Scheduled for a March debut, WWE 2K26 has finally unveiled its primary cover athlete. Following the reveal of the specialized Attitude Era and King of Kings editions, Visual Concepts confirmed that “The Best in the World,” reigning World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, will headline the standard edition. This marks the first time since 2012 that Punk has served as the face of a WWE title.
During a recent digital showcase, developer Visual Concepts detailed the ambitious future of the franchise. WWE 2K26 represents a technological leap, as it is the first entry in this console generation to move exclusively to modern hardware, leaving the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One behind. The shift allows for highly anticipated match types, a revamped arsenal of weapons, refined gameplay mechanics, and the most expansive roster in the series’ history.
An Unprecedented Roster
At launch, WWE 2K26 features a staggering lineup of over 400 superstars, blending modern titans with legendary icons. While the full list remains under wraps, several high-profile names have been confirmed:
- Andre the Giant
- Bret Hart
- Bron Breakker
- Charlotte Flair
- CM Punk
- Cody Rhodes
- Drew McIntyre
- Eddie Guerrero
- Iyo Sky
- John Cena
- Kane
- Liv Morgan
- Logan Paul
- Naomi
- Penta & Rey Fénix
- Randy Orton
- Rhea Ripley
- Roman Reigns
- Seth Rollins
- Stephanie Vaquer
- The Undertaker
Notably, TNA standout and viral sensation Joe Hendry joins the fray as an exclusive pre-order incentive. When questioned about the inclusion of Lucha Libre AAA talent—following WWE’s 2025 acquisition of the promotion—developers teased that fans should “stay tuned.” A cryptic teaser on the game’s official site, featuring a prominent photo of an iguana, has already sparked rumors regarding an appearance by Mr. Iguana.
Innovative Match Types and Combat Refinements
The match selection has been bolstered with four fan-favorite additions: Inferno, I Quit, Three Stages of Hell, and Dumpster matches. Continuing the trend from the previous year, intergender matchups are fully supported across all modes. The broadcast team also sees a shake-up, with Wade Barrett and Booker T joining the commentary desk.
The spectacle begins before the bell even rings. New interactive entrances allow players to trigger specific animations—such as accepting or snubbing a handshake—based on a superstar’s alignment. Players can also manually activate pyrotechnics or choose to ambush their opponent during the ring walk.
In the ring, the violence reaches new heights with the addition of thumbtacks and shopping carts. Players can now stack tables for high-risk spots, and a new physics engine—which developers compare to the beloved Smackdown vs. Raw 2011—ensures more realistic environmental damage. Notably, thumbtacks will now visibly lodge into a character’s skin, and championship podiums will be present at ringside for title bouts.
Introducing the Ringside Pass
Visual Concepts is transitioning away from traditional DLC packs in favor of the Ringside Pass, a battle-pass style progression system. Featuring 60 free tiers and 40 premium tiers, the pass allows players to earn XP across all modes to unlock Superstars, cosmetic gear, and Virtual Currency (VC).
The developers emphasize that this model provides superior value, offering more content for the same price as previous season passes. Crucially, new roster additions will be placed in the early tiers of the pass to ensure they are accessible quickly. Six distinct “Seasons” are planned throughout the year, with the first kicking off on launch day.
Showcase Mode: The CM Punk Anthology
This year’s Showcase Mode focuses on the turbulent and triumphant career of CM Punk. Narrated by Punk himself, the mode serves as an interactive documentary. Beyond recreating historical milestones, players can explore “What If?” scenarios, participating in fantasy matches that might have occurred had Punk never departed WWE in 2014.
Expanded Game Modes
- The Island: The open-hub quest system returns, now featuring a “Scrapyard Brawl” environment. Players can align with one of three factions to fill the power vacuum left by the Bloodline.
- MyRise: Two new distinct career paths offer deeper branching narratives where heel and face turns carry significant weight.
- MyGM: Management depth has been increased to include 50-week seasons, intergender booking, and challenges for 8-player matches.
- MyFaction: The card-battler now features “Quick Swap” mechanics and intergender lineups for more dynamic strategic play.
- Creation Suite: In a major upgrade, custom superstar slots have been doubled to 200, while image storage has expanded to 2,000 slots.
Release Dates and Editions
WWE 2K26 officially launches on March 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC. Early access begins on March 6 for those who purchase premium editions.
- Standard Edition ($69.99): The base game.
- King of Kings Edition ($99.99): Includes the Joe Hendry Pack, Ringside Pass Season 1, 32,500 VC, and a “King of Kings” Triple H/Stephanie McMahon throwback pack.
- Attitude Era Edition ($129.99): Includes all previous content, Ringside Pass Seasons 1-4, an Attitude Era Pack (The Rock ’99, Kane ’98, Chyna ’97), 100,000 VC, and a MyRise attribute boost.
- Monday Night War Edition ($149.99): The ultimate package featuring Ringside Pass Seasons 1-6, the Monday Night War Pack (DX Shawn Michaels, ’98 Randy Savage), and the WrestleMania 42 Arena/Persona pack.
