana (F, 71)
• Nia Jax (F, 82)
• Peyton Royce (F, 79)
• Tegan Nox (F, 79)
• Trent Seven (M, 77)

Playable list of WWE 2K22 Celebrities

• Machine Gun Kelly (M, 80) [DLC]
• Mr T (M, 84) [DLC]

WWE 2K22 managers

• Bobby Heenan (M)
• Mr McMahon (M)
• Paul Heyman (M)
• Triple H (M)
• Scarlett (F)
• Stephanie McMahon (F)

WWE 2K22 alternates

• Dolph Ziggler ’09 (M, 80)
• Eddie Guerrero ’97 (M, 87)
• Finn Balor Demon (M, 90)
• Kane ’08 (M, 90)
• Kevin Nash NWO (M, 88) [DLC]
• Hollywood Hogan (M, 93) [DLC]
• The Miz 11 (M, 90)
• Rey Mysterio ’05 (M, 84)
• Rey Mysterio ’06 (M, 87)
• Rey Mysterio ’08 (M, 86)
• Rey Mysterio ’09 (M, 88)
• Rey Mysterio Dec ’09 (M, 87)
• Rey Mysterio ’11 (M, 88)
• Rey Mysterio Jr (M, 82)
• Rey Mysterio Jr ’96 (M, 82)
• Seth Rollins ’20 (M, 88)
• Scott Hall NWO (M, 90) [DLC]
• Syxx (M, 88) [DLC]
• The Undertaker ’95 (M, 88) [DLC]
• The Undertaker ’98 (M, 93) [DLC]
• The Undertaker WM36 (M, 91) [DLC]
• Reckoning (F, 76)

Want profiles of everyone featured above? Then leap on over to our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster guide.

Over the weekend, a user on the (via ) noted that several older WWE games൲, including 2K17, 2K18, 2K19, and 2K20 had all recently been removed from Steam. shows that all four of these games were removed from sale on July 13.

These games have also gone missing from the Xbox and PlayStation stores. If you search for them either in your brows♌er or on the consoles themselves, your results will come up empty. DLC has been delistedꦗ, too, though for now WWE 2K20's Backstage Pass is still available on the PlayStation Store. Otherwise, your only digital options are WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K Battlegrounds.

2K announced a "server sunset" on June 30, 2022 for games like 2K20 in a series of , mentioning that "you will no longer be able to access any online game mode after this point, however if you already own the game you will be able to continue to play offline m🐻odes." There was no clear indication of the planned delisting, however.

Other 2K sports games have similarly been delisted after launch, but their sup💟port articles are much clearer about 🐟what was set to happen. For NBA 2K20, the that "as of January 1st, 2022 this game will no longer be available for purchase."

In all cases, you can still download these games if you&apos🍌;d previously purchased them, though you might be disappointed by the lack of DLC purchase options if you're hopping back into an older title.

The delistings are perhaps less notable on consoles, where physical copies of these games are readily available, but with the Steam versions removed from purchase, PC players no longer have any legal means of getting access to the sports (or sports entertainment)🏅 they're looking for.

A WWE-branded wrestling RPG is in the works, if you need a break from all those 2K simulations.

How do I get the WWE 2K22 DLC characters?

There are 27 in total, not including pre-order additions such as Eric Bischoff, The NWO, and various alternates for The Undertaker and Rey Mysterio. They were released in five different packs, with the fꦫirst landing on April 26, and the final one dropping on July 19. There’s a complete list of each pack, its contents, and release da🃏te, at the foot of this piece.

Individual packs cost £7.99/$9.99. Alternatively you can grab the season pass, covering all five packs, for £32.99/$39.99. As a bonus, it ꦆgrants you 200 Attribute Points to use in the MyRise career mode, in addition to 𒁃all the characters below.

Who are the WWE 2K22 DLC legends?

12 legends arrived in WWE 2K22 as part of ꧅the five DLC packs.

April’s Banzai Pack featured three Samoan favourites in Umaga, Rikishi and Yokozuna. Yes, while the latter was depicted as Japanese onscreen, he was in fact a member of the Anoa’i family – and cou🌳sin to not only Umaga and Rikishi, but also The Rock and Roman Reigns.

May’s Most Wanted Pack is named after Cactus Jack, and also brings The Boogeyman and Vader to the roster, while Hurricane Helms and Stacy Keibler arrived as part of the Stand Back Pack in June. It’s Keibler’s fiℱrst vi⛄deo game appearance since Smackdown vs Raw 2006, so an impressive signing on 2K’s part.

July’s Clowning Around Pack content drop then added Doink The Clown, British Bulldog, and Hulk Hogan’s WrestleMania 1 partner Mr T, so prepare to pity some fools.

One more former favourite landed with a Five-Star Flog Splash as part of July’s The Whole Dam Pack, and that name is a giveaway. It is, of course, Rob Van Dam.

What about the WWE 2K22 DLC current stars?

Visual Concepts offe🐷rs an encouraging DLC set of Raw and Smackdown wrestlers, unlike previous years. There are six in total.

The list is headlined by UFC legend and 2022 Royal Rumble winner Ronda Rousey. The only catch was that you had to wait until June’s Clowning Around Pack to get her, along with Scottish brawler Doudrop and Shinsuke Nakamura’s guitar-playing compere Rick Boogs.

Also added is AJ Styles’ tag-partner-turned-foe Omos, via the Banzaಌi Pack in April. His 7ft 3in frame makes for lots of jobber-slinging fun given WWE 2K22𓄧’s improved weightiness.

The other main-roster members are recent Smackdown draftee Xia Li, and Apollo Crews’ sidekick Commander Azeez, previously known as Dabba-Kato. That pair dropped in T🅺he Whole Dam Pack, in July.

Will there be any WWE 2K22 NXT DLC?

Third brand NXT does fantastically out of the WWE 2K22 DLC, with seven new playable c🅺haracters coming your way.

First up was the unfathomably athletic Kacy Catanzaro, as part of April’s Banzai Pack, while May unleashed UK champ Ilja Dragunov and Aussie import Indi Hartwell through the Most Wanted pack. Hartwell’s inclusion enables you to reunite Th𒀰e Way in-game, as Johnny Gargano is included on-disc despite leaving the🎀 company in December 2021.

Another UK-based grappler arrived via June’s Stand Back Pack in A-Kid, alongside former NXT tag champion Wes Lee. Lee's MSK tag partner, Nash Carter, was also announced for the pack, only to be released by WWE. Instead you get Booker T E🐭VO and Seth Rollins Sapphire cards for MyFaction. Hmmm.

Lee and A-Kid were followed up in July by LA Knight, who previously worked for Impact Wrestling as Eli Drake, and Sarray, who moved to WWE from Japan in 2021.

Sadly there’s no Bron Breakker DLC, but you can instead nab him right now using GR's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 CAWs guide.

Surely we’re not getting WWE 2K22 celebrity DLC too?

We are! Two celebrities landed as part of The Whole Dam pack in July. They are rapper Machine Gun Kelly, who performed at WrestleMania 28 and helped collate the WWE 2K22 soundtrack, along with YouTube personality and new Raw singing Logan Paul.

Where can I see the full WWE 2K22 DLC pack list?

Right here. All five packs, and 27 wrestlers, are listed in chronological or🐬der below.

April 26: Banzai Pack

• Yokozuna
• Umaga
• Rikishi
• Omos
• Kacy Catanzaro

May 17: Most Wanted Pack

• Cactus Jack
• The Boogeyman
• Vader
• Ilja Dragunov
• Indi Hartwell

June 7: Stand Back Pack

• Hurricane Helms
• Stacy Keibler
• A-Kid
• Wes Lee

June 28: Clowning Around Pack

• Doink The Clown
• Ronda Rousey
• The British Bulldog
• Mr. T
• Doudrop
• Rick Boogs

July 19: The Whole Dam Pack

• Rob Van Dam
• Logan Paul
• Machine Gun Kelly
• LA Knight
• Xia Li
• Commander Azeez
• Sarray

Just got the game and need some key lessons in and out of the ring? Then jump over to our rundown of seven essential 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 tips.

Adam Pearce & William Regal

We kick things off with an NPC. Adam Pearce is one of five options to front your show in MyGM, along with Will💯iam Regal, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Sonya Deville. However, he's t♔he only one from that list who you can't use as a playable character. More on Deville and the McMahons later in this guide.

AJ Styles

WWE 2K19 cover star AJ Styles is unsurprisingly confirmed after a glittering career spanning WCW, ROH, TNA, and WWE. Former tag partner Omos – previously known as Jorda🐈n Omogbehin – had to wait for a DLC spot, despite enhancing his on-disc chances by claiming the Raw tag championships with Styles at WrestleMania 37. But he's available now, ♔too.

Akira Tozawa & Drew Gulak

All-cruiserweight show 205 Live was still a big deal when WWE 2K20 hit, with names like Akira Tozawa, Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, Lince Doradoꦉ and Gran Metalik doing underrated jobs on the very watchable show. Sadly that division has been gutted in the intervening years, and Tozawa and Gulak represent the last men standing. 

Alexa Bliss

One of WWE’s most baffling character choices of the last 12 months has bee🐎n repackaging Bliss as ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt’s sidekick – then having her feud with Randy Orton in the latter’s absence.✨ Mercifully that storyline ended at WrestleMania, with Bliss crying black tears as Wyatt lost clean to Orton following an RKO.

Alexander Wolfe & Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel & Walter

All three of ace European trio Imperium are draft⛎🎶ed into the 2K series for the first time, with Gunther mercifully listed under his old (and better) name of Walter. The Austrian famously amassed a record-setting 870 days as NXT UK Champion between 2019 and 2021. Similarly, Ludwig Kaiser is still known as Marcel Barthel. Former member Wolfe is also included, despite being released in May 2021.

Andre The Giant, Big Boss Man & Roddy Piper

A threesome of sadly departed icons who made🌄 th🔯eir name in the era of Hasbro figures, Merlin sticker albums and crazy cartoon-like characters. While Boss Man and Piper make the roster, there's no place for zany rivals like Akeem, Nailz or The Mountie.

Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo

One of the newer tag-teams on the roster, Los Lotharios were paired together after Carrillo's promising performances as a high-flying fa🐼ce failed to produce singles gold. He first popped up in WWE 2K20, while this is Garza's debut series appearance.

Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford

The Street Profits were fast-tracked to the Raw roster in 2019 after shining on NXT, and by the turn of 2021 had enjoyed tag-title reigns on both main WWE brands. The concern is what happens next: WWE h𓆉as a history of breaking up tandems for the sake of it, such as other former NXT faves American Alpha and Heavy Machinery. 

Apollo Crews

Once beloved on the in𓆏dependent circuit as Uhaa Nation, WWE never quite got Crews’ character right as a babyface - and so turned him heel, complete with cringeworthy fake Nigerian accent. He overcame the dodgy new voice to claim the Intercontinental title from Big E at WrestleMania 37.

Ariya Daivari & Brian Kendrick & Gran Metalik & Kalisto & Lince Dorado

Looks like we spoke too soon in that Tozawa and Gulak entry. WWE's 🍃cruiserweight roster may have been gutted in 2021, but shortly before the game's street date this quintet of released grapplers were confirmed for WWE 2K22𒈔 regardless. It means one last hurrah for the Lucha House Party.

Asuka

Presented with the Raw Women's Ch🦂ampionship upon Becky Lynch’s maternity leave, Asuka briefly traded the belt with Sasha Banks before slaying all comers in 2020. Aussie newcomer Rhea Ripley finally dethroned her at WrestleMania 37,🦩 but it won't be long before she's back in the gold.

Austin Theory

As highlighted in our extensive 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 preview, the most requested new feature this year is MyGM – and its announcement came alongside confirmation of Theory as one of the roster's freshest heels. After a false start on Raw in 2020, he was recalled a year later in order to feud with the evergreen Jeff Hardy (more on wꩲhom later). 

Batista

Drax The Destroyer is back in a WWE ring, albeit only in the virtual sense. Big Dave hasn't wrestled an actual match since facing off with Triple H at WrestleMania 35, in 2019 – and you have to go back yet another five years for his previous bout before that🐟. Now's your chance to make him guardian of a world championship, in addition to the galaxy. 

Bayley

In May, new WWE 2K22 supremo Patrick Gilmore revealed that Bayley was the very first wrestler captured for this year’s game. “First to get scanned this year was ,” he wrote on . “Thank you, Bayley! I owe you a bottle of wine𝐆. Name your grape and it’s on the way.” Her response? “I'll take a case of 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Edition and the cover of the video game too, thanks!!”

Becky Lynch

WWE’s biggest star of recent times had the misfortune of being cover athlete on total dud WWE 2K20 – but enjoyed much happier real-life news with partner Seth Rollins (who’s also a cert for WW🐷E 2K22), giving birth to daughter Roux in February 2021. She returned at Summerlam, immediately capturing the Smackdown Women's Championship from Bianc🔜a Belair.

Beth Phoenix & Chyna & Trish Stratus

This trio of female legends boasts 12 women's championships and two Intercontinental title reig𓃲ns between them, with Chyna having invaded the WWE male division to feud with Jeff Jarrett and Chris Jericho. Phoenix's appearance ♐is timely, as she teamed up with real-life husband Edge as 2022 got underway.

Bianca Belair

After graduating fro🅷m developmental brand NXT in 2020, Belair stormed to victory in January’s female Royal Rum﷽ble – then claimed the Smackdown world title from Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37. She followed that up by downing Becky Lynch for the Raw equivalent one year later.

Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Collectively known as ♔The New Day, this timeless trio shockingly split in 2020 – with Big E claiming Intercontinental title glory on Smackdown, followed by a much-deserved world championship reign on Raw. It was a ꧑great year for Woods too, as he won the King of the Ring tournament. The threesome still appear together at big events and inevitably have a trio entrance included in WWE 2K22.

Billie Kay & Peyton Royce & Ember Moon

Impact Wrestling's recent tag champs score a last hurrah in 2K's series, despite being let go by WWE in 2021. The Aussies were known as The IInspiration in Impact, 𒉰but to WWE fans Kay and Royce will always be either the Iconic Duo, or The IIconics. Moon had an enjoyable feud with the pair during their ﷺNXT days, back in 2017.

Bobby Lashley & MVP

August's gameplay trailer, unleashed at Summerslam, confirmed 15 names for the WWE 2K22 roster – with the 'All Mighty' chief among them. Victory over Goldberg that night extended Lashley&apo✤s;s WWE Championship reign to six months, anꦅd he is joined in the videogame by long-time manager, and occasional tag partner, MVP. 

Booker T

A five-time WCW World Champion and one-time WWE World Champ, Booker was confirmed for WWE 2K22 via a behind-the-scene🥂s video showcasing the scanning tech being used in this year’s game. A May patch added༺ his King Booker alter-ego, too.

Braun Strowman & Brock Lesnar

With Bray𓃲 Wyatt and Braun Strowman released and Daniel Bryan jumping to rival AEW, the WWE 2K22 roster was in need of a star-power injection – so you sense developer Visual Concepts rejoiced as one when the larger-than-liꦅfe Lesnar returned at Summerslam. He's one of the game's highest-rated characters. Strowman was surprisingly also confirmed at the last minute.

Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart

Collectively the Hitman and Anvil formed one 🍰of the '80s' greatest tag teams, the Hart Foundation – before Bret broke away and established himself as an all-time solo great. Keeping it in the family, Jim's daughter Natalya also features in WWE 2K22. More on her later in this guide. 

Cameron Grimes & Dexter Lumis

Two strong NXT names take their series bow, despite Lumis being released from the company in April 2022. The pair feuded throughout the second half of 2000꧃, with Lumis eventually emerging on top in a brutal strap match at NXT TakeOver: War Games.

Candice LeRae & Johnny Gargano

A three-time North American champion, Johnny Gargano opened up 2021 as leader of stable NXT The Way. Real-life wife Candice LaRae was in WWE 2K20 and so also makes the roster as expected, but thꦜere was no place for team-mate Indi Hartwell. She does, however, instead get a slot as DLC, and is out now.

Carmella

Close inspection of 2K22's Summerslam trailer confirmed Carmella's spot on the roster – by taking a clothesline from the aforementioned Bayley. She feuded with Bianca Belair throughout the summer of 2021, but was unable to capture the Smackdown Women's Championship, first won in April 2018, for a second 𓃲time.

Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin

At the outset of 2021, four-𒉰man stable The Hurt Business was WWE's hottest act – making the decision to split it up just before W🌟restleMania all the more baffling. Lashley and MVP have prospered since, but the same can't be said of this pair. 

Cesaro

WWE 2K22's second confirmed wrestler, with the Swiss king of swing being shown chewing a 619 finisher from Rey Mysterio in the game's WrestleMania 37 reveal trailer. He fared much better at the real-life supershow, defeating Seth Rollins 🦋in a technically excellent Saturday night highlight.

Chad Gable & Otis & Tucker

WWE has become notorious in recent times for splitting up tag-teams before their time, and Heavy Machinery are a textbook example. Promoted from NXT to Smackdown in 2019, Tucker and Otis caught on with fans, partly due to the latter’s unique bowling-ball build – leading to an unnecessary break-up. After a short singles push Otis 🉐was back in tag action alongside Gable as Alpha Academy, and Tucker was released. Bravo.

Charlotte Flair & Toni Storm

Charlotte's father Ric Flair was one the first names confirmed for WWE 2K22, so the 13-time world champion was always certain to follow soon after. The daddy-daughter tandem appearing in WWE 2K22 together also means the return of inter-gender tag matches, one of WWE 2K20’s few decent additions. Storm last feuded with Charlotte before he♛r depar𒉰ture in December.

Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez

Raquel Gonzalez was a surprise November 2021 reveal in order to promote WWE 2K22 MyRise, a new mode in which you can ascend to the top of the wrestling world using either a male or female created character. Something she's doing adeptly in real life, having captured the NXT Women&ap💧os;s Championship from former tag partner Kai at NXT Takeover 36 last August.

Damian Priest

Renowned for his work in Ring Of Honor 🐻(ROH) as Punishment Martinez, Priest switched to WWE in 2018, and snagged NXT's North American Championship two years later. His rise continued in 2021 upon joining the Raw roster, and overcoming 🎉Sheamus for the United States Championship rubber-stamped Priest's application for a spot in WWE 2K22.

Dana Brooke

Now approaching the ninth anniversary of her time in WWE, Brooke has often split its fanbase, with some mediocre in-ring performances placed under the microscope. As a result she's yet to taste title gold inside the squared circle, but can't be accused of lacking resolve: this willꦜ be her༺ fifth consecutive 2K series appearance.

Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan

One of WWE 2K22's most exciting teams won't be back for next year's game: boꦜth Burch and Lorcan were released in 2020. Still, we're grateful to get 12 months' worth of heavy-hitting digital fun from the shaven-headed pair. It's Englishman Burch's first ever appearance in a WWE game, period.

Diesel, Hulk Hogan, Razor Ramon & X-Pac

Otherwise known as Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Syxx, Hogan and pals were confirmed in 2K's NWO 4-Life special edition announcement. As outlined in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 cover star story, you get 😼alternate outfits for all four, the💝 WCW Souled Out 1997 and WCW Bash At The Beach 1996 arenas, and an exclusive character we'll get to very shortly…

Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode

An unlikely pairing thrown together in 2019, this twosome transitioned into genuinely watchable tag title contenders – 🙈and finally overthrew Street Profits for the Smackdown gold in January 2021. The only doubt for WWE 2K22 was whether Roode’s superb solo theme Glorious would make the cut. Thankfully, it's in.

Dominik Mysterio

Rey Mysterio's son was confirmed for WWE 2K22 when Visual Concepts announced the new MyFaction mode, in which you build your own squad of past and present wrestlers to compete in weekly challenges. Despite the link to FIFA 22 Ultimate Team, the studio assured GR that the mode won't be pay-to-win in a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:November news story.

Drew McIntyre

As in real life, 2020 was a year like no other for WWE, with fans kept away from arenas for more than nine months. McIntyre carried the🌌 company during that time, claiming the WWE Championship twice and making hay from feuds with Randy Orton and AJ Styles. He was confirmed for the roster in November 2021.

Eddie Guerrero

Viva la raza! This Mexꦕican legend was confirmed for WWE 2K22 by long-time close friend (and in-ring rival) Rey Mysterio, who provides the focal point of Showcase mode. You're able to relive Guerrero and Mysterio's clash at WrestleMania 21, a feud based around 'custody' of Rey's son Dominik – who, ironically, is now a wrestler and makes his series 🅘debut this year.

Edge

Days ahead of his triumphant clash with Seth Rollins at Summerslam, 2K unveiled the above screenshot on Twitter – confirming both that the๊ 'Rated R Superstar' had made the WWE 2K22 roster, and that the game looks immaculate. Sadly, tag partner Christian isn't included after signing with rival federation AEW.

Elias

Once known on the independ🐷ent circuit as curious names such as Heavy Metal Jesus and Logan Shulo, the guitar-playing grappler has featured on WWE’s main roster since 2017 – but never with a fully defined role, aside fromꦯ his pre-match waxing lyrical. A short-lived tandem with Jaxson Ryker ended in May 2021, casting Elias adrift once more. He's now back, as Ezekiel.

Eric Bischoff

Remember me mentioning an additional exclusive packaged in the NWO 4-Life edition of WWE 2K22? Bischoff is that exclusive. The leatওher-jacketed gabbler is synonymous with the rise and fall of WCW, and this will be his first series appearance as a playable character since Smackdown Here Comes The Pain way back in 2003.

Erik & Ivar

Long known as one of most-feared teams on the US circuit𝓀, WWE transformed the War Raiders into first the Viking Experience, then the Viking Raiders – and much of their intimidatory aura disappeared with that beloved name. Even so, inౠ 2019 they made history by becoming the first tandem ever to win tag championships in ROH, New Japan and WWE.

Faarooq & JBL & Papa Shango

Unite▨ Faarooq and Papa Shango in WWE 2K22 and you're unwittingly reforming the faction that launched The Rock towards superstardom. After taking off the face paint, Charles Wright became part of Faarooq's 'Nation of Domination' troupe as Kama Mustafa – and young member Rocky Maivia would go on to outshine them all. Faarooq and JBL famous💖ly later teamed as the APA.

Fandango & Tyler Breeze

Fandango's theme made a little bit of history in 2013, hitting number 44 in the UK charts – and falling just 239 sales short of the Top ⛎40. That can be considered the peak of his WWE career, after both him and parꦐtner Breeze were released by WWE in the summer of 2021.

Finn Balor

The traditional modern career path in WWE sees a grappler spend a couple of years in NXT before ascending to the main roster. Balor followed that trend, eventually capturing the WWE Universal Championship in 20🍷16 – then returned from whence he came. Re-established in NXT from October 2019 onwards, he became champion of the brand for a second time by defeating Adam Cole last September.

Goldberg

Famed for obliterating all comers in a dominant late-'90s WCW spell, Goldberg's return to the ring at Summerslam 2021 ended in defeat to WWE Champion Bobby Lashley. Still, there was some good news on the same ༺night, as the WWE 2K22 trailer confirmed his spot in the upcoming game. 

Happy Corbin

There are plenty of fans who’d like to see Corbin disappear from WWE 2K22 – and the company altogether – but the 💃man himself enjoys riling up his haters on social media, and survived the early-2021ꦉ round of cuts which bade farewell to Braun Strowman and Aleister Black. Sidekick-turned-enemy Madcap Moss misses out on the roster, given that he only aligned with Corbin in September.

Io Shirai

Having debute🍌d alongside Dakota Kai in December 2018, Shirai is now established as a veteran presence on the NXT roster, racking up reigns as both NXT Women's and Tag Team ꦏchampion. Sadly partner Zoey Stark was only signed in 2021, too late to make the WWE 2K22 roster.

Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott

Make the most of Swerve's surprise call-up to the WWE 2K22 roster – the charismatic grappler was released on November 18, 2021, along with more established names such as John Morrison and Drake Maverick. Like many on this liꦕst, he's now in AEW, as Swerve Strickland. 

Jake Roberts & Jerry Lawler

꧃The Snake, meet The King. This pair of in-ring greats from the pre-2000s were two of the best heels going, always capable of riling up a crowd – and y൲et incredibly popular in their home states of Georgia and Tennessee respectively. Modern-day scripted promos mean we'll never see their like again. 

Jeff Hardy

 Jeff Hardy was confirmed in a late-2021 trailer for WWE 2K22 – but then released by the actual WWE. Most assumed that meant him being removed from the final game, particularly with rumours that he'd be a 2022 addition to the rival 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster. He has since signed for AEW – but surprisingly makes the 2K🅘22 roster too.

Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso

These multi-time champs will both make WWE 2K22, but they’ve been through markedly different experiences in recent times. As Jimmy recovered from injury, twin brother Jey spent 2020-21 feuding with cousin Rom♏an Reigns, only to align with him and christen himself ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso. It paid off when he won the annual Andre The Giant Battl🦄e Royal in April.

Jinder Mahal

You’d have been a laughing stock on wrestling forums in 2014 for suggesting that two members of comedy troupe 3MB would one day be world champions. Yet here we are, with Drew McIntyre’s long ဣ2020 reign following Mahal’s six-month stint as WWE Champ in 2017. Wherefore art thou, Heath Slater?

Joaquin Wilde, Raul Mendoza & Santos Escobar

Given that their stint in WWE has been limited to NXT only, the faction known as Legado Del Fantasma were considered distant outsiders for the roster – until Wilde popped up in a screen captured from the new MyGM Mode. Escobar is the trio's figurehead, having starred in Lucha Libre federation AAA as El Hijo del Fantasma, and later enjoyed a 321-day reig🎶n as WWE cruiserweight champion.

John Cena

The most decorated wrestler of modern times – anꦓd I mean in terms of belts rather than garish T-shirts – hasn’t been a TV regular since 2017, but he’ll still be a fixture of this series for many years to come thanks to 16 world championship reigns, five US Championship reigns, five WrestleMania main events, and TV and film appearances. Yes, even 12 Rounds.

John Morrison, The Miz & Maryse

Three-time tag champions John Morrison and The Miz were surprisingly spli꧒t up in the summer of 2021, but fans still looked forward to seeing Morrison in his first WWE game for more than a decade. Those dreams looked to be over when the former Johnny Nitro was axed from the company in November 2021. However, the pair remain together in the game – and Miz's wife Maryse merits a spot too.

Jordan Devlin

In making his series debut, Bray export Devlin becomes the fourth Irish member of the WWE 2K22 roster, alongside Becky Lynch, Finn Balor, and Sheamus. He spent much of the pandemic as Cruiserweight Champion, finally being felled for the gold after 438 d𝔉ays by Santos Escobar.

Kane

Glenn Jacobs has been absent from WWE TV through much of 2020 and 2021, with good reason: we're in the midst of a global pandemic, and he has an important real-world job as mayor of ♏Knox County. Nonetheless, his past as a former WWE Champion and storyline brother to The Undertaker keep his character essential on the video-game front.

Karrion Kross, Keith Lee & Nia Jax

November 4, 🌄2021 was a dark day on the WWE calendar as the company released 18 grapplers in one go, likely causing quite the headache for 2K22 developer Visual Concepts. Despite being a🌠xed that day, this trio surprisingly remain on the videogame roster. It's especially big news for Kross, who makes his series debut.

Kay Lee Ray

Among the welcome additions this year is Scottish grappler, and former NXT UK 🍨Women's Champion, Kay Lee Ray. The timing is perfect: in August 2021 she was switched from the WWE's British brand to the ma♍in NXT roster, immediately entering into a three-way feud with Dakota Kai (who debuted in WWE 2K19) and Raquel Gonzalez. The latter is also new to the series this year.

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

These real-life best pals finally got the match they’ve always dreamed of in April 2021: a face-off against one another at WrestleMania. Sadly it was only given nine minutes (with Owens predicta✃bly triumphing over Zayn), but it still made for a fun flashback to the pair’s heated and hard-hitting bouts in Ring Of Honor and NXT. Owens was confirmed as part of November 2021's MyGM announcement.

Kushida

Best known to dedicated grap fans for his nine-year run in NJPW, Kushida signed with WWE in 2019 and has been a fixture on NXT since. He finally scored WWE gold in April 2021 by defeating Santos Escobar for the Cruiserweight Championship, but🎶 Roderick Strong ended that reign five months later.

Kyle O'Reilly & Pete Dunne & Roderick Strong

The gritty pairing of Dunne and Strong provided one of 2018's most enjoyable tag-teams – until Strong shockingly turned on Dunne to link up with The Undisputed Era of Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. Only one third of that trio appears in WWE 2K22, however, as they've all siﷺnce jumped to AEW.

Lacey Evans, Lana & Liv Morgan

A triple-threat of L-named ladies in this spot, although Liv Morgan is the only one of the trio to have featured prominently in the past year. Evans spent the majority of 2021 off-scr♐een after falling pregnant, while Lana – wife of former WWE wrestler Rusev, who now wrestles as Miroꦅ in AEW – was released last June.

Mace & Mansoor & Mustafa Ali & T-Bar

Face, heel, face, heel: Mustafa Ali has struggled to find an identity 🐼in WWE. He's been placed in partnerships with Mace, T-Bar and Mansoor (who all debut this year), only to see them split before gaining traction, each time with an unnecessary personality switch thrown in. His best stint was as a high-flying face on cruiserweight show 205 Live, and they're the days we're looking forward to revisiting in WWE 2K22.

Mandy Rose

Rose's golden lꦕocks and flirtatious ring-entrance ensured huge populaꦓrity with a certain section of the WWE audience, so it was a major shock when she relocated to NXT with dark hair and a tougher attitude. It worked, though. As the catty leader of Toxic Attraction she captured the NXT Women's Championship, and looks primed for an even stronger main roster run in 2022.

Mia Yim & Slapjack

Mia Yim first appeared in WWE 2K20, and is retained here in two different guises: her real name and as Reckoning, part of the short-lived Retribution stable. Slapjack was also in that troupe, and he too has been in the series befor꧅e – under the name of Shane Thorne, while a member 🌄of tag-team TM-61.

Mickie James

The reigning Knockouts Champion h🎉ad success in Impact after departing WWE, much like Cassie Lee (known here as Peyton Ro🤪yce) and Jessie McKay (Billie Kay). A six-time women's champion in WWE, she returned to the company for one night only at the 2022 Royal Rumble. 

Mr McMahon & Shane McMahon & Stephanie McMahon

The only McMahon family member who isn't playable in WWE 2K22 is matriarch Linda – althoug🧸h to be fair it's 20 years since she was a regular on TV. Make the most of Shane's a﷽ppearance. He cut ties with the organisation in February and is therefore unlikely to make the WWE 2K23 roster.

Murphy & Seth Rollins

Fans were desperate to cheer Rollins when the former Shield member returned from paternity leave, having fathered daughter Roux with the wildly popular Becky Lynch. Yet not only did Rollins return as a heel, ultimately – and senselessly – Lync꧃h did too. His 2021 feud with Edge was mostly watchable, but it still feels like an opportunity missed. Ex-partner Murphy makes the roster despite his jump to AEW.

Naomi

Introduced to WWE television as one half of the pompom-swaying Funkadactyls,💃 Naomi has long outlasted former partner Cameron and stablemate Brodus Clay. She's captured the Smackdown Women's Championship twice in that timespan, although both reigns were back in 2017.

Natalya & Tamina

This unlikeliest of ౠtandems became cult favourites in 2021, going so far as to𒈔 claim the Women’s Tag Team Championships from Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler. Lapsed ‘80s fans will recognise both of their fathers: Natalya is the daughter of Jim ‘The Anvil Neidhart’, while Tamina is the offspring of Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka.

Nikki ASH & Rhea Ripley

An instant hit upon appearing in W♔WE’s 2017 Mae Young Classic tournament at the age of 20, Ripley regularly outshone the entire NXT female division before finally arriving on Raw this past February. She overcame Asuka to claim the brand's Women's Championship at WrestleMania 37, and held the women's tag titles with Nikki ASH in 2021.

R-Truth

WWE invented the 24/7 Championship in 2019 with the idea of a belt that could be defended in-ring, backstage, on the road or in the air (really) – and it’s become a comedy vehicle for R-Truth, rac💙king u𒐪p 52 reigns by May 2021. Other past holders such as Doug Flutie, Rob Gronkowski and Santa Claus (!) fail to appear, even as DLC. 

Randy Orton

Still going strong at the age of 41, Orton clocked up a 14th world title reign in 2020 and was always a cert for WWE 2K22. In May lead▨ dev Patrick Gilmore confirmed his spot this year with a very simple tweet, addressed to @MattyJBayBay: “I think you will be happy with Randy Orton's entrance!”.

Randy Savage

1980s legend Macho Man endured an infamous two-decade absence from WWE games after an acrimonious departure to WCW, finally returning as part of the WWE All-Stars roster in 2011. ✱WWE 2K14 marked his first appearance in this particular series, and he's been a fixture ever since.

Rey Mysterio

San Diego's cruiserweight legend was the very first wrestler announced for the 2K series’ comeback edition, by way of its 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WrestleMania 37 reveal trailer. Ironically, the veteran d🐻idn’t feature on this year's big show, but his athletic moveset and legendary luchador masks assure him of must-play status in WWE 2K22.

Ric Flair

Like✤ Booker T, ‘the dirtiest player in the game’ was confirmed for WWE 2K22 by w💞ay of a May scanning session. Flair shares the record for the number of world title reigns across WWE, WCW and NWA with sixteen – only John Cena can match him, and all of his championships came in WWE. Next on the list are Triple H and Randy Orton, with 14.

Ricochet

WWE's best high-flyer was hardly seen on Raw in 2021 – despite a hyper-athletic, match-stealing performance in the Money In The Bank ladder matꦡch. Even so, his catalogue of eye-catching flips and moves make Ricochet's WWE 2K22 character hella playable.

Riddle

If there was a Raw special effect even more cringeworthy than the now-departed Braun Strowman’s steam train noise, ༺it’s the CGI grasshoppers intended to enhance Riddle’s ring entrance. Thankfully the former MMA star’s matches are often sufficient to overcome such clownishness, and he has shone alongside Randy Orton as one half of the Raw Tag-Tღeam Champions.

Road Dogg

Jesse James makes this year's roster, but don't get excited for a potential reunion with New Age Outlaws tag parter Billy Gunn. T𒆙hese days 'Mr Ass' works for rival organisation AEW, as both a backstage coach and occasional in-ring talent. Sons Austin and Colton 💝are also signed to AEW, collectively forming The Gunn Club stable. 

The Rock

The biggest movie star on the planet raked in $42 million in 2021 thanks to Jungle Cruise and Red Notice, but Dwayne Johnson is still grounded enough to 🐠remember where he came from. (Cue J-Lo.) Rumours of an eventual WrestleMania match with Roman Reigns (below) abound, but for now you'll have to make do with having the two face off in WWE 2K22.

Roman Reigns

While Drew McIntyre carried Raw through the pandemic, former super-face Reigns was doing the same on Smackdown – now recast as an imperious heel with legendary yarn-spinner Paul Heyman as his mouthpiece. (Just don't mention the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K20 cover.) Heyman is also featured in 2K22, as a manager.

Samoa Joe

The lo🌼ng-time rival to AJ Styles and Kurt Angle was widely con🐻sidered to have retired upon joining the Raw commentary team in April 2020 – and was released altogether one year later. That appeared to be the end of his WWE 2K22 hopes, until Joe made a shock return to the company in June 2021, before capturing the NXT Championship for record third time at Takeover 36.

Sasha Banks

WWE’s standout female performer of 2020 and 2021, thanks to a barnstorming run as tag-team champs with Bayley, a fiery feud after that pairing inevitably overheated, and a fantastic Wrestlemania night-one main event in which she dropped the Sma﷽ckdown gold to Bianca Belair.

Shawn Michaels

Four-time world champ HBK was always a near-cert to make the WWE 2K22 roster, and his placing here was confirmed by cover star Rey Mysterio. Michael𝓡s features in Showcase mode opposite Mysterio, with players able to relive the pair's November 2෴005 match in tribute to Eddie Guerrero.

Shayna Baszler

With long-time tag pa🐼rtner Nia Jax shockingly released by WWE (and therefore the videogame roster) in November, submission specialist Baszler has again been left to stand alone – a role she thrived in during a dominant spell on developmenta♈l brand NXT. Baszler is close friends with Ronda Rousey, who appears as DLC, in real life.

Sheamus

"It's a shameful thing, lobster head…” The Irishman man no longer uses his comically misheard entrance theme, but is still delivering bruising, highly watchable braw💖ls at 43 – such as a WrestleMania 37 US title victory over Riddle. He's super fun to smash jobbers with in WWE 2K22.

Shinsuke Nakamura

A wrestling legend in his homeland of 𝄹Japan, Nakamura enjoyed his best year since signing for WWE in 2016 – overcoming Baron Corbin to become King of the Ring, then capturing the US Championship for a second time. He was confirmed for the game at Summerslam, while guitar-playing sidekick Rick Boogs debuts as DLC.

Shotzi & Tegan Nox

Another series debutant, Shotzi had been with the company for precisely a week when WWE 2K20 landed – so you'd have scored long odds on her appearing in its sequel. Yet here she is, after being fast-tra𓆏cked to Smackdown in a watchable tag-team with Tegan Nox. Sadly, Nox was released in November 2021, yet remains in the game to resuscitate the duo's ace pairing.

Sonya Deville

Daria Berenato came across as a star on the sixth season of WWE reality show Touꦗgh Enough, to the point that the company signed the plucky MMA brawler then gave her a new name. Deville later made history by coming out as WWE's first ever openly gay female wrestler. 

Steve Austin & Ted DiBiase

No, we've not paired these together by accident. It's easy to forget that before his 'Stone Cold' days, Austin was pa🌜ired with DiBiase as 'The Ringmaster' – although you're unlikely to bring them back together in WWE 2K22. Almost three decades later both are considered ring legends, just in 🐬very different ways. 

Timothy Thatcher & Tommaso Ciampa

As the wily pro of WWE's thir🎀d brand, Ciampa captured a second NXT Championship in 2021 – but was mostly been used to get over his successor, Bron Breakker. Son of '80s favourite Rick Steiner, the brilliant Breakker doesn't make 2K22's roster, but is among the most searched-for grapplers on Community Creations. Ciampa's former partner Thatcher also makes it in.

Titus O'Neil

The former leader of Titus Worldwide hasn't wrestled since losing a US Championship clash with Bobby Lashley in Novemb🌃er 2020. Yet his work outside of the ring, such as helping 245 student athletes from Tampa Bay get into college, make him a great ambassador for WWE – and deserving of a roster spot.

Trent Seven & Tyler Bate

The pandemic saw Brit favourites Moustache Mountain return to their homeland after a successful tag-team run in NXT, but we expect the duo back in the States at some point in 2022. WWE 2K20 saw Seven make his series debut, and to mark the occasion 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:he told GamesRadar about his longstandi𒉰ng love of video games – and why he always chose Ken over Z𓂃angief.

Triple H

The long-time guru o🌠f NXT handed the reins back to father-in-law Vince McMahon over the summer, and took a break from WWE TV altogether following a cardiac event in September 2021. Nonetheless he's a central figure in WWE 2K22, as both a backstage executive in MyRise, and highly rated playable character given his 14 World Championship reigns. 

Ultimate Warrior

Like fellow yesteryear fave Randy Savage, Warrior was missing f𓃲rom WWE games during the PS1 and PS2 era as a result of a tempestuous '90s exit from the company. He finally returned as a pre-order bonus for WWE 2K14. Warrior has been ever-present in the series since, but sadly the man himself passed away in 2014,🌌 aged just 54.

Undertaker

Taker’s last real match came against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36, with all signs since pointing to 🔯retirement. Just don’t expect that to apply 💮to digital rings. Clocking up more than 30 videogame appearances over three decades, ‘Taker has never missed out on the WWE sim roster – going all the way back to its PS1 debut, as WWF Smackdown.

Watch the WWE 2K22 trailer right here

The first official WWE 2K22 tr꧅ailer dropped during August's Summerslam event. It was actually the second video look at the new game, but 2K billed its predecessor – more on which shortly – as a 'teaser trailer'. Wrestlers featured include Roman Reigns and Finn Balor, and you can view it below.

WWE 2K22 teaser trailer shows off more footage

Jump over to our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 announcement story if you'd like to watch the first trailer right away. It features v🐷eterans Rey Mysterio and Cesaro going face-to-face – actually, feet-to-face is more accurate – on next-gen, and looks mint. Let's hope WWE 2K22 gameplay matches up to those impressi♏ve visuals. 

WWE 2K22 release date was close to WrestleMania

Even before the tജrailer dropped, publisher 2K made it clear that a new game was on the way, with vast improvements on WWE 2K20. 

“We hear you and we know you want more from the franchise, so we are applying what we’ve learned to the next WWE 2K simulation game with a renewed focus on quality and fun,” said publisher 2K 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:back in April 2020. “As part of that commitment, we are extending the production timeline and will not be releasing a WWE 2K simulaওtion game in 2020. We want to ensure the development team can create a great game that will entertain grizzled WWE 2K veterans, as well as newcomers who want to climb through tꦉhe ropes and step into the ring for the very first time.”

The end result was a WWE 2K22 release date of March 11, 2022. ꦏAs well as landing on PS5 and Xbox Series X, the new game is available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

WWE 2K22 roster adds Dexter Lumis and Kay Lee Ray

WWE 2K22 emerged more than two years since the company’s last sim grappler – ensuring a welcome shake up of the WWE 2K22 roster. Before its cancellation, GR ran through a list of expected new faces on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K21 roster, and many of those predictions proved accurate.

New faces who debut in WWE 2K22 include Austin Theory, Joaquin Wilde, Kay Lee Ray, Dexter Lumis, and Raquel Gonzalez. For profiles of those newcomers and everyone else in the game, check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster guide.

There are extra names still to come, too. Ronda Rousey, Omos, Umaga and Indi Hartwell all feature in GR's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 DLC guide.

WWE 2K22 developer is no longer Yuke’s

The controversial decision to cut ties with long-time developer Yuke’s is cited as one of the key reasons for WWE 2K20’s failure. It meant that in-house studio Visual Concepts was left to finish a part-developed title on its own.𝔉 Yuke’s had helmed the series since its PS1 inception as WWF Smackdown back in the year 2000.

Visual Concepts is still maintaining control of the WWE series, although with a new face at its helm. Australian dev Patrick Gilmore, once the kingpin of EA’s beloved Medal Of Honor series, is on board as executive producer, and was active on during the summer of 2020, seeking fan ideas. At least seven of the dev team also post on Reddit’s forum – if you’re looking to interact, this is a great starting point. There’s also a WWE 2K20 feedback 🥃project on the , which the company said directly influenced WWE 2K22.

As for Yuke’s, they’ve moved on to a new wrestling sim: the highly anticipated first 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW video game. Head there if you’re looki෴ng for a brawler featuring a host of past ꦯWWE stars, such as Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, Dean Ambrose, and Chris Jericho.

Who's on the WWE 2K22 cover?

Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre were considered heavy favourites to get the WWE 2K22 cover gig, but i🧸nstead the honour goes to veteran cruiserweight legend Rey Mysterio. It's to celebrate his central role in WWE Showcase mode, which revisits classic matches from earlier in his career – including memorable tilts with Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michael🐟s and The Undertaker. 

For more on Rey Mysterio's front-of-box appearance and the various special editions available, 619 over to GR's 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 cover guide.

WWE 2K22 features "hit different" says 2K

The tagline for WWE 2K22 is: 'It hits different.’ “That [mantra] doesn’t just apply to the game itself but the way we market it and communicate with the press, content creators, and our community,” says 2K globalꦦ communications manager Al Stavola. "We want to try out new ideas and bring everyone along for the journey."

"You're going to see things earlier than you have before, with more behind-the-scenes [content] than we’ve shown in the past. Transparency is really important. This is a different and huge step in the righﷺt direction."

The big new addition is GM Mode. Introduced in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, this beloved feature saw you take on the role of general manager for a brand within WWE: drafting a r🔯oster, overseeing feuds, managing individual morale. It was improved upon across the next two games…𝕴 and then dropped completely. Now it's finally back.

“MyGM has been the most requested addition to the franchise for the better part of a decade,” says creative director Lynell Jinks. “You can expect to draft superstars, book matches, manage contracts, and prove 🥃you have what it takes to manage the most successful brand in sports entertainment, progressively working your way up from high school gyms to prime-time TV.”

MyGM is just one of the features scouted out in our essential 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 tips guide.

WWE 2K22 PS5 and Xbox Series X wishlist

Much of the new sim's feature-set was covered in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 hands-on preview, but it's still worth revisiting what the fans wanted to see given this was a game more than tw🍸o years in development. 

For instance, Reddit poster madrid_357 had a GM Mode concept so comprehensive I can only recommend . (Brew a cuppa first.) Highlights include: “Ticket prices of the shows are changeable. You can have multiple sponsors. If you have a good show, you see that in the TV ratings, match ratings, even the new subscribers of WWE Network. You have your shows in different cities: some stadiums could have 50,000 seats while [another] has 30,000 seats. You must plan [financially], and can even hold your show in the WWE Development Center with just ♛5,000 seats – no costs beca✅use of no rental of the arena, but also you won't get many new fans because you stay in your territory.”

At the very least, argues Vanquishx208 on the , GM Mode should have🍌 been merged with the feature that replaced it. “I'm okay with it being separate from Universe Mode. However, I'm also not opposed to certain aspects of GM Mode being added to Universe Mode. Such as a yearly Draft, Match/Show Ratings, Trades, etc. If these GM Mode features are added to Universe Mode, I think it's important to have an option to turn them off for the Universe players that don't want this aspect of control.”

Fellow poster MADNESS_NH97 argued that in-match physics m💫ust be the priority. “The interactivity between moves and the environment needs to improve. I'veও been asking for this since WWE 2K15. By that I don't mean carry moves, but any move – like a suplex, or powerbomb, or spear – done near the barricade, steps, or ropes. They should connect with these parts of the environment. When doing a German Suplex with Brock Lesnar, towards the barricade, the opponent should be ragdolled into it, instead of both wrestlers just sliding around so the animation plays out the way it does usually.”

For nickvcami on , it all comes back to the WWE 2K22 roster. “I hope we can introduce way more NXT superstars for the new game. It would be great to play with Karrion Kross, Damien Priest, Walter/Imperium. With the introduction of the NXT superstars we could have a Showcase of the best NXT matches of all time. Just like in WWE 2K14, where weღ had all of the WrestleManias.”

As shared by , a recent report by (via Patreon) claims that multiple sources have said that "WWE has had preliminary discussions with EA about bringing the WWE games line over to one of the top gaming publishers in the world." According to the same report, the success of the recentl♈y released WWE 2K22 could be "make or break" for WWE’s current deal with publisher 2K and developer Visual Concepts. 

Thankfully for its current developer, it looks as though WWE 2K22 has come on leaps and bounds from the disastrous launch of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:2K20. Released back in 2019, the last WWE game was riddled with glitches, had character models that looked nothing like the wrestler’s real-life counterparts, a𝓰nd a new control system that many fans couldn’t seem to get to grips with. 

According to the Fightful report: "WWE has shown a lot of frustration with the reception and lack of success of recent games." Thꦛe report continues, "the gaming market is a major selling point for them, and they believe they’ve fallen behind the competition."

One of the main competitors for WWE these days comes in the form of AEW (All Elite Wrestling) which features a number of now 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:ex-WWE superstars in its roster and is in the process of releasing its own wrestling video game. The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW video game is due out at some point this year and is being d🔥eveloped by Japanese developer Yuke’s who previously developed a number of WWE games including the WWE: S📖mackdown vs Raw series, WWE 2K14 - 19, and more. 

Wondering if you should get back into the wrestling game series? Take a look at our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 review. 

1. Combos and grapples are the new foundation

Yes, we have kicked this piece off with an Owen Hart-Jim Neidhart pun. 2K’s marketing proclaims that ‘it hits different’, and the publisher is telling the truth. WWE 2K22 is heavily combo based, with square used to initiate contact via 🅷a light strike, before branching into Heavy Attacks using X, or Grabs with O. The fourth and final hit is called a Combo Ender and deals bonus damage.

[All controls pertain to PlayStation꧃,🐈 but follow the same format on Xbox.]

O🌠pponents can break your combo by matching your button press, so it’s important to mix up your approach throughout any match rather than just tap square, square, square, square until your thumb blisters up.

Grapples are your other key in-ring tactic. Press circle to lock up with your opponent, then square or X to launch a grapple attack. As with previous editions in the series, holding the left stick in a particular direction while pres▨sing a button actions a specific move. You can also Irish whip your foe by pressing circle after locking up..

2. Exercise caution before purchasing the SuperCharger

Unlocking everything without any grind is a godsend in the WWE series, which is why the Accelerato♏r is always must-own DLC. This year it’s renamed the SuperCharger, but take note of one vital aspect before you drop cash on it: items from Rey Mysterio’s Showcase do not get unlocked by it.

That means you still need to play through the mode in order to unlock all versions of Mysterio, certain characters like JBL, Batista, Eddie Guerrero, and Rey’s son Dominik,♚ arenas such as WrestleMania 21, and belts like the World Heavyweight Championship. There are only 12 matches lasting a couple of hours, but it’s someth🍒ing to bear in mind as you weigh up DLC options.

3. Each MyGM Manager has a unique power card

As mentioned in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 review, the return of GM Mode – now rechristened MyGM – is a touch underwhelming, but you still need to give it a try. Note that it only lasts a single season, so for maximum longevity select ’50 weeks’ from the start-up ‘session settings’ menu. It’s al♛so important to get your onscreen avatar right, as each has a power card which can 🀅come in useful as you progress. These are the six choices, and their individual boon:

• Adam Pearce: Instigator (Increases the levels of all active rivalries by one)
• Sonya Deville: A Superstar’s GM (Raise the entire roster’s morale by +15)
• William Regal: Legend Whisperer (The first legend you sign after playing this card will be free)
• Shane McMahon: Coast To Coast (A GM interference provides an additional +2 Show bonus and is free for a week)
• Stephanie McMahon: The McMahon Presence (Earn twice as much money from arena attendance for a week)
• Custom Superstar: Beginner’s Luck (Raise the popularity of the least popular superstar on your roster by 20+)

4. Focus on Evolution cards in MyFaction

New Ultimate Team style mode MyFaction is an addictive introduction to WWE 2K22, and will feel familiar to anyone who has played that element of FIFA 22, or card-based mobile offering WWE SuperCard. You build up two sets of four cards – one male, one female – by winning matches and completing objectiv🍌es. The temptation is naturally to buy new packs every time you earn in-game currency, in the hope of finding the best cards. But there’s a better way to approach your ascent to the top.

The m🐽ethod is to focus on Evolution cards. You’re best off deploying any in your arsenal as soon as you unearth them, as they upgrade aut✅omatically through sustained play. For instance, my starter pack granted me Bayley and Rey Mysterio in this flavor, so I’ve been using them constantly, with Rey scoring his first upgrade after landing 20 diving attacks, 25 reversals, and 65 running attacks.

Those who’ve pre-ordered the game are in for a special treat in this department. Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx and three versions of Undertaker can all be gradually upgraded iꩲn the same way.

5. Community Creations help flesh out your roster

Are you an old-school wrestling fan sad to see your favorite legend left off the WWE 2K22 roster?ꦗ Or a modern day addict gutted that Omos and Ronda Rousey miss out? Help is at hand, as one of the series’ most important features returns: Community Creations.

For the uninitiated, this area of the game enables you to download wrestlers made by fellow fans, and we have a comprehen🏅sive guide coming your way later in March. For n🌱ow the top three creations I’ve found are Kurt Angle by GRMNQuality, Sting by MBDC, and Tommy End, AKA Aleister Black, by GeKoDoesCaws.

To♏ fꦡind them, select Online > Community Creations > Downloads > Superstar, then hit triangle to search by creator.

6. These are the top WWE 2K22 ratings in the male division…

W🦋ant to win matches straight off the bat? It mightn’t be the most honorable route, but picking one of the game’s best wrestlers is the way to go. These are the 14 highest rated male wrestlers in WWE 2K22.

1. Roman Reigns 95
2. Brock Lesnar 94
3=. The Rock 93
3=. Undertaker (Ministry of Darkness) 93
5=. Hollywood Hogan 92
5=. John Cena 92
5=. Steve Austin 92
8=. AJ Styles 91
8=.Bobby Lashley 91
8=. Bret Hart 91
8=. Drew McIntryre 91
8=. Edge 91
8=. Seth Rollins 91
8=. Triple H 91

7. … And here are the top 12 WWE 2K22 female ratings

Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Bayley have revolutionised female wrestling in recent years, and all three are a ton of 𓆏fun to play as in WWE 2K22. Here’s where they rank in the game’s all-lady top 12.

1. Becky Lynch 92
2=. Asuka 90
2=. Charlotte Flair 90
4=. Bayley 88
4=. Sasha Banks 88
4=. Trish Stratus 88
7=. Beth Phoenix 87
7=. Chyna 87
9. Rhea Ripley 86
10=. Alexa Bliss 84
10=. Natalya 84
10=. Shayna Baszler 84

Want to know who else makes this year’s game? Then leap on over to our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster guide.

2K's marketing tagline is 'it hits different'. The 🅘publisher isn't wrong, but 'two steps forward, one back' would have been equally accurate – although unlikely to shift as many copies. WWE 2K22 regularly teases you 𝄹with brilliance, only to throw in an occasional head-scratching heel-turn. Actually, the same is true of most Smackdown broadcasts, so maybe it's a subtle tactic aimed to mimic reality. Doubt it, though.

Take the swelteringly anticipated new mode, MyGM. It's a replacement for the outstanding GM Modes from THQ's heyday, letting you pick one of five onsc🐽reen bosses (Regal! Stephanie! Sorry Shane O'Mac, no-one wants to be you), select one of four brands (with NXT UK🐠 given equal billing to Raw), and go head-to-clipboard against either an AI or human rival. Drafting a roster using a budget of $2.7m is good fun, as is adding made-up free agents such as the hammy Jive Owens and crown-wearing Triton to job out to your stars. After you're all set up, the focus is on building feuds across a series of weeks and shows, and on keeping a close eye on budget and how your rival is doing. So far, so 'one step forward'.

Paper champions

Here's the two-steps-back part. Rather than run for an indeterminate period, as you'd expect from Madden 22 fra✅nchise mode or FIFA 22 career mode, you're limited to a season of either 15, 25, or 50 weeks in MyGM. There's no option to have a match or tournament to set your World Champions – you just cherry pick one male and one female. Indeed there are no secondary championships at all. No US Title, no Intercontinent♍al Title, no Tag Titles. You can assign promos, but there's no way to actually perform them. The end result is a mode that's initially enjoyable, yet desperately lacks depth.

Still, had MyGM appeared in WWE 2K20, no one would have lasted the first few weeks anyway on acco🦩unt of its in-ring action being a buggy, poor-to-control mess. WWE 2K22 improves substantially in that regard. It animates beautifully, and does indeed 'hit different'. Character weights come through in how the game handles, with Happy Corbin against Finn Balor feeling like a finely balanced battle of heft versus speed. The focus on grapples and combos edges it towards proper-fighter territory, and while it's still some way off No Mercy or Fire Pro on that front, timing counters and dodges (new and very welcome) form an important element of any bout. 

Again, there's a 'but'. Some WWE 2K20 elements remain despite its dismal performance, and controls are the most problematic. Reversals, naturally mapped to the right trigger throughout the series' history, remain on triangle. Given their prominence in every match, it feels clunky to constantly flick your thumb across the face buttons to switch from defense to offense. A by-𒁏product of this is that signatures and finishers again require more than a single button-press. So if you want to hit a running finisher on PS5, you need to tap triangle followed by a combo of R2 and X in quick succession. Ugh. This design decision is especially mystifying when you factor in the new dodge mechanic. That command is mapped to the right bumper – so surely it would make sense to have the reversal button next door?

Other legacy headaches include the monumental stupidity of tag-team partners. Hit a finisher and your opponent's buddy is always quick to rush in and break up the ensuing pin attempt, while your partner ambles through the ropes as if interrupted from watching Savage vs Steamboat at WrestleMania 3 on hi🍸s phone. The game even offers a tip recommending you attack your opponent on the apron before making a pin. Y'know, rather than your AI pal being programmed to do it for you. Let that sink in. 

Get the MF in

In fairness, I'll take 'highly playable with some fiddly controls&a﷽pos; over 'completely borked'. Especially with the inclusion𝄹 of the new Ultimate Team-style mode, MyFaction, which lets you open packs and build up an octet of stars (four male, four female). Everything you do – completing objectives in singles matches, winning 4-on-4 bouts, ascending weekly towers – unlocks currency (MF). This can be splurged on new packs featuring logos, name plates, wrestlers and upgrades like side plates, AKA boosts which last for a certain number of matches. 

Evolution cards are particularly good, as they upgrade with natural use. For instance Bayley moves up a level once you've damaged seven opponents' heads, landed 100 heavy attacks, and hit 30 attacks on grounded opponents. Particula🥀rly bad are the climaxes to those 4-on-4 bouts, which have a tendency to drag past the 15-minute mark because of those aforementioned tag-partner problems. 

My usual approach to WWE games is to blitz Showcase, which t👍his year features classic Rey Mysterio bouts against Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, and, um, Gran Metalik, then spend 11 months hammering Universe mode until the next edition comes out. MyFaction is so addictive that I've already obliterated that plan, and can see it being a time sink throughout the upcoming year. The key will be 2K keeping it competitive for those who don't want to spend money on VC – the cash-bought alternative to MFꦦ. Either way, I can't wait to see where it heads next.

Which is not to say Universe mode lacks appeal. The mode will be a familiar home for returning fans, and it's curiously aided by the out-of-date 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster. 30 stars featured here were axed by WWE in 2021, enough to add your own unique show starring Braun Strowman, Breezango, and Peyton Royce. Unlike MyGM, there are no restrictions in terms of time or title belts, and those 🌞who wish to streamline the experience can plow through it as one wrestler. Universe is best enjoyed in control of the entire roster, however, and you can always sim matches or shows you're not keen on.

The diluted feel of MyGM✤ when compared to its forebears is a blow, and legacy flaws are frustrating, but there’s so much else to like here. The in-real action feels fresh and weighty. Animations, li📖kenesses and entrances all blow previous series entries away. And both MyFaction and Universe offer long-term value for money. After two-and-a-half years, developer Visual Concepts finally brings closure to the disastrous WWE 2K20 era. Over to you, AEW.

Reviewed on PS5 with a code provided by the publisher.

A major issue with that disastrous previous release was Visual Concepts adopting Yuke’s’ code midway through the development process, after the Japanese developer was suddenly axed in 2019. This time around it’s built the entire gameplay and animation engines from the ground up to make the whole sim feel alive and give each character personality. Heavy hitters throw bombs that pack genuine heft, while cruiserweight guys dart around with legitimate swiftness. 2K has been ha🍬mmering an “it hits different” mantra, and on this evidence, they’re correct. 

Hurt Locker

The in-ring action feels balanced and smooth. Like chain wrestling between Eddie Guerrero (who’s confirmed for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster) and Kurt Angle (who we hope to be) it looks beautiful, is easy to control, and offers a meaty overall experience. You actually feel for Chad Gable as Bobby Lashley squeezes the life out of him using the Hurt Lock. Additional little touches swee൲ten the build-up to that match-ending submission hold: Lashley grunting while he tosses Gܫable into the turnbuckle and over the top rope, and Gable hitting the deck after an all-mighty powerslam and screaming in pain as he sells his back.

Even the Thunderdome, which houses our squared-circle experience, plays a huge part. Hundreds of fans looking on via giant TV screens boo and give thumbs down when Lashley is on the attack, and cheer along when Gable manages to snatch his charging o🐼pponent into an arm drag and briefly swing momentum in his direction.

C♈ommentary can feel stale when the action gets going, and is will need to be more closely judged upon release. There is, at least, an improved sense that an authentic conversation is happening, rather than just soundbites triggered by a certain move. The back and forth between Graves and Byron Saxton while Lashley is marching to the ring helps elevate the cut-scene and bring it to life.

Rey of Light

As documented in our November 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 preview, Mysterio is a significant focus in this comeback edition, with WWE Showcase focussed on his classic bouts with Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, and The Undertaker. Yet it’s the return of GM Mode which is going to be assessed m𓆏ost close🍸ly by the always-opinionated community.

Now going under the title MyGM, it enables you to select one of several General Managers, including current onscreen incumbents Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville, and take control of either Raw, Smackdown, NXT or NXT UK. You craft your own experience and compete against GMs across the oth𝓰er rival brands for supremac𝓀y.

The modeꦺ was always hugely popular in old Smackdown vs Raw games and its overhaul is a welcome one. Both 2K and WWE really ham up the mode, with Stephanie McMahon laꦇying the voiceover for a montage charting her career, and featuring WWE Superstars and former GMs to really hype up the mode. You can watch it below.

The draft itself has been given careful thought. You start with a budget of 2.7 million and cherry pick your superstars, all of whom have various prices and stats. During my play Smackdown, managed by William Regal, selected Bianca Belair at number one overall and looked to have the strongest women’s division, backed up with a men’s conti𓄧ngent headlined by Finn Balor, Lashley, and Seth Ro🐲llins.

But it is not as simple as drafting your favourite grapplers and away you goཧ. Stars have certain styles which can be matched with a💝nother roster member to make a better overall match. They can be overexposed, get injured and/or have their fan support dwindle if not used correctly.

Million dollar manhunt

Any left over cash from the draft can be used towards better match types, signing free agents and getting better arenas - and money must be carefully mana🌳ged week-to-week in order to create a consistently good show𝔍. If fan numbers and merchandise sales drop then so does your ability to put on brilliant and brutal shows, and you will go the way of WCW.

The entire mode is engrossing as you compete with your rival brand and pray that ♊the tables match between Becky 🥃Lynch and Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Title does not overshadow Balor vs Rollins for the Universal Title.

The pop for a returning old feature is doubled down on with the rollin𓄧g out of a new one: MyFaction. If you ever have looked at WWE superstars and thought “they’d make a great group” then now is your chance to test those instincts. MyFaction enables you to build a personalised troupe and rise to the levels of The Shield and D-Generation X. Where else can you stick Brock Lesnar with Shayna Baszler, Riddle and Sonya Deville to create an MMA/WWE hybrid squad for the ages? Let’s call them the Choke Artists.

On this evidence, the extended break between series entries has done WWE 2K22 a world of good. The game feels refreshed, smooth and cultured, with characters acting in a more realistic manner to moves, a smoother control and transition sys🧜tem, the return of a beloved mode, and the Lesnar-sized graphics upgrade💎 to top it all off. Let’s hope there’s no surprise heel-turn in store when GR reviews the finished game on PS5 in early March.

WWE 2K22 is released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, XBox One and PC on Friday, March 11. Wondering who won’t be in it after such a long break between games? Then you need our rival 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster guide.

Though not revealing where th🐼e video came from, specialist WWE YouTube channel WWE Attire and Shows uploaded the "WWE 2K22 It Hits Different (Alternative Trailer) LEAKౠED" teaser earlier today. 

Fans have spotted "wayyyy𝔍 more gameplay", as well as improved lighting and physics, although some have commented that they're surprised we've yet to see any new weapo🃏n animations yet. 

Here it is in action – literally (thanks, ):

Confirmation of WWE 2K22's cover star – 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Rey Mysterio – also 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:leaked online just a couple of d🐻ays ahead of schedule earlier in 🔯the month.

For the first time in the game's 20-year-long history, 2K did not release a WWE game in 2021. The decision followed woeful reviews of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K20, prompting 2K to bring Patrick Gilmore onboard in the hope of🃏 refreshing the series and avoiding another bug-tastic release that spawned more memes than fans.

Wondering what changes WWE 2K22 may bring to the roster? Check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster guide tracking every confirmed wrestler so far. As Ben summarizes in his guide, many of the company's biggest names have been released or jumped ship to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster so w꧑hile we know we're getting new faces with fighters like Austi🎐n Theory, Kay Lee Ray and Raquel Gonzalez, we also know veterans like Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho and Bray Wyatt will be MIA this time around. 

"WWE 2K22 retains 30,000 moves, and adds 5,000 new ones, while all existing strikes have been recaptured and retimed," we said in our first-look 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 preview a little while back. 

"Footage of Kofi Kingston thumping Jeff Hardy in the ribs, then bulldogging his face into the mat, certainly looks impactful. But will it fee𓃲l that way, and – more importantly – translate to an exciting, realistic video game?"

There are plenty of big titles on our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming PS5 games and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Xbox Series X games lists that you can get stuck into while you wait for WWE 2K22.

It’s 𒁃Mysterio’s first solo WWE series cover, and fourth overall appearance on the box. He also featured in the background of 2003’s WWF Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain, as well as the 2007 and 2010 entri🌱es of Smackdown vs Raw.

Not only is former world, tag-team and cruiserweight champion the WWE 2K22 cover athlete, Mysterio also forms the focus of the returning Showcase mode, in which gamers get to🦩 replay memorable storylines and matches from years past. The man himself reveals that three of those bouts pit Mysterio against Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, and The Un🌳dertaker.

“We have the very first WrestleMania moment [between] Eddie Guerrero vs [myself] at WrestleMania 21,” Mysterio tells GamesRadar. “That moment kicked off the feud between Eddie and myself. Shortly after, Eddie left us and there was another special moment where I was able to face HBK in a memorial show for Eddie’s passing. As hard as that was, tha𝓀t moment was very special. I knew Eddie was looking down and enjoying that night along with all of us. We also have Undertaker v Rey Mysterio at the Royal Rumble.”

Four different editions of WWE 2K22 are on the way, with the standard versions priced at £49.99/$59.99 on PC, £59.99/$59.99 on PS4 and Xbox One, and £64.99/$69.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X. A cross-gen bundle is available for £69.99/$79.99 which includes the digital edition for PS5/PS4 or Xbox Series X/Xbox One, along🔯 with a Starrcade ’96 Rey Mysterio DLC pack.

The WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition retails at £84.99/$99.99 on your console of choice, and includes the Starrcade ’96 Mysterio pack, an Undertaker Immortal DLC pack, a season pass for five more u🦩pcoming DLC packs, Mega-Boost and Supercharger packs for MyRise mode, and bonus content for mobile game WWE SuperCard.

Those feeling especially flush can plump for the digital-only WWE 2K22 NWO 4-Life Edition at £104.99/$119.99. In addition to all that Deluxe Edition content you get MyFaction cards and alternate outfits for Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Syxx, a playable Eric Bischoff, the NWO Wolfpac Championship, and two additional ar♏enas: WCW Souled Out 1997 and WCW Bash At The Beach 1996. Oh, and three days of early access, beginning on March 8.

That NWO 4-Live pre-order revelation means that Hogan, BIschoff, Diesel, Razor Ramon and X-Pac can all be newly confirmed for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster.

As well as WWE 2K22 marking Rey Mysterio’s debut solo cover appearance, it’s also the first ever video game to feature his 🥃son, Dominik – and he understandably sees this as a family landmark.

“It’s really cool to be able to enjoy this game with my son now,” he says. “It’s no longer, ‘daddy I’m playing you on the 2K game.’ It’s, ‘Pops, it’s me and you: let’s team up and take some fools down.’ I would definitely love to see Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo face Dom and Rey [in WWE 2K22] just because of that clash of lucha libre style. I’m also a big fan of Ricochet, so I would love to see Ricochet team up with whoever and face ▨off against Dom and myself.”

The last WWE series cover stars were Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch, cementing their statuses as the two biggest players in the cꦯompany. Indeed, despite that game – WWE 2K20 – launching nearly two-and-a-half years ago they remain in prime position, as Universal Champion and Raw Women’s Champion respectively.

Want to know how the game itself is shaping up? Then launch yourself off the nearest turnbuckle towards GR’s extensive 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 preview.

Though entirely an unsubstantiated rumor for now – even the most impressive cover art turns out to be fake🌊s from time to time –  the Twitter account of shares what it purports to be an "exclusive first look" at the PS5 cover image.

We've also learned details of an alleged pre-order bonus – more on that in a tick – plus details of an Early Access period that will reportedly be open to pre-orderers of certain (usually the more expensive) "editions" of the sports sim, which is rumored to kick off on March 8, 2022 - just in time for that 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:undated release sometime in March.

As for that pre-order freebie? That'll be the Undertaker Immortal Pack which allegedly🤡 includes three additional Undertaker personas - Phantom Mask Undertaker, Lord of Darkness Undertaker, and Boneyard Match Undertaker - as well as unspecified MyFaction Perks and Bonuses, plus MyFaction EVO cards for Undertaker.

The Undertaker Immortal Pack will also reportedly be available in the deluxe and nWo 4-Life editions of the game, too, wit﷽h the former also bundling in the Season Pass (thanks, ).

For the first time in the game's 20-year-long history, 2K did not release a WWE game in 2021. The decision followed woeful reviews of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K20, promp꧅ting 2K to bring Patrick Gilmore onboard in the hope of rℱefreshing the series and avoiding another bug-tastic release that spawned more memes than fans.

"WWE 2K22 retains 30,000 moves, and adds 5,000 new ones, while all existing strikes have been recaptured and retimed," we said in our first-look 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 preview. "Footage of Kofi Kingston tﷺhumping Jeff Hardy in the ribs, then bulldogging his face into the mat, certainly looks impactful. But will it feel that way, and – more importantly – translate to an exciting♛, realistic video game?"

Wondering what changes WWE 2K22 may bring to the roster? Check out our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster guide tracking every confirmed wrestler so far. As Ben summarizes in his guide, many of the company's biggest names have been released or jumped ship to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster so while we know we're getting new faces with fighters like Austin Theory, Ka▨y Lee Ray and Raquel Gonzalez, we also know veterans l▨ike Daniel Bryan, Chris Jericho and Bray Wyatt will be MIA this time around. 

There are plenty of big titles on our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming PS5 games and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Xbox Series X games lists that you can get stuck into while you wait for WWE 2K22.

Jinks is keen to press home the degree to which fan feedback has steered the series’ PS5 and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Xbox Series X debut. It led Visual Concepts to create a 10-point development hit list, elements of which are necessary if predictable: improved graphics (Rey Mysterio’s entrance does indeed look uncannily lifelike), immersive presentation, a creation-🐻suite overhaul. But one phrase stands out, because it’s been a feature of zealous community discussion for years - GM Mode.

Introduced in Smackdown vs Raw 2006, this beloved feature saw you take on the role of general manager for a brand within WWE: drafting a roster, overseeing feuds, managing individual morale. It was improved upon across the next two games… and then dropped complet🐟ely. With the ☂series developed by THQ back then, 2K has never had a crack at its own version of GM Mode since acquiring the WWE license in 2013. Until now – albeit with a fresh name.

“MyGM has been the 📖most requested addition to the franchise for the better part of a decade,” says Jinks. “You can expect to draft superstars, book matches, manage contracts, and prove you have what it takes to manage the most successful brand in sports entertainment, progressively working your way up from high school gyms to prime-time TV♉.”

Jinks won’t be drawn into further discussion of MyGM, but we glimpse two screenshots. The first shows☂ a draft in progress, with a list of wrestler names accompanied by their role (green masks for faces, red for heels),ꦬ class (‘Bruiser’ for Roman Reigns’, ‘Fighter’ for Asuka), in-game salary (Becky Lynch sets you back $268,400), popularity and stamina. The second image shows an event card where you can choose to spectate or play each bout. Intriguingly there’s a cost affixed to every match – a TLC contest comes in at $5,000 – so financial management is set to play a major factor.

Universal challenges

If money matters sound too much like work, then know that MyGM isn’t intended to usurp WWE Universe – the mode which replaced it back in 2008. The latter is another one of WWE 2K22’s ten hit-list pillars – “you’ll have more control over brands, pay-per-views, match results and rivalries” says Jinks – aꦏs is MyCareer, aꦍlbeit under a new name: MyRise. It takes your created superstar from WWE signee, to rookie, to superstar, to legend, with branching subplots promised for both male and female characters.

WWE Showcase, in which you relive classic matches of yesteryear, is also back, with cruiserweight legend Mysterio seemingly placed in a central role. “In a uni❀verse populated by monsters, giants, and larger-than-life beings, I was dܫetermined to find my own path to the top of the mountain in sports entertainment,” he says in a brief clip promoting the returning mode. They might not be classed as giants, but it should mean we get to relive classic bouts against Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle.

Art producer Christina Diem Pham takes over the presentation to talk us through an intriguing hit-list addition called MyFaction. 💞“This all-new mode enables you to build a legendary crew that rivals the NWO, Hart Foundation, DX, Four Horsewomen, and New Day,” she explains. You can band together wrestlers from various eras of WWE, then use them to compete in weekly events throughout the year.

The initial similarity to FIF𝔉A 22’s Ultimate Team raises the issue of micro-transactions, so it's worth noting that MyFaction is a single-player mode. “MyFaction is the only mode in WWE 2K22 where purchasable VC comes into play," says Diem Pham. "It’s super important to note that VC does not offer any sort of competitive advantage or put players in a pay-to-win situation. The items purchased with VC can also be purchased with MyFaction points earned via gameplay.”

Control yourself, big guy

I’ve saved the most important hit-list pillars for last: controls and gameplay. After WWE 2K20 sunk in an ocean of bug-ridden infamy, Visual Concepts is aware that the fundamentals are paramount – particularly as 🍷that game senselessly decimated a familiar,ಌ functional control set.

To that end, I spy a screenshot of the Xbox Series X scheme. B initiates a grapple, X a light aꦍttack, A heavy attack, and Y has two functions: tap it for a reversal, or hold it for a block. RT is your modifier button: hold it then tap A for a finisher, X for a signature, Y for a payback move, or B to try a submission. The simpler means of hitting ☂finishers and signatures is emphatically welcome after 2K20 forced you to press two buttons at once in order to pull off a wrestler’s best-known moves.

As 🌱for that other priority, “the most important and critical change in WWE 2K22 resides in the engine itself,” says Die🐻m Pham. “The team has rebuilt the entire gameplay and animation engine from the ground up to make every dive, kickout and finisher feel like you’re sitting ringside at WrestleMania… We’ve rebuilt gameplay to meet a frictionless standard of accessibility: intuitive attacks, counters, combos, giving you more options at your disposal.”

The numbers certainly sound impressive. WWE 2K22 retains 30,000 moves, and adds 5,000 new ones, while all existing strikes have been recaptured and retimed. Footage of Kofi Kingston thumping Jeff Hardy in the ribs, then bulldogging his face into the mat, certainly looks impactful. But will it feel that ไway, and – more importantly – translate to an exciting, realistic video game? While cautiously excited about G🍸M Mode, that’s the main question we’ll be seeking to answer in an early 2022 hands-on.

WWE 2K22 is released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Xbox One in March 2022. Wondering who’ll feature in it? Then jump on over to GR’s 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster guide.

The brawler is 2K’s first since the disastrous WWE 2K20, and sees th💝e series launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X in March 2022. A key element is the new single-player MyFaction mode, in which you compete to build a squad of past and present wrestlers in order to compete in weekly events. This will be꧒ the only area of the game to feature virtual currency micro-transactions, and developer Visual Concepts says all they will do is expedite the process of unlocking content. 

“This all-new mode enables you to build a legendary crew that rivals the NWO, Hart Foundation, DX, Four Horsewomen, and New Day,” explains art producer Christina Diem Pham in our first-look 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 preview. “MyFaction is the only mode in WWE 2K22 where purchasable VC comes into play. It’s super important to note that VC does not offer any sort of compet꧑itive advantage or put players in a pay-to-win situation. The items purchased with VC can also be purchased with MyFaction points earned via gameplay.”

Monetisation within sports games has become a contentious topic given the ongoing profitability of EA’s Ultimate Team moꦇdes. Across FIFA, Madden and NHL, the software giant made $1.62 billion over the last fiscal year, but it’s been accused of promoting gambling and pay-to-win shortcuts in the process. 

Earlier this year EA introduced ‘Preview Packs’ in FIFA 21, in order to reduce claims of the mode being a lottery. These packs returned in FIFA 22. All of which explains 2K aiming to distance itself from similar accus🐽ations, despite WWE 2K22’s release being another four months away.

MyFaction’s means of unlocking wrestlers – Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, and Rey Mysterio are among those already confirmed for the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K22 roster – is yet to be revealed, with Visual Concepts promising more info early in 2022. H𒅌owever, i🐓t appears highly unlikely that it’ll mimic the randomization found within Ultimate Team, given the assurances provided by the studio.

Previous titles in 2K’s WWE series on PS4 and Xbox One have included paid-for content options such as immediately unlocking all wrestlers in the game ꦬand additional DLC characters. There’s no official word yet on whether these will return, though, clearly, such purchases don’t constitute gambling as you know exactly what you’re getting before purchase.

The upcoming sequel to WWE 2K20 will be Visual Concepts’ first sim wrestling game in two-and-a-half years, and one of two mainstream grap efforts released during the calendar year – with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:All Elite Wrestling also launching a console offering, developed by former WWE studio Yuke’s. Chris Jericho and CM Punk are among the famous names on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster.

WWE 2K22 is released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One in March 2022.

Having be𒁃en "redefined from the ground up", the "crowd popping, chills inducing" game's new release window was announced at WWE SummerSlam over the weekend. 

Admittedly, we didn't learn much else – 2K is still being very careful with what it shares and how – but the new 30-second trailer gives us 🌳a peek at some of the stars on the roster this year, including Bobb𒆙y Lashley, Charlotte Flair, and Roman Reigns amongst others and the characters once again look and move incredibly lifelike. 

WWE 2K22 was announced during WrestleMania 37 back in April along with an all-new trailer featuring Rey Mysterio and Cesaro. The tagline accompanying the new title? &a♔pos;It hits diffe𓂃rent'.

“That [mantra] doesn’t just apply to the game itself but the way we market it and communicate with the press, content creators, and our community,” 2K global communications manager Al Stavola told us 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:back when the game was announced. "We want to try out new ideas and▨ bring everyon𝕴e along for the journey.

"You're going to see things earlier than you have before, with more behind-the-scenes [content] than we’ve shown ✤in the past. Transparency is real꧂ly important. This is a different and huge step in the right direction."

For the first time in the game's 20-year-long history, 2K did not release a WWE game in 2021. The decision followed woeful reviews of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K20, promp🍨ting 2K to bring Patrick Gilmore onboard in the hope of refreshing the series and avoiding another bug-tastic release that spawned more memes than fans.

"We hear you and we know you want more from the franchise, so we are applying what we’ve learned to the next WWE 2K simulation game with a renewed focus on quality and fun," 2K told unhappy fans at the time. “As part of that commitment, we are e෴xtending the production timeline and will not be releasing a WWE 2K simulation game in 2020. 

"We want to ensure the development team can create a great game that will entertain grizzled WWE 2K veterans, as well as newcomers who want to climb through the ropes anꦰd step into the ring for the very first time."

There are plenty of big titles on our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming PS5 games and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:upcoming Xbox Series X games lists that you can get stuck into while you wait for WWE 2K22.

WWE 2K22 roster: Could CM Punk be set to return?

Before it was canned, the big question surrounding the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K21 roster concerned CM Punk. The straight-edge Chicagoan last appeared in WWE 2K15, before a controversial departure from the company seemed to put him in exile for life. Yet he made a shock return in Novemberᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ 2019 as an analyst on internet show WWE Backstage, giving fans hope of an in-ring comeback. 

Even if that doesn’t materialise, videogame deals are made separately from wrestling contracts, so you can guarantee that 2K will have approached 🍒him to appear in 2K🐲21 now bridges are being rebuilt. 2K loves to have a big star fronting its DLC offering each year – Ronda Rousey for WWE 2K19, Hulk Hogan for 2K20 – and Punk fitted the mould as a main target for WWE 2K21.

Other fresh names you can expect on next-gen include John Morrison, who returned to WWE TV in January 2020, and Raw newcomers Angel Garza, Keith Lee, and Retribution. Its leader Mustafa Ali is already in the series, but Mace (Brennan Williams) and T-Bar (Chris Dijak) look to be guaranteed d🧜ebut spots on the WWE 2K22 roster.

WWE 2K next-gen release date: expect it in October 2021

Unlike FIFA 21 and NBA 2K21, WWE games’ release dates have been inconsistent in recent times, although they've all materialised in the same month. WWE 2K18 emerged on 17 October; WWE 2K19 came out on 9 October; and WWE 2K20 dropped on 22 October. Even then, the latter felt like a rushed release, given the decision to cut ties with 💙long-time developer Yuke’s partway through the game’s annual cycle. 

Visual Concepts have brought in a new executive producer, former Medal Of Honor overlord Patrick Gilmore, and it's likely that he'll want the maximum possible allotment of development time to make an impact on next-gen. We'd therefore anticipate the new game sticking to its traditional release window🐽, and emerge on next-gen for the first time in October 2021. 

WWE 2K next-gen: what to expect

This is a series currently at a crossroads after the horrendous launch of WWE 2K20, so 2K and Visual Concepts are likely to play things conservatively as regards PS5 and Xbox Series X. That much appeared to be confirmed by Justin Leeper, a former writer on the Smackdown vs Raw video games. “2K a💟nd the people within it are trying to distance themselves from [the series],” he says in a . “I’ve heard about double-digit people who were on the team who have quit. They haven’t left for other stuff, they just quit because, ‘Man, I don’t want this stink on me anymore'.”

“2K20 is selling poorly, it’s doing poorly all around,” c🎃ontinues Leeper. “That means the budget is going to be cut. It means 2K21 is gonna have to be made for less money. Less money to fix things, innovat💞e, and now there are about 10 less people on the team. As you can tell, the outlook is not good for 2K21.” 

He was right, of course, with 2K21 being ditched altogether. Still, the year off should do the series good. There will be an inevitable graphical upgrade - even with its problems, WWE gaming in 8K is an exciting prospect. You'd hope to see the biggest ever roster, but a raft of 2020 cuts such as Zack Ryder and Rusev may mean having to sig🌱n up more legends to fill out numbers, and there's no guarantee 2K wants to take aboard that expense.

Under Gilmore, fundamentals🐎 will surely be the key focus: making this feel like the product you see on Raw and Smackdown each week. 2K20 actually isn't a failure in that respect - but its baffling change of contro🎀l scheme must be reverted as a first port of call, if it's going to win back alienated fans. 

WWE 2K next-gen features: what do the fans want?

“🦩My only wish for 2K21 is for it no🧸t to exist,” writes . Well, that wish came true.

While that sentiment is echoed by many following WWE 2K20✨’s disastrous few months, some fans are kinder in terms of wh💟at they’d like to see next year. 

, for instance, sensibly suggests a back-to-basics approach. “Only 🏅focus on gameplay and create modes. I genui🍸nely couldn't care less about what the roster looks like.”

“[With] gameplay,” he writes, “I’m talking more differentiation between AI opponents, some kind of dumbed down rip-off Fire Pro logic system. Make the weapons feel less clumsy. Fix hit detection (easy for me to say, and with 3000 moves and a zillion-year-old engine I get that it's not gonna be perfect), more damageable/interactable backstage environments like THQ WWE games and every fighting game, save and load sliders like I'm pretty sure💙 you can in any real sports game. More customizable options for stuff like damage and momentum. It would be great if I could play a match that gave you twice the momentum for hitting diving attacks, [which in turns also makes] the AI try a lot more dives.” 

Opponent intelligence is also the focus for . “Better AI. Have wrestlers recognise their allies and enemies, and then be biased towards or against them appropriately. I don't want to see AJ Styles teaming with Shinsuke Nakamura to put down Luke Gallows in the middle of the Royal Rumble. Also, the AI should go for OMG movܫes more in title matches and universe rivalry matches. I want to see the AI taunt more when their enemy is down. Basically, I want better AI that makes more sense to act how it does [based on a wrestler’s real gimmick].

We’ll share confirmed features for WWE 🦂on next-gen once they emerge - although that likely won&apos💝;t be until deep into 2021 now. Until then, all hail Drew McIntyre. 

WWE 2K21 replacement: is there one?

Kind of. With WWE 2K21 cancelled, 2K instead focussed its efforts this year on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K Battlegrounds – an arcade brawler packing myriad larger-than-life brawls. But click on that link to go through to our review and you'll see that it's a bit of a stinker. If you need a wrestling game in the meantime, we recommended WWE 2K19, which 2K has said it🎉 will support well into 2021: “As you know, we have sunset support for 2K19 Road to Glory and Online Towers. However, in appreciation for our loyal community, we will continue to support all other WWE 2K19 modes (specifically matchmaking servers and Community Creations) until the launch of the next WWE 2K sim title."

CM Punk

For a long time Punk featured top of our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:15 wrestlers you’ll never see again in a WWE 🅘game feature - but that could be proven wrong as soon as WWE 2K hits next-gen, after he shockingly returned as an analyst on the new WWE Backstage show. Until then, this realistic doppelganger by FlyEagleNat10n will keep you Punked. 

Lio Rush

As documented in our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K20 Lio Rush story, the former cruiserweight champion was absent from the game despite being featured as a WWE 2K19 DLC character. Your best bet for replacing him is this effort by hayworthgang, though he has two versions on the Community Creations serv🦄ers - be sure to download the one marked ‘no text logo’. Rush was released by WWE in Apr🐼il 2020.

John Morrison

The man known at various times as Johnny Nitro, Johnny Mundo and Johnny Impact returned to WWE in January 2020, reuniting with former partner The Miz and establishing himself as a heel for the first time in more than a decade. As such, you need him in your WWE Universe ASAP - and this effort from zuko3132 is the one to download. 

AJ Lee

If you’re going to add CM Punk, you surely need his real-life wife on your roster too. Especially as Mixed Mag Challenge bouts, featuring male-female tag-teams competing against one another, are one of WWE 2K20’s few redeeming features. Lee retired from wrestling in 2015 after scoring three separate Divas Championship wins. This piece of pint-sized goodness is by Nic1_F.

Jon Moxley

The artist formerly known as Dean Ambrose is one of the most prominent names on our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW roster feature, which charts the likely list of grapplers in its first videogame. (Release date still TBC.) Moxley departed WWE in early 2019 to sign for its upstart new rival, meaning the only way to recreate The Shield is to use a CAW. The one pictured here is by ntm0603.


Karrion Kross

The new man-beast of NXT hammered long-term favourite Tommaso Ciampa at June's Takeover: In Your House event, and boasts one of the most startling ring entrances around alongside real-life girlfriend Scarlett. This creation is by LordFiendX. And if yo🅺u're going to download Kross, then you also need…

Scarlett

A veteran of the indie circuit as Scarlett Bordeaux, this 29-year-old has amassed spells in OVW, ROH, Impact Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Her NXT debut in May alongside Kross immediately turned heads, and inevitably spawned numerous CAWs for 2K20. This effort from rayo-conjunto3 is the best. 

Doink

One of the most menacing, nefarious heels of early '90s WWF was the evil clown Doink - portrayed by the technically excellent Matt Borne, who sadly passed away in 2013. He's appeared sporadically in the WWE games over the years, but you'll need to utilise a CAW if you want to feature him in 2K20, and this effort by trudypoo2 is the best available.

Tessa Blanchard

Another hayworthgang creation. Tessa is the daughter of Tully Blanchard, a bona fide legend of the squared circle based on his ꦐdays lining up alongside Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson in The Four Horsemen. Dominant in TNA, WOW and AAA, she’s held her own against men in inter-gender matches, already surpassing her dad's achievements by capturing the Impact world title. She left TNA acrimoniously in June 2020.

Jordan Devlin

A trainee of former Universal Champion Finn Balor, Devlin is now working on the same show as his one-time mentor: WWE third brand NXT. He's doing pretty well for himself too, capturing the Cruiserweight Championship from Angel Garza at this year's World's Collide. The must-add CAW pictured here is the work of Bhangra22man.

Kay Lee Ray

Jordan Devlin wasn't the only WWE newcomer to impress at Worlds Collide in January. Scottish grappler Ray overcame Mia Yim in the pre-show bout, continuing her strong run as NXT UK Women's Champion - a belt she picked up by defeating Toni Storm in August 2019. Trial her in your universe by downloading this mlaver99 creation.

Chris Jericho

One regular CAW-maker who hasn’t abandoned ship is deaconbomb. His creations starred in both our 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K18 CAWs and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K19 CAWs guides, a♈nd he’s back again this year, with this attempt at꧃ Jericho the best effort so far. Just be aware that it has no moveset. For that, you need to download a different Jericho and then choose to paste that CAW’s moveset over the deaconbomb one. Fiddly, but it only takes a couple of minutes.

Jake Hager

Known as Jack Swagger during his WWE spell from 2008 to 2017, Hager spent two years on the independent circuit before signing with AEW in 2019. Upon arrival he immediately aligned with the aforementioned Jericho in a faction called the Inner Circle. Search for creator endgame3702 if you'd like this CAW in WWE 2K20.

Tenille Dashwood

Known as Emma in her WWE stint from 2011 to 2017, Dashwood had a curiously memorable run, largely due to her many character changes - which included a comedy dancing gimmick, a dismal repackaging as demigoddess Emmalina, and a great spell as a nefarious heel were she was hugely under-utilised. This creation is the work of RunZekeRun.

Killian Dain

Contracted wrestlers being axed from the roster is a major GR bugbear, and former Sanity member Dain suffers a similar fate to Lio Rush. Return him to your NXT show in Universe using this Onligne76 creation. You won’t be able to use his current theme, but Nikki Cross’ music i🐻s very close to the one he used as a member of Sanity; edi💎t that in Create-An-Entrance for the most realistic Dain possible.

Layla

Another strong Nic1_F creat💟ion to bolster the female side of your roster. Londoner🐓 Layla won the 2006 WWE Divas Search, going on to spend nine years in the company’s employ and winning both the Women’s and Divas Championships. Since retirement, she’s changed careers completely and is now a real estate agent. Guaranteeing that any return to WWE screens will be accompanied by a joke about ‘hot property’.

Kushida

Japanese veteran Kushida has endured a pedestrian start to his WWE career – picking up a fair few wins in NXT, without ever really feeling like the company is truly committed to getting him ‘over’. At 37 you’d think he’ll be fast-tracked to, and hopefully feature more prominently on, the main roster in 2021. Until then, enjoy this Onligne76 CAW.

Aliyah

If Kushida is a lock for the main roster, Aliyah must sense that there’s a possibility she’ll never make it. By all accounts a popular personality backstage, such likability hasn’t quite translated to in-ring performances since her 2016 TV debut. Still, at 26, time is on her side. And this BloodyEdenian CAW enables you t🌜o roster her on Raw or Smackdown, even while such𝔍 real-life ambitions elude her. 

Scott Steiner

Here’s a name you really won’t be seeing in WWE again until the depths of hell devolve into an icy tundra. Steiner has made no secret of his total disdain for WWE power couple Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, mostly using words beginning with F and C. Nor is he a Ric Flair fan. Still, IRONBILO has deli๊vered a fantastic CAW here, in case you wish to unleash Big Poppa Pomp and The Game upon one another in WWE 2K20’s virtual rings.

John Wick

As a strictly sim player, I’m not usually one for movie protagonists/superheroes/the cast of Friends using up precious download spots. Yet this exceptional take on Keanu Reeves’ badass alter-ego can’t be ignored. It’s made by marcoandtarma, who also has a Conan The Barbarian creation that looks just like Arnie available. A🐻nd hey, Reeves vs Schwarzenegger would be a more watchable WrestleMania bout than anything involving Baron Co𒉰rbin. 

WWE 2K20 is out now. Want to know which stars past and present are included on-disc? Then you need our comprehensive guide to the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:WWE 2K20 roster.

One glance at WWE 2K Battlegrounds is all you 𝓡need to know this year's wrestling game is nothing like the usual fare. With exaggerated character models, physics-defying moves, and absurd weapons like motorcycles and live alligators, Battlegrounds seeks to offer a different pace to its sim counterpart the same way NBA 2K Playgrounds has done for NBA 2K. Sadly, the comparisons really end there. While Playgrounds offers a fun alternative for basketball fans, Battlegrounds merely ports the art style, but rarely the enjoyment as well.

More than anything, this is because of a combination of shallow move sets and poorly implemented controls. Battlegrounds breaks up its roster of dozens of wrestlers into classes like Brawler, High-Flyer, or All-Rounder. These classes determ⛄ine a wrestler's moves in every way except for one: their finisherꦏ. For example, Triple H still gets his Pedigree and Brock Lesnar still gets his F5, but in all other ways, their moves are the same because they're both classed as Powerhouses.

This feels cheap already, but it's made worse by the controls. Battlegrounds confusingly utilizes the left trigger and right stick inconsistently. The former is meant to modify simpler grappling moves to perform better ones while the latter allows you to do different lifting moves, but in practice these different combin♑ations feel randomly assigned, as virtually every move is a high-flying lift of some sort anyway.

There's a bit of would-be interesting nuance in who can lift whom, like Technicians being unable to lift Powerhouses, but this ultimately serves to 🍸only shorten an already lacking move set for some players. Consistently, reversal moves resulted in broken animations where players would teleport and skip frames to execute their moves. Battlegrounds isn't nearly the mess of WWE 2K20, but it's not without its own janky-looking fights.

Despite them fitting the game's aesthetic, some of the sillier mec🏅hanics hurt𒉰 it too. Each arena offers its own unique environmental abilities, like an alligator that you can feed your opponent to in the Everglades, or a ram you can inexplicably control with a remote in Mexico, but these greatly vary in their effectiveness and don't feel well considered. The Detroit arena, for example, allows you to throw explosive barrels which destroy the ring, collapsing the turnbuckles and making irish whips or high-flying moves inaccessible.

This hinders acrobatic players by removing a g🐓reat deal of their moves and in general just makes those matches worse because moves will start in the ring and end outside of it with no ropes there to keep the fight💧 inside anymore. The ram is easily overcome too, as players can laughably run in and out of the ring as it gives chase until the invisible timer expires on the ability.

The career mode feels rushed to hit the October deadline. It's not an understatement to call it a long ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚseries of matches with little context in between. Comic-style screenshots tell a story in between every few matches but these aren't cleverly written, so they just become a screen🥂 to move past onto the next match. You earn crucial power-ups for use across all modes by playing the campaign, so it's necessary in that way, but its focus on fake superstars climbing the ranks is a poor decision.

Eat, sleep, create, go back to sleep

The game's create-a-superstar suite offers a decent package of customization tools, including full facial molding mechanics, which feels like more than this sort of game usually allows. But rath🌞er than put your player in the starring role of the campaign, the story is told through the careers of six fake wrestlers, leaning on neither the pꦏlayer-created star nor the roster of greats like The Rock, Bray Wyatt, AJ Styles, or Becky Lynch.

A very similar mode, Battleground Challenge, does let you play as your custom wrestler and earn skill upgrades as you go. This is a much better use of one's time, but it's too bad the game keeps the power-u♌ps behind t🐲he campaign, requiring you double-dip these two nearly identical modes for several hours each.

The best part of WWE 2K Battlegrounds is online mode King of the Battleground. Playing out like a Royal Rumble where a𒈔nyone can join at any point, it invites players to step into the arena and wait for their turn alongside others already brawling. You earn in-game currency the longer you survive and the more opponents you eliminate. This open invitation is a fun way of engaging with other players online. You n♕ever know who you're facing or if anyone before you has been in the ring dominating for a long time, and the rewards feel worthwhile.

Alongside that, there's also a tournament mode which, while 🏅not as interesting, is still a better way to spend your time in Battlegrounds than the campaign because it feels like there's a worthy endgame to it all, with big in-game currency rewards coming to winners or even just those who survive a few rounds.

It's that currency of the game that reveals one last crucial issue, however, and it'll be a familiar one to players of anything with 2K in the name latel🀅y. Everything is for sale. The base game offers a good roster of superstars spanning the last several decades, but about just as many are locked b♐ehind a paywall. Those who buy the upgraded version of the game unlock a few more superstars right away, but everyone else is for sale. While their individual prices range from a reasonable sounding 75 cents to three dollars, it's the full roster's price tag, which would cost you dozens more dollars, that really stings.

These superstars can eventually be u🧸nlocked by grinding in-game currency, but again, it all feels cheaty and exhausting. Play a standard 🍌match in FIFA and you wouldn’t expect to grind in order to use Mane or Salah or Robertson.

Pay it again, Sam

Even skills come🅺 with optional price tags too. Paying to immediately upgrade your created player rather than earn their skills through challenges feels like selling a game and then suggesting players pay to skip past all the important bits. It just doesn't make any sort of consumer sense. It's true that anything you can buy with real money can also be earned with free curܫrency, but as is often the case with these two-currency models, the game is clearly designed for you to favor one payment method over the other.

We've seen plenty of good games with questionable in-game economies. Sports gamers are especially familiar with tജhis as the scheme has found its way into every major sports series that exists today, but it's a bigger problem when an already lackluster game asks you to keep spending more. WWE 2K Battlegrounds isn't nearly as fun as its NBA counterparts and doesn't feel like the stopgap it's intended to💦 be while we wait for the mainline series to return.

Devoted WWE fans will get some enjoyment out of seeing their favorite stars dressed up like c🎶artoon versions of themselves, but the majority won't find the nostalgia of old-school wrestling games here. Instead they’ll ꦫunearth a brand that's reached rock bottom.

Reviewed on Xbox One. Code provided by the publisher.

Brock Lesnar

Make the most of this appearance: Lesnar’s contract with WWE expired earlier this year. So while WWE 2K22 is expected sometime towards the end of 2021, at 🔥this point Lesnar is unlikely to appear in it, given the mountainous sum 2K would have to fork out just for him to drop by as a legend. The final match of his latest WWE run occurred at WrestleMania 36, as he dropped the WWE Universal Championship to Drew McInওtyre. Speaking of whom…

Drew McIntyre

It’s been a bizarre year in WWE, as in the real world, but McIntrye has been the reliable constant in an ever-changing wrestling environment. He captured the Universal Championship from Brock Lesnar behind closed doors at WrestleMania 36, then tackled Andrade, Angel Garza and former partner Dolph Ziggler on Raw. The first Scottish world champ🧜 deserves a starring role on the WWE 2K Battlegrounds roster.

Becky Lynch

If Scotland provided WWE’s biggest success story of 2020, Ireland was the origin of 2019’s. ‘Lass kicker’ Becky Lynch talked at length of her lofty career ambitions when 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:speaking to GR in 2016. In the last eighteen months she’s achieved them all, becoming WWE’s most marketable and popular star. She held the WWE Women’s Chamꦍpionship for 13 dominant months before stepping away from the ring in May, upon revealing that she’s expecting a child with her partner, fellow wrestler Seth Rollins.

Shawn Michaels

Now one of the key minds behind WWE’s third brand NXT, Michaels is b🐽est known for his run as one of the greatest solo wrestlers of the 1990s and 2000s – and days teaming with Triple H as DX. Both make the on-disc WWE 2K Battlegrounds roster, while everlasting rival Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart is on the free DLC list. As you can see from the above image, Sgt Slaughter and Big Show make the s🐲hortlist for the new madcap brawler too.

Samoa Joe

Pictured duking it out with Luch𒈔a House Party member Kalisto, Joe’s colossal form has been absent from WWE rings for much of the year due to injury, but he’s been a strong addition to the Raw commentary team. Mauro Ranallo and Jerry 'King' Lawler are on play-by-play duties in Battlegrounds, freeing up the Samoan to go face-to-fist with old rivals such as AJ Styles and Bobby Roode. Sadly there’s no spot at all for his most famous foe, Kurt Angle.

The Rock

Well, duh. There was no way the biggest actor in the world right now was being leftꩵ off a new WWE game, and Dwayne Johnson is joined by other legends of the ring such as ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley and John Cena. In early September, Johnson revealed that his𝕴 entire family had been struck down by Covid-19, and all are thankfully now on the road to recovery.

Jeff Hardy

After an extended absence, the ‘charismatic enigma’ (WWE’s dreadful nickname, not ours) returned to the ring in March 2020 and put an uncomfortable feud – based around his real-life addiction issues – with Sheamus behind him to grab the Intercontinental Championship from AJ Styles. Sadly, brother Matt won’t be in this year’s game after departing WWE in the spring. Instead find him on the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:AEW Roster.

Bray Wyatt

In a feature which must carry over to WWE 2K22, every wrestler in Battlegrounds has at least one alternate attire. Wyatt comes with two. As we🔯ll as the pair of alter-egos he’s currently using on WWE TV – terrifying clown The Fiend, and ‘normal’ Firefly Funhouse presenter Wyatt – his previous cult leader gimmick is represented too. Mercifully, there’s no mention of Husky Har🐎ris.

Edge

This year’s most shocking return occurred at the Royal Rumble. Nine years after a retirement that seemed permanent owing to a damaged neck, Edge entered at number 21 to genuine shock from both the live audience and millions watching around the world. His comeback sparked an immediate feud with﷽ Randy Orton. He’s back on the injury list again now, but expected to be fit again in order to headline WrestleMania 37 against his ongoing nemesis.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds roster (on-disc)

AJ Styles

Akira Tozawa

Aleister Black

Alexa Bliss

Alicia Fox

Andre The Giant

Apollo

Asuka

Baron Corbin

Bayley

Becky Lynch