CM Punk is the Showcase star for WWE 2K26, and the latest Showcase trailer is nothing short of pure hype for Punk fans. The showcase starts with the iconic Cult of Personality theme song, and it shows off some memorable matches with Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and more. However, Jeff Hardy is notably missing from the trailer, confirming our worst fears. Jeff was one of CM Punk’s most notable rivalries, but there are a few reasons why he likely won’t be in the upcoming game.
Where Is Jeff Hardy In WWE 2K26?
The problem with adding Jeff Hardy to the game is twofold: Jeff is currently signed to TNA, and his feud with CM Punk was nothing short of dark. Let’s explore the first issue. Both of the Hardy Boyz, Jeff and Matt Hardy, are currently signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). The issue is bigger than 2K can directly handle, as for Jeff to be in the game, WWE itself would have to pay TNA a hefty sum to include him in the game. We already discussed how unlikely it is for other TNA stars to make an appearance.
The second problem may not be as big to some people, but if WWE cares about its “brand image,” they’ll think twice about how they cover the Hardy/Punk feud. That is, if they even mention it at all. This feud was a big moment back in 2009, with CM Punk directly dissing Jeff Hardy for his struggles with addiction. He insulted Hardy heavily in one of the promos, and it blurred the lines between reality and fiction.
Substance issues are still a controversial topic in modern wrestling, and digging up that promo again for one of their biggest stars isn’t exactly a clean idea. Sure, it happened, and a lot of people probably enjoyed that feud for how brutally dark and honest it was. And if 2K wants to retell that story, they’ll have to tackle it head-on as it was. If they censor things, that will lead to an even bigger outrage. It’s a tough situation, but maybe Jeff Hardy is a hidden surprise in the game? We won’t know until the game releases on March 13.
