All WWE 2K26 Rumors and Leaks Explained

WWE 2K26 is right around the corner. Historically, the franchise usually eyes a March release date with information drops around the Royal Rumble, so series fans are eagerly awaiting all the details about what to expect from WWE 2K26. There are at least a few things that have already been confirmed. From names to expect on the roster to special editions, WWE 2K26 is gearing up to lift the veil on further details.

The recently-revealed WWE 2K26 Attitude Era Edition and Monday Night War Edition are two exciting things for hardcore wrestling lovers to look forward to. Even though a few things have been showcased as teasers, a lot of the news surrounding WWE 2K26 has been through rumors and leaks. As exciting as they are, all rumors and leaks should be taken with a heavy grain of salt. It's still interesting to see what could potentially be in store.

Every WWE 2K26 Rumor and Leak So Far

New match types, a focus on CM Punk, the potential return of The Island, and maybe even the addition of wrestlers from a different promotion have been the main WWE 2K26 rumors to pop up over the past month. If true, WWE 2K26 players may have a lot of exciting features coming their way.

Three Match Types Could Make a Grand Return, While a New One is Added to the Mix

3 Stages of Hell
I Quit
Inferno
Dumpster

If true, 3 Stages of Hell, I Quit, and Inferno would be returning after years of being kept out of WWE games. The rumored WWE 2K26 match types could be a nostalgia comeback for longtime fans, while Dumpster would be a newcomer that would bring one of the WWE's goofiest matches to players. 3 Stages of Hell is a two-out-of-three falls match, where the rulesets change with each fall. I Quit matches require opponents to verbally quit instead of a normal submission, and just as the name implies, Inferno has players throwing their opponent around a fire-covered ring. Dumpster matches are a hilarious fight where the only goal is to throw opponents into a dumpster, but the lid has to be closed in order to win. It's ridiculous, but they're one of the most entertaining kinds of WWE matches.

WWE 2K25 Adding John Cena Retirement Tour DLC

3 Stages of Hell hasn't really been present in the WWE 2K series. It was last seen in the WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw franchise.

CM Punk Showcase

Showcase is one of WWE 2K's most popular modes, as it goes through highlights of some of WWE's most historic matches and storylines. A potential CM Punk Showcase in WWE 2K26 makes a lot of sense, considering his return to WWE is still relatively new and he's the current World Heavyweight Champion. Over the years, CM Punk has had some of the most notable rivalries and moments in WWE, so it will be exciting to see what highlights from his career are chosen for the Showcase Mode.

The Island Could Be Returning in WWE 2K26

The Island made its debut last year in WWE 2K25, and it proved to be divisive. This mode introduced a free-roam online hub where players could complete quests and go head-to-head with other players to impress Roman Reigns. It's a cool concept, but the downside is that there was also an emphasis on microtransactions that made it less exciting. 2K Games hasn't confirmed if The Island is returning to WWE 2K26 or not, although it is heavily said to be, but it wouldn't be too surprising if it were part of the game.

WWE 2K26 Could Be Getting an Exciting Roster Shake-Up With Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide

This one is definitely more of a rumor than a leak, but it's an exciting one that will hopefully come to fruition. Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide producer Adrian Butler tweeted a hashtag for the company and hinted that the Mexican wrestling group joining WWE 2K26 was "not a bad idea." This is far from an official confirmation. Considering that Adrian Butler is also the WWE NXT Head Referee, though, it may hint that he has some inside information regarding the WWE 2K26 fighter roster.

More Answers About What to Expect From WWE 2K26 Are Right Around the Corner

2K Games has kept tight-lipped about an official release date and deeper details, but the company is beginning to offer small breadcrumbs to fans. With WWE 2K26 pre-orders going live on January 30, a release date is bound to follow soon. With every new WWE 2K game comes a blend of old and new features, and it will be fascinating to see which leaks from the past month turn out to be true.

It's also unclear if WWE 2K26 will launch day one for the Switch 2. WWE 2K25 was eventually ported to the console, so it's definitely possible.

Everything That 2K Games Has Confirmed For WWE 2K26, So Far

Attitude Era and Monday Night War Editions
32 WWE stars on the roster (plenty more to be revealed)
Most likely releasing before Q1 of 2026.

Right now, there is very little information to go off. WWE 2K fans will want to keep an eye out for a fresh update after the pre-orders go live, though. In order to increase interest in pre-orders, 2K Games has to let players know what the game has to offer. It's hard to predict what to expect from WWE 2K26, given all the possible avenues.

Still, the possible return of long-gone match types is really intriguing, but other potentially returning features, like The Island, could signal some skepticism from players. If The Island returns, 2K Games hopefully takes the criticism of its microtransactions to heart. The mode has what it takes to be a strong addition to the WWE 2K franchise, but the amount of in-game purchases holds it back from its true potential. There are only a few days left until WWE 2K26's pre-orders are open for purchase, so it will be interesting to see if 2K Games makes any other announcements then.

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