Dropping numerous sports titles is a yearly tradition for 2K. Whether it’s about catering to basketball freaks or wrestling enthusiasts, the team strives to live up to its name. NBA 2K26 and WWE 2K25 are excellent examples here. With both delivering almost everything that the fans were craving, these are more than just annual roster updates.
However, today, we are finally putting a pause on WWE 2K25 and looking at what’s to come. With at least half a year left until fans can expect a new entry, there’s no better time to mention some of our bold predictions for WWE 2K26.
5 Bold Predictions For WWE 2K26
Expanded Universe Mode
This is where die-hard fans spend most of their time. Being sandbox in nature, Universe mode is as good as it gets, giving full command over rosters, storylines, rivalries, and shows to live your ultimate WWE fantasy. WWE 2K25 did a great job here by reintroducing the promo system, more logical AI, and adding calendar flexibility. However, Visual Concepts could take this fan-favorite mode a step further by incorporating engaging additions.
The current promo system is fun but far from perfect. Visual Concepts might revamp it with top-notch attention to detail, such as different environments, backstage interviews, and the general manager himself coming down to the ring. Together, these worthwhile additions will fuel the ring’s energy to greater heights, something that wasn’t possible with just talking cutscenes.
Similarly, the rivalry system could be getting notable upgrades. Whether you fire up the TV or visit the arena yourself, modern-day WWE storylines are a matter of three to four people. With WWE 2K26, we may see factions competing against each other, triple threats, fatal four-ways, and more. Something that’s far more interesting than WWE 2K25’s 1v1s and 2v2s.
MyRise Mode Tweaks
MyRise stands as the second most popular mode among the WWE 2K fanbase. Unlike Universe, here you start from scratch with either a male or a female wrestler, choose a personality, and make a name for yourself in the ring. Currently, we have everything we need, including better narratives, a dual-gender approach, and branching story paths. But if Visual Concepts has genuinely listened to the community, the new MyRise mode could surpass Universe in terms of popularity.
Apart from removing unnecessary in-game social media integration and camera panning, WWE 2K26 could be introducing a thorough backstage environment. While it’s a bold claim indeed, fans hope for it almost every year with the release of a new game. Being the 26th installment in the franchise, developers could be adding more to the island instead of players roaming around aimlessly.
We can expect depth in backstage interactions. The ability to visit various offices, such as Adam’s and Triple H’s, will make fans go wild. With dialogues and their related consequences, MyRise might feature loads of engagement elements and twists that one can’t find in other modes.
Revamped MyGM Mode
Being a General Manager and managing wrestlers isn’t on the to-do list of many, but MyGM still stands as an essential mode in the game. The current installment offers depth in the strategies with an expanded list of GMs and cross-brand Premium Live Events. Additionally, for the first time ever, there’s an online multiplayer extension in MyGM, allowing up to four players.
Visual Concepts is likely to retain all of these aspects in WWE 2K26. However, they might expand championships and shows with extra attention to personalization. Imagine a custom arena that could be your go-to show venue? This, along with the expansion of title belts, could be a possibility next year.
For the sake of innovation, developers may add an independent mode, allowing fans to live their dream. A mode where budget isn’t a problem, and one can draft and manage whoever they want, will boost excitement in MyGM, taking the fun of WWE management to a whole new level.
New And Returning Match Types
Match types are the foundations of a typical WWE showdown. Here, innovations are a complete game-changer as they alter the way you dive into the ring. With WWE 2K25, we got two new match types: Underground and Bloodline Rules. These were quite immersive, but innovations are always welcome in titles that release annually. Next year, the game is likely to add new match types to the ring in the name of revolution.
First of all, “I Quit” matches could be making a comeback. I mean, imagine having hours of fun with your mates until one of you gives up and decides to end the showdown. These types of wins, where an opponent begs you to stop, are way more rewarding and something a lot of us would be keen to experience in WWE 2K26.
Similarly, the addition of newer match styles, such as the recently introduced Iron Survivor Challenge, would likely make an appearance in the upcoming game. We are also confident in classics such as the Three Stages of Hell, which is making a return, featuring improved cage dynamics and ladder inclusion.
Updated Rosters
Last but not least, wrestlers are the core element of the WWE culture. Each step into the ring with their unique vibe, personality, and drama. While it’s evident that Visual Concepts will update rosters just like previous titles, we often miss the appearance of our favorite superstar. Here are all of the wrestlers that are likely to join us in WWE 2K26.
Men Roster
These legends could be playable next year:
- Albert
- Bob Orton
- Brian Knobbs
- Brutus Beefcake
- Don Muraco
- Earthquake
- Greg Valentine
- Hillybilly Jim
- Hornswoggle
- Jerry Lawler
- Jerry Sags
- Jim Duggan
- King Kong Bundy
- Koko B. Ware
- Michael Hayes
- Nikolai Volkoff
- Stevie Ray
- Tatanka
- Terry Taylor
- Ted Dibiase
Female Roster
Based on community and personal insights, we are confident that these female superstars will appear in WWE 2K26:
- Alexa Bliss
- Alundra Blayze
- AJ Lee
- B-Fab
- Bayley
- Blake Monroe
- Eve
- Fallon Henley
- Giulia
- Ivy Nile
- Izzi Dame
- Jacy Jayne
- Kelani Jordan
- Liv Morgan
- Maxxine Dupri
- Nikki Bella
- Roxanne Perez
- Trish Stratus
- Wendy Choo
- Zelina Vega
With that, our predictions come to an end. Remember, these are “predictions” based on current facts, leaks, and annual patterns followed by the developers. The final product is unlikely to encompass everything mentioned here. Though even if we get half of the things, WWE 2K26 can become one of the best installments in a while. To further feed your curiosity, you can also check our WWE 2K26 wishlist.
