It seems as though we have our first details about the 2026 instalment of WWE’s hit video game franchise. According to Mike Straw at Insider Gaming, the focal figure of WWE 2K26’s “Showcase Mode” will be the “Best in the World”, CM Punk.
EXCLUSIVE: I’ve learned that CM Punk will be the feature star for WWE 2K26’s Showcase Mode
Read the full story with more details at Insider Gaming and in the Insider Gaming Apphttps://t.co/7JVmrZC7b3
— Mike Straw 🔜 DICE Summit (@MikeStrawMedia) January 15, 2026
In the above article, it’s outlined that the mode will include matches from three different categories, handpicked by CM Punk himself.
“The first section has players relive some of Punk’s favorite matches throughout his WWE career. There are also “What If?” matches that look at what could have been had Punk not left the company in 2014. And, lastly, fantasy matches will see Punk take on opponents that he never was able to face for one reason or another.”
Below, we’ve taken a look at some of the matches that are likely to be included in the first category, as we pontificate over what could appear in a featured mode for the “Second City Saint”.
CM Punk vs. John Cena, Monday Night RAW 2013
The first of three matches here was featured in an interview with Punk on the No Contest Wrestling Podcast. Firstly, he went into detail about his “perfect match” with a man that many have deemed his “wrestling soulmate”, John Cena.
On February 25th, 2013, CM Punk and Cena went toe-to-toe for an opportunity to face then-WWE Champion, The Rock, at WWE WrestleMania 29. He described this match as the duo’s “best televised match”, and it’s hard to argue against his point.
Despite coming two years after their historic bout at WWE Money in the Bank 2011, the match that features the previously-banned Piledriver should absolutely be in this mode. If nothing else, Punk lists this as his favourite match, so it’s only right that it gets in.
CM Punk vs. The Undertaker, WWE WrestleMania 29
In the same interview, Punk suggests a match from later in the same year. He described his match against The Undertaker as “as close to perfect as you can possibly get”. In a match reminiscent of the WWE 2K “Beat the Streak” mode, it would be fun for players to try to defeat the “Phenom”.
It would be remiss of 2K to not include this match, considering the fact that there was a portion of the WWE Universe clamouring for Punk to be the one to beat The Undertaker’s streak in 2013.
CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar, WWE SummerSlam 2013
Rounding out this interview, CM Punk mentioned his match against the “Beast Incarnate” from WWE SummerSlam, just a few months later.
“The Best vs. The Beast”, as it was dubbed, saw both men taken to their limits in a brutal No Disqualification brawl. Punk’s been no stranger to violent matches in his storied past, so it should be no surprise to see this on the list.
