WWE 2K26 Hands On: Aims To Be The Best In The World

Since WWE 2K14, the first WWE game under the 2K banner–with 2K20 marking the first title developed fully by Visual Concepts instead of co-developed with Yukes–the series has had highs and lows worthy of its own Wrestlemania storyline. From technical meltdowns and meme-worthy glitches to hard resets and back-to-basics rebuilds, the franchise has spent years balancing authentic simulation with the over-the-top spectacle that defines the WWE itself.

That climb continues with WWE 2K26, which feels like the most confident entry of the modern era. GameSpot was invited to WWE’s Creator Fest to get hands-on time with the game and speak with WWE’s top stars about their reactions to their in-game models and what they’re most excited to see.

The most immediate upgrade is in visuals. Character models have undergone a major overhaul, with sharper skin textures, lifelike facial animations, and lighting that mirrors WWE’s televised presentation. Scrolling through the roster, Damian Priest, Ricky Saints (making his WWE video game debut), and Penta (no longer locked behind DLC) all hovered near the uncanny valley in the best possible way.

“Bro, to be honest, it’s my dream come true. When you start in this business, the last thing [you think about] is the video games, or something like that, because that’s so far,” Penta told GameSpot. “So after 20 years of hard work every day, and to be part of this company–WWE, the best in the world, the best in universe–when I saw my face in the game, bro, I love it. When I saw it for the first time, it was just like, ‘I’m this guy!’ because it was so surprising for me at the same time, it’s very important for me at this point in my career to be part of the video games. That’s why I’m very happy today because I want to buy the video game right now.”

Interactive entrances are a major new feature. When a Superstar makes their way to the ring, a D-Pad style prompt appears, letting players choose how to play to the crowd. Heel, face, whatever–it’s your call. And this level of customization carries through the entire entrance.

Playing as DX-era Shawn Michaels, I experimented with camera angles and even triggered pyro from the ring. The level of real-time customization is wild—entrances feel less like a prelude to a match and more like moments worth engaging with every time.

Most Superstars were thrilled with their in-game appearances. For Chelsea Green, it was a full-circle moment: on the independents, she had done motion capture for others in WWE games, but this time she performed her own.

“This year, I mo-capped myself, and it was such a privilege to do that. So I’m excited to see me in the game, and I’m actually doing the moves and the entrance, so that’s a big deal,” Green said. She also praised her character’s appearance: “I love the gear that they chose, it’s green, so definitely love that. My face is cute, and the moves look great because I did them. So really, what’s not to love?”

Though I didn’t get to explore the revamped Island, MyRISE, or Showcase modes, the roster is stacked, including AAA stars like Mr. Iguana and main-eventer El Hijo de Vikingo. Chaotic physics effects, including ring-breaking, are back in play, which former NXT Champion Oba Femi was particularly excited about.

“We’ve seen it over the years, and now we get to see it in the game. So let’s see Oba Femi and Omos. I don’t care who’s putting who through the ring; let’s make that thing happen.” Femi also joked about playing as himself: “You should always be The Ruler if you can, but I recently played as Ethan Page. Turns out, he doesn’t suck and is actually pretty okay.”

Former Women’s Champion Bayley admitted it feels strange to play as herself but praised her model and narrated 2K’s video on the upgraded create features.

“I think the best thing is also the parts that I narrate, you know? Story mode, and how you get to change gears and wardrobe, I think that’s cool, but yeah, it’s too weird to play as myself. I’d rather play as someone cooler, like Macho Man, Rey Mysterio, or Randy Orton. Today I played as Raquel Rodriguez, but I want to try AJ Lee now that she’s back in the game.”

She added, “I think it looks great. It’s funny because when they do these models, it’s how I looked last year. I haven’t had my head shaved in a year, but it’s there, and what’s cool this year is that since I’ve been in all these games you can watch my evolution and watch me grow up, and I think that’s cool to see in video game form.”

Between the upgraded visuals, interactive entrances, and the chaos of breaking rings, WWE 2K26 just felt different in a way the series hasn’t quite captured before. Playing as your favorite Superstars, triggering pyro, or messing around with entrances makes each match feel like its own little show. Add in the roster packed with AAA stars, legends, and fan favorites, and it’s clear there’s no shortage of moments to experiment with.

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