Few sports translate more naturally to video games than professional wrestling. It’s flashy, over-the-top, and inherently theatrical—qualities that make it feel right at home on a console. But when you take a step back, wrestling is a bit of a paradox in gaming terms. Despite the athleticism involved, WWE is more scripted drama than competitive sport. In contrast, the games are built around competition and winning. Yet, despite this contradiction, WWE 2K25 manages to thrive by striking a satisfying balance between showmanship and gameplay. Thanks to meaningful upgrades to modes like Showcase and MyRise, some well-executed new additions like intergender matches, reliable staples such as Universe and MyGM, and an overall strong feel to the action, this year’s entry delivers an entertaining package. Not everything is perfect—one particular new feature called The Island really misses the mark—but it’s not enough to overshadow the good stuff.
As someone who’s been into wrestling games since the N64 era, I always start with the tutorial in each new installment. Things tend to shift just enough each year that a refresher is needed. This year, for example, brings back the long-requested Chain Wrestling system. The tutorial is impressively detailed and user-friendly, offering clear instructions on everything from basic grapples to advanced counters. The Performance Center does an excellent job teaching both newcomers and returning players, and it’s encouraging to see such a comprehensive introduction. It’s a thoughtful inclusion—every game might be someone’s first or their return after years away, and the developers seem to understand that.
Once I brushed up on the basics, I dove into the massive roster. WWE 2K25 offers a character lineup that’s genuinely awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a fan of legends like Bret Hart, larger-than-life stars turned actors like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, or more eccentric picks like Doink the Clown, there’s a ton to choose from. What’s even better is the inclusion of multiple versions of some wrestlers from different points in their careers, each with distinct stats and looks. You’ll find everything from modern main-eventers to long-forgotten names of the past, and it’s all editable—stats, move sets, entrance styles, crowd reactions, and more. That kind of customization isn’t new, but it feels more impactful as the roster continues to expand.
In terms of gameplay, WWE 2K25 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and that works in its favor. It builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor while enhancing it with returning features like Chain Wrestling. This minigame, usually happening early in a match, has players maneuvering analog sticks to find the upper hand in grappling exchanges. While it can be tricky at first, it adds a nice layer of depth once you get the hang of it. It brings a touch of technicality that hardcore fans will appreciate, even if it doesn’t get as much use later in matches.
The new match types introduced this year help diversify the action. Intergender matches don’t play differently from traditional ones, but being able to mix and match genders in the ring opens up new possibilities and feels refreshingly modern. Underground matches lean more toward classic fighting games, doing away with ring ropes and relying on knockouts or draining your opponent’s health bar to win. Bloodline Rules matches up the chaos even more. These options expand the playbook in meaningful ways, ensuring that match variety stays high.
One of the most engaging modes this year is Showcase, which centers around the legacy of the Bloodline and the extended Anoa’i wrestling family. With Paul Heyman serving as the over-the-top narrator, this mode dives into the backstory and lineage of these icons. The inclusion of full ring entrances and well-integrated mid-match commentary enhances the experience. A notable improvement is how big moments are recreated in-game rather than cutting to video footage, which helps the pacing and immersion. Sometimes you’re even asked to rewrite history, which adds a fun twist. However, the mode isn’t without flaws. Optional in-match objectives can become frustrating, especially those with time limits or those requiring perfect execution in a game prone to reversals and interruptions.
The narrative slant of Showcase also feels a bit lopsided at times. The constant emphasis on how “unstoppable” the Bloodline is can get repetitive, particularly when matches are engineered to highlight their dominance even in alternate scenarios. Great wrestlers lose too, and the mode might have felt more authentic with more grounded storytelling.
Another standout is MyRise, where you create a custom character and navigate a story involving an NXT invasion. This narrative is campy and dramatic in the best ways, bouncing between lighthearted antics and serious rivalry with reckless abandon. Despite some weak voice acting, the branching choices and ability to replay with different outcomes keep it engaging. Character creation is still top-tier, and importing your custom superstars into multiple playthroughs adds long-term value.
The ever-popular MyGM and Universe modes return with minor but appreciated tweaks. MyGM now supports online play, letting players compete to book the best weekly shows, while Universe finally reintroduces promos—something fans have been waiting for. Universe mode continues to offer a sandbox-style experience for those who prefer storytelling and long-term rivalries. Whether you’re micromanaging a single wrestler or booking across multiple brands, there’s a lot of freedom and fun here.
Then there’s MyFaction, which leans into the card-collecting, monetized model we’ve come to expect from modern sports games. You build a team of wrestlers, complete challenges, open card packs, and try to climb the ranks. If you enjoy similar modes in other franchises, this one is competently made, but for those not into the microtransaction-heavy structure, it feels tiresome and soulless. It’s the part of the game designed to keep you spending, and it shows.
And then… there’s The Island. This new feature is an attempt to mix PvPvE elements into the WWE experience, with Roman Reigns inviting players to his mysterious wrestling island. In theory, it sounds like a compelling challenge. In reality, it’s a dull, empty, and uninspired experience filled with repetitive single-player tasks and little meaningful interaction. The sparse design and blatant monetization push make it feel more like a business decision than a creative one. The Island is where the game stumbles hardest, and its existence raises concerns about the franchise’s future direction.
Thankfully, WWE 2K25 does so much right that even The Island can’t drag the whole experience down. From visuals to gameplay, this is one of the most polished wrestling games ever released. The detail in character models, especially during long, brutal matches, is remarkable—bruises, sweat, blood, and fatigue are clearly visible, enhancing the realism and immersion. The matches feel better, the stories are stronger, and the improvements, though not revolutionary, show a developer committed to refining its craft.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few bumps along the way, WWE 2K25 is a robust and entertaining installment in the series. It builds smartly on what came before, adds new match types and narrative depth, and keeps the in-ring action fluid and fun. Showcase and MyRise are more compelling than ever, and modes like Universe and MyGM continue to offer deep, long-term engagement. Yes, there are monetization concerns, and yes, The Island feels like a step backward, but taken as a whole, this is still a fantastic entry that wrestling fans will find hard to put down.
