Breaking news from the illustrious world of body slams and flying elbows: the next chapter of the wrestling saga is arriving in the form of WWE 2K26. Set your calendars to March 13, when the digital mayhem will erupt on platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC. Early access is available for the eager beavers who opt for special editions, which can be played starting March 6. Think of it as an exclusive backstage pass but without the awkward small talk.
Last-Gen Consoles: Time to Retire
In nail-biting news, the last-gen consoles like the Xbox One and PS4 have been officially told to hit the road. They’ve had their wrestling matches since WWE 2K15 and have now reached their sunset—kind of like that friend who insists on wearing their high school varsity jacket to every reunion. The new installment is moving on without them, leaving them to contemplate their existence.
400+ Wrestlers: More than a Royal Rumble
WWE 2K26 is bringing an astonishing roster of over 400 playable characters. Yes, you read that right. That’s more wrestlers than there are flavors of ice cream! New additions gracing the ring this year include the ever-so-elusive Rey Fénix, Blake Monroe, and the return of the one and only Rusev, because who doesn’t want a little more “Ruuusev Day” in their lives?
Showcase Mode: Punked Edition
Let’s talk about the sweet cherry on top: Showcase mode! This year’s theme is “Punked.” No, it’s not a reality TV show host; instead, it’s an exhilarating expedition through CM Punk’s illustrious career—narrated by Punk himself, because who better to tell his story than… well, him? Let the nostalgia wash over like a good old-fashioned chair shot to the back.
Match Types That’ll Make Your Head Spin
Four new match types will make even the most seasoned fans giggle with delight: Three Stages of Hell, I Quit, Inferno, and Dumpster matches. Yes, you read that correctly—dumpster matches are a real thing, and yes, it’s just as classy as it sounds. To add to the chaos, new weapons have made their debut, including stackable tables (because who doesn’t need some skeletal furniture in their wrestling?); shopping carts, because why not; and thumbtacks? Ouch!
Goodbye DLC, Hello Ringside Pass
Gone are the days of waiting for DLC packs like they’re rare Pokémon. Instead, WWE 2K26 is introducing the Ringside Pass system. Think of it like a gym membership for wrestling content. Each season includes a free tier with 60 unlockable tiers and a premium tier, just in case feeling “premium” is a crucial part of one’s wrestling experience.
Players will earn XP across various game modes to unlock superstars, vanity items, and even mythical VC currency. There will be six seasons of this pass, ensuring that wrestling addiction has a steady stream of content to sweep players off their feet!
Edition Madness: Pick Your Poison
The game comes in four glorious editions. From the Standard Edition to the Monday Night War Edition, the price points vary like wrestlers in a battle royal:
Standard Edition
- $69.99 / £69.99
- Releases March 13
- Pre-order bonus includes the Joe Hendry Pack
- Playable Joe Hendry
- Joe Hendry shirt cosmetic item
- Joe Hendry MyFaction Evo card
- Joe Hendry Spin Emote for The Island
King of Kings Edition
- $99.99 / £89.99
- Early access from March 6
- Includes everything from the Standard Edition
- Ringside Pass Premium Season 1
- 32,500 VC currency
- Playable Triple H ’98 and Stephenie McMahon ’00
- Emotes for The Island, naturally!
Attitude Era Edition
- $129.99 / £119.99
- Early access from March 6
- All content from King of Kings Edition
- Ringside Pass Premium Season 1-4 and more!
Monday Night War Edition
- $149.99 / £139.99
- Includes everything from previous editions
- Ringside Pass Premium Seasons 1-6
- Playable legends galore
- WrestleMania 42 Pack?
Past reviews have hailed previous installments as “solid,” noting that one should throw a Cena taunt at the less savory parts of the game and focus on the fun. The Switch version was reviewed as the “best wrestling game” on a Nintendo console since the N64 era, which might be the best selling point of all time!
In conclusion, wrestling fans, prepare for a rollercoaster ride filled with pixelated chaos, nostalgia, and enough characters to field an army. WWE 2K26 is here, and it promises to be as wild as ever—complete with oversized egos and over-the-top moves. Just make sure to keep those thumbtacks away from the snacks!
