Hot off the heels of – what many would consider – one of professional wrestling’s worst video games of the modern era (WWE 2K20). 2K Sports and Visual Concepts have officially announced the release of WWE 2K22.
After multiple tweets and references to WWE 2K22 “hitting different” than years past, a “Hit List” trailer was released on November 18, 2021. It referenced multiple new additions to the series, such as a new MyCareer mode (now titled MyRise). This game will also see a “full revamp” to the Creation Suite, the return of Universe Mode, and the introduction of a new mode called MyFaction.
WWE 2K22 Release Date and More Announced
One of the most interesting takeaways from this trailer was the announced return of the beloved GM Mode (now titled “MyGM Mode”). This mode has not been seen in a WWE video game since WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008. However, even more, news was released on January 20, 2022, when the official WWE 2K YouTube account released the announce trailer for the new game.
This trailer features the likes of cover star Rey Mysterio, wrestlers Dominik Mysterio, Riddle, Big E, Bobby Lashley, and more. It also features popular content creators such as TimTheTatman and BrandonDoesEverything. The trailer showcases a faux-behind-the-scenes look at different WWE superstars helping 2K Games & Visual Concepts “develop” the new game in a very entertaining format.
2K Games has also started to roll out its typical roster reveals. Six superstars total are confirmed for the game, including Edge and Rey Mysterio. The other four superstars confirmed for the game are exclusive to the new nWo 4-Life Edition of the game, which was also announced. Those superstars are Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Syxx.
If the trailer is anything to go off of, however, then we will also be seeing the inclusions of Bobby Lashley, Big E, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Kane, Liv Morgan, The Undertaker, Robert Roode, The Miz, Seth Rollins, Ultimate Warrior, John Cena, Naomi, Kofi Kingston, Adam Pearce, Sonya Deville, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Dana Brooke, Tamina Snuka, Ivar, Erik, Ricochet, Shotzi, Sasha Banks and Randy Savage. For some reason, many of these names remain unadded to the official WWE 2K22 roster page on the WWE 2K website, but footage of them in-game was included in the official trailer.
The game is available for pre-order, with a pre-order bonus of three different playable versions of The Undertaker (Ministry version, Phantom of the Opera version, and Biker version). If you pre-order the game, you will receive it on March 8, 2022. Otherwise, the official release date is March 11, 2022.
Many professional wrestling fans find themselves shattered and jaded following the disastrous release of WWE 2K20 and the let-down that was WWE 2K Battlegrounds. Will WWE 2K manage to capture their now-lost fanbase of wrestling video game fans? The jury is still out as we wait and see if WWE 2K can remain true to their promises of WWE 2K22 “hitting different” than ever before.
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