Summary
- WWE 2K25 boasts the largest roster ever, with 300 playable characters, including legends and current Superstars.
- Some Superstars from WWE 2K24 won't return for WWE 2K25 due to contract issues or being let go by the company.
- Fans are hopeful for a potential TNA DLC pack to bring back legends like Robert Roode and address missing characters.
26 wrestlers from WWE 2K24 will not be returning for WWE 2K25. As the build-up to the release of WWE 2K25 continues, more details about the game are coming out. This includes reveals about debuting modes, new features, and the much-awaited roster reveal. The developers try their best to come up with the best mix of current Superstars and legends so that the title can attract the attention of wrestling fans of all ages.
WWE 2K25's full roster was revealed recently. With an impressive and massive count of 300 playable characters including wrestling legends, unique gimmicks, plus Raw, SmackDown, and NXT talents, the game will end up having the biggest roster to date. However, as with every yearly roster, some Superstars are bound to come and go. Whether the departure is due to being let go by the company or a contract expiration, some characters from previous years won't be part of the next game.
WWE 2K25 Is Breaking the Ken Shamrock 'Curse'
WWE fans point out that the upcoming release of WWE 2K25 is breaking a 'curse' involving WWE legend and playable wrestler Ken Shamrock.
Reddit user Makuraudo listed all Superstars from WWE 2K24 who were not part of WWE 2K25's recent roster reveal. Characters from WWE 2K24's Pat McAfee DLC Pack were mostly expected to be one-off, especially because of the negative reception it received. Names like Edge, Bobby Lashley, and a few others left the company, so it's not surprising to see them being left out. However, the more shocking omissions would have to be Robert Roode, Big Boss Man, Jerry Lawler, and Ted DiBiase.
WWE 2K24 Characters Who Aren't Part of WWE 2K25
- AJ Hawk
- Bad Bunny
- Beth Phoenix
- Big Boss Man
- Bobby Lashley
- Boston Connor
- Cameron Grimes
- Damon Kemp
- Darius Butler
- Dijak
- Drew Gulak
- Jerry Lawler
- Jinder Mahal
- Muhammad Ali
- MVP
- Post Malone
- Ricochet
- Robert Roode
- Ronda Rousey
- Sanga
- SCRYPTS
- Shane McMahon
- Ted DiBiase
- Ty Schmit
- Veer
- Xia Li
Robert Roode's absence is a shock because most fans know that he is still employed by the WWE. Although Roode now acts as a producer for the company, the same could be said for Tyler Breeze, who works in a backstage role but is still part of the roster. The comments section speculates that there could have been some contract issues with Roode after shifting from a performer's contract. However, many fans are hopeful that the WWE and TNA partnership could add something new to the games. With much clamor for a TNA DLC pack, maybe the developers can bring back a Bobby Roode TNA character for The Glorious One.
As for Boss Man, Lawler, and DiBiase, it's highly likely that their Legends deals could have expired, leading to their removal. Granted, it's still a surprise, especially since DiBiase and Lawler have made a few one-off appearances for the company recently. While it would likely receive negative press, WWE 2K25 could add back these missing characters via DLC or MyFaction. WWE 2K24's WCW DLC Pack did this by bringing back updated and alternate versions of DDP, The Iron Sheik, Mr. Perfect, and Lex Luger, who have appeared in older games.
WWE 2K25
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- Released
- March 14, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen // Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Sports
WHERE TO PLAY
Celebrate The Bloodline in Showcase. Compete online in MyGM. Expanded gameplay includes intergender wrestling, chain wrestling, barricade diving, the return of Promos + much more!
A ROSTER FOR THE AGES
WWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers. The 300+ stacked roster spans multiple generations and features Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Undertaker, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, and more.
2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE'S DYNASTY
The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.
A UNIFIED MyRISE
Your Superstar takes center stage in an all-new intergender storyline with new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, objects and more.
MyGM GOES WORLDWIDE
Take your show on the road with MyGM 4-player online multiplayer! Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.
YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAY
New upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience. Promos are back with multiple types and outcomes featuring new cutscenes and branching choices.
EXPANDED GAMEPLAY
Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! Additional features include the return of chain wrestling, the Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, plus much more.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Prequel(s)
- WWE 2K24
- Franchise
- WWE 2K
- Number of Players
- 1-8
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- March 14, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- March 14, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- March 14, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Wrestling, Sports
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- Local Co-Op Support
- Yes
