Roman Reigns will challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight title at WrestleMania 42. About a month before that, though, fans will be able to recreate that match (should they wish) in WWE 2K26. CM Punk is the cover star, and as is tradition, the Showcase Mode will focus on his career. As of now, it goes back as far as 2008.
Like Paul Heyman narrated the WWE 2K25 Showcase focused on Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, The Second City Saint will narrate his own career in WWE 2K26. This means looking back on some of his most iconic matches, rivalries, and moments, as well as musing on and discussing "What if" dream matches.
A new promotional trailer for WWE 2K26's Showcase Mode gives fans their first taste of this, and through it, confirmation of the first 10 matches in his Showcase Mode. WWE 2K24's Showcase of the Immortals featured 21 main matches, while the Bloodline Showcase had 17 main matches, not counting "bonus" matches. In other words, fans can expect there to be a handful of more matches, potentially doubling the count, but that remains to be seen. Fans see a little gameplay of the Showcase Mode in the trailer, which confirms the following 10 matches.
List of CM Punk Showcase Matches
- CM Punk vs. JBL (SummerSlam 2008)
- CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio (Armageddon 2008)
- CM Punk vs. The Rock (Elimination Chamber 2013)
- CM Punk vs. John Cena (RAW, February 25th 2013)
- CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2013)
- CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Bad Blood 2024)
- CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns (WrestleMania 41)
- CM Punk vs. Eddie Guerrero
- CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
- CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. The Miz & Maryse
The last three listed above are examples of the "What if" dream matches included in the showcase, while most of the list focuses on some of his big matches before his most recent run. CM Punk's rivalry with John Cena is legendary, as an example, but it also includes his first WrestleMania main event (CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns). CM Punk's rivalry with Drew McIntyre is one for the history books, so seeing it represented here isn't just exciting but expected.
Overall, it's a pretty good start to his showcase. There are plenty of dream matches that could be made up, but his history still has a lot to explore. For example, I would take a second John Cena match, specifically Money in the Bank 2011. I'd also prefer to see CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy from SummerSlam 2009, CM Punk vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29, and at least one of his actual Money in the Bank matches.
For the time being, I (and many other fans) will have to remain patient. The wait isn't too long, at least. WWE 2K26 officially releases on March 13 for Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. Those who buy one of WWE 2K26's special editions—the King of Kings Edition, the Attitude Era Edition, or the Monday Night Wars edition—will be able to play the game on March 6.
