{"id":151518,"date":"2026-01-24T16:32:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T21:32:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=151518"},"modified":"2026-01-25T19:13:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T00:13:23","slug":"wwe-2k26-attitude-era-edition-announced-what-not-to-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/24\/wwe-2k26-attitude-era-edition-announced-what-not-to-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"WWE 2K26 Attitude Era Edition Announced: What Not to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>During the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/23\/wwe-smackdown-results-1-23-26-live-updates-from-montreal-canada\/\" target=\"_self\">January 23 broadcast of SmackDown<\/a>, 2K Games announced the Attitude Era edition of WWE 2K26. Information regarding 2K26 has been scarce so far despite an expected March release date, which <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/01\/28\/wwe-2k25-special-editions-release-date-game-modes-dlcs-revealed\/\" target=\"_self\">matches up with previous years&#8217; releases<\/a> since 2022. The idea is add hype to WrestleMania season. The Attitude Era edition of WWE 2K26 will be available for pre-order starting January 30.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The era that changed everything&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>No rules. No filter. No apologies. <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WWE2K26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#WWE2K26<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/hzMvXxQqkG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/hzMvXxQqkG<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 WWE (@WWE) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WWE\/status\/2014878209787965739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 24, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nThe iconic scratch logo was strategically placed in a Logan Paul vlog last week, which heightened fan speculation. Whilst some fans predicted a potential focus on the Ruthless Aggression era, 2k has decided to spotlight the promotion&#8217;s golden period instead.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Logan Paul&#8217;s latest vlog features a segment with the WWE 2K26 logo in the background, however rather than use the regular design, the version shown uses the old WWE scratch logo.<\/p>\n<p>Could this be a teaser for an Attitude Era or Ruthless Aggression-themed game? Thoughts?<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WWE2K26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#WWE2K26<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/iTofL1D1Tv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/iTofL1D1Tv<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 SmackTalks (@Smacktalks) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Smacktalks\/status\/2011618686344516084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 15, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\nThe Attitude Era edition is expected to be the most expensive version of the game, similar to <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/02\/18\/wwe-2k25-the-bloodline-edition-4-iconic-wrestling-families\/\" target=\"_self\">2K25\u2019s Bloodline edition<\/a>. This typically includes a season pass, virtual currency, and an earlier release date, etc. A deluxe edition is expected to be announced, which is the mid-tier priced offering.<\/p>\n<p>It is unclear how the Attitude Era theme will be threaded into different game modes, as Mike Straw from Insider Gaming has confirmed that <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/19\/potential-what-if-matches-for-cm-punks-wwe-2k26-showcase-mode\/\" target=\"_self\">CM Punk will highlight the game\u2019s showcase mode<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This would indicate that the current world heavyweight champion will grace the base game cover, similar to Rey Mysterio, John Cena, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/01\/06\/roman-reigns-teased-as-wwe-2k25-cover-star\/\" target=\"_self\">Roman Reigns in past years<\/a>. Ironically, Punk was the cover star of WWE 13, which also heavily focused on the Attitude Era.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Live the Revolution with the WWE &#039;13 television trailer! (Official)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6Nz0xTStwew?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Which Wrestlers Not to Expect in WWE 2K26<\/h2>\n<p>Whilst the artwork for the Attitude Era edition looks beautiful and includes a plethora of Hall of Famers, one superstar is notably absent. In December of 2025, Mick Foley announced that he was <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2025\/12\/16\/mick-foley-wont-renew-wwe-legends-contract-for-foreseeable-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">parting ways with WWE<\/a>. Foley\u2019s announcement was sparked by President Donald Trump\u2019s controversial comments regarding the tragic death of Hollywood filmmaker, Rob Reiner.<\/p>\n<p>Foley\u2019s personas of Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack appear in WWE 2K25; however, their involvement in 2K26 is unknown. There is a chance that the Hardcore Legend will still be included as Foley\u2019s deal expires in June.<\/p>\n<p>Names such as Edge and Christian are unlikely to be in WWE 2K26 due to their ties to All Elite Wrestling. However, their rivals, the Hardy Boyz, have a much higher chance of being included. The NXTNA partnership may allow for the current TNA Tag Team Champions to return to the WWE video game franchise. Although just speculation, the inclusion of Matt and Jeff would be ideal given the Attitude Era theme.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"FULL MATCH: Dudleys vs. Hardys vs. Edge &amp; Christian \u2013 TLC Match: WrestleMania X-Seven\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Y4JoVecKu9I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Chris Jericho\u2019s status for the video game is still unclear. Despite his contract with AEW having reportedly expired, Y2J remains on the AEW.com roster page. If a WWE return does come to fruition, his inclusion in the game may be part of future DLC. Jericho last appeared in WWE 2K19.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151114\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-151114\" style=\"width: 940px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/11-27-e1768804207664.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic for WWE 2K26, which ,may include a CM Punk showcase mode.\" width=\"940\" height=\"334\" class=\"wp-image-151114 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/11-27-e1768804207664.jpg 940w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/11-27-e1768804207664-300x107.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/01\/11-27-e1768804207664-768x273.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-151114\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: 2K Games\/WWE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Former chairman Vincent Kennedy McMahon has absolutely zero chance of being involved. Despite being the focal point of weekly television during the Attitude Era, McMahon has not been involved with WWE since the filing of a lawsuit by Janel Grant in January 2024. His character was locked out of WWE 2K24 as it was too late to remove him. McMahon was not in WWE 2K25.<\/p>\n<p><strong><b>More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/b><\/strong><amp-ad data-block-on-consent=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"600\" layout=\"fixed\" data-multi-size=\"300x250,300x600\" data-multi-size-validation=\"false\" type=\"doubleclick\" data-slot=\"\/15188745,22512265771\/FS-lastwordonsports-AMP\/AMP-2\" data-enable-refresh=\"30\" data-lazy-fetch=\"true\" data-loading-strategy=\"1.25\" rtc-config=\"{ &quot;vendors&quot;: { &quot;t13&quot;: { &quot;TAG_ID&quot;: &quot;4f799893-5665-4629-b0fc-8b97d3569fd6&quot;, &quot;ACCOUNT_ID&quot;: &quot;9a3c6c23-453a-4cba-b419-30b908f39a50&quot; }, &quot;aps&quot;: { &quot;PUB_ID&quot;: &quot;600&quot;, &quot;PUB_UUID&quot;: &quot;16268e26-dabe-4bf4-a28f-b8f4ee192ed3&quot;, &quot;PARAMS&quot;: { &quot;amp&quot;: &quot;1&quot; } }, &quot;criteo&quot;: { &quot;NETWORK_ID&quot;: &quot;4905&quot;, &quot;ZONE_ID&quot;: &quot;1382491&quot;, &quot;PUBLISHER_SUB_ID&quot;: &quot;FS-lastwordonsports-AMP-2&quot; }, &quot;medianet&quot;: { &quot;CID&quot;: &quot;8CU8ZT2C4&quot; } } }\"><\/amp-ad><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Header photo \u2013 WWE\/2K Games \u2013 Stay tuned to the <\/span><u><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/span><\/a><\/u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0for more on the\u00a0<i>WWE 2K26<\/i>\u00a0and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.<\/span><\/em><amp-fx-flying-carpet height=\"600px\"><amp-ad data-block-on-consent=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"600\" layout=\"fixed\" type=\"doubleclick\" data-slot=\"\/15188745,22512265771\/FS-lastwordonsports-AMP\/AMP-FlyingCarpet\" data-lazy-fetch=\"true\" data-loading-strategy=\"1.25\" rtc-config=\"{ &quot;vendors&quot;: { &quot;t13&quot;: { &quot;TAG_ID&quot;: &quot;f502adbd-5c9b-4d6f-9ec5-b0cdc0f4827c&quot;, &quot;ACCOUNT_ID&quot;: &quot;9a3c6c23-453a-4cba-b419-30b908f39a50&quot; }, &quot;aps&quot;: { &quot;PUB_ID&quot;: &quot;600&quot;, &quot;PUB_UUID&quot;: &quot;16268e26-dabe-4bf4-a28f-b8f4ee192ed3&quot;, &quot;PARAMS&quot;: { &quot;amp&quot;: &quot;1&quot; } }, &quot;criteo&quot;: { &quot;NETWORK_ID&quot;: &quot;4905&quot;, &quot;ZONE_ID&quot;: &quot;1382491&quot;, &quot;PUBLISHER_SUB_ID&quot;: &quot;FS-lastwordonsports-AMP-FlyingCarpet&quot; }, &quot;medianet&quot;: { &quot;CID&quot;: &quot;8CU8ZT2C4&quot; } } }\"><\/amp-ad><\/amp-fx-flying-carpet><\/p>\n<p><em>You can check out WWE programming on<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/title\/81788927\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Netflix<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>(Raw, WWE archives, WWE Unreal, and other specials),<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usanetwork.com\/wwe-friday-night-smackdown\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USA Network<\/a>\u00a0(SmackDown),\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cwtv.com\/shows\/wwe-nxt\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The CW<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>(NXT),<span>\u00a0<\/span><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/wwe\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ESPN<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a>(WWE PLEs),<span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/tubitv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tubi<\/a>\u00a0(WWE Evolve),\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aetv.com\/wwe\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A&amp;E<\/a>\u00a0(WWE Superstar Sunday \u2013 Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments) and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peacocktv.com\/watch\/home\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Peacock<\/a><span>\u00a0<\/span>(Saturday Night\u2019s Main Event). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/wwe\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During the January 23 broadcast of SmackDown, 2K Games announced the Attitude Era edition of WWE 2K26. Information regarding 2K26 has been scarce so far despite an expected March release date, which matches up with previous years&#8217; releases since 2022. The idea is add hype to WrestleMania season. The Attitude Era edition of WWE 2K26 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5523,"featured_media":151532,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12,2192,4,3],"tags":[9226,1253,140,2991,9611],"class_list":["post-151518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-wrestling","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-2k-games","tag-attitude-era","tag-cm-punk","tag-wwe-2k","tag-wwe-2k26"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5523"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=151518"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":151589,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151518\/revisions\/151589"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/151532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}