WWE 2K23: How To Drag And Control Opponents

Published Mar 15, 2023

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This article is part of a directory: WWE 2K23: Complete Guide & Walkthrough

As with its predecessors, WWE 2K23 is a complex game with a deep set of mechanics and strategies to get adjusted to. This is especially so if players are new to the series, as it can be intimidating. Even though the tutorial and onscreen prompts do a fine job of explaining the fundamentals, it's easy to miss and even forget how to do, moves like dragging and controlling opponents.

RELATED: WWE 2K23: Trophy/Achievement List Knowing how to control, drag and position an opponent in WWE 2K23 is vital for performing big moves and finishers. Taking the fight to the outside, players must know how to place their opponents on the guard rails, announcer's table, steps, and ring post, and even throw them back into the ring.

How To Drag A Grounded Opponent

WWE 2K23 Ultimate Warrior dragging Jake Roberts side angle

Ensuring an opponent is in the correct position can mean the difference between winning and losing. When opponents in WWE 2K23 are too close to the ropes, they can kick out with a rope break. They must also be close to the turnbuckle going for high-flying attacks. To perform the opponent drag in WWE 2k23, use the following steps:

With an opponent down, press the L1/LB button.
The player character has a limited time to drag their opponent around the ring.
The move can be initiated from the grapple after pressing the B/Circle button.
If the player character holds an opponent for too long, they will be countered.

How To Drag A Standing Opponent

WWE 2K23 Cactus Jack dragging Vader to the ropes

The mechanics for dragging a standing opponent are the same as grounded wrestlers in WWE 2K23. But when standing, they tend to recover faster. So it is better to wait until they are stunned before moving them around the ring.

Initiate a grapple with the B/Circle button.
Then press the L1/LB button.
The game will prompt the player with a B/Square button to slam their head into the corner or place them on the ropes.
Now the player's wrestler can move their opponents around the ring to throw them over the top rope, drape them over the rope, or position them in the corner and a table.

Dragging An Opponent Outside The Ring

WWE 2K23 Ultimate Warrior dragging Jake Roberts outside the ring

There are several opportunities outside the ring where dragging and positioning the opponent is more accurate, thanks to the mechanic. Use the following steps to get the best chance of using the outside as a weapon, whether in a regular match, Hell in a Cell, or WarGames in WWE 2K23.

Take the fight to the outside of the ring - keep an eye on the ref's countdown if it's a regular match.
Grab the opponent with B/Circle.
Walk them to the ring post, guard rail, or the announcer's table.

WWE 2K23 Cactus Jack using the guard rail to attack Vader

The game will prompt the player to press the X/Square button and hit them to use the environment as a weapon.

That's everything a player needs to know about controlling an opponent to get the advantage in and out of the ring. This way, players can attack the other wrestlers in WWE 2K23 with super finishers and more extreme attacks.