WWE 2K26 new features: everything we know so far

There's plenty of exciting information about WWE 2K26, and here's all of it in one total package.

Chris White January 30, 2026

The WWE franchise has seen a huge improvement the last few years. Last year’s entry was a strong contender for the best entry in the series to date, but after being invited to a preview session where the developers talked about the new features in WWE 2K26, I’m confident this is going to surpass what came in 2025. From new match types, a CM Punk-centric Showcase, and improvements to gameplay, I feel we’re in for an exciting time.

CM Punk 2K Showcase

While it’s not exactly the biggest surprise thanks to various leaks, hearing about what the mode entails is super exciting. CM Punk is one of the most important superstars in sports entertainment. From his incredible 434-day reign as champion to the legendary pipebomb promo, he’s a huge part of WWE’s history. It seems only right that he gets the chance to highlight his legendary career. We found out Punk will be talking through his career during the 2K Showcase in WWE 2K26.

Giving his opinions before and after matches, CM Punk will talk about it all. Not only is the prospect of playing through his career exciting, fans will also be able to experience what might have happened if he hadn’t left the company in 2014. He’ll also face superstars that simply weren’t around during his time in WWE. Fantasy bookings and real matches, there will be a lot to enjoy from this year’s 2K Showcase mode.

The biggest roster to date

On top of all these new features, WWE 2K26 showed us some of the superstars making their debut this year. Joe Hendry will be a pre-order bonus. Miles Borne, Izzy Dane, Rey Fenix, and Rusev will be joining the huge roster, with plenty of other surprises to come. The developers said we’ll be excited about some of the additions. With over 400 superstars in WWE 2K26, there’s going to be a collection of icons, current superstars, and everything in between.

WWE 2K26 is getting a Battle Pass

2K announced the Ringside Pass; its version of the battle pass. The old DLC model is going where new packs would be released throughout the year. While they weren’t ready to reveal too much, they did say XP would be earned across all game modes (except online lobby). This XP will then grant you new items and superstars, rewarding you for playing across the entirety of WWE 2K26. There will be 60 free tiers and 40 premium tiers. It’s also worth noting that new superstars who would normally be unlocked through playing are going to be available in the first Ringside Pass free tier.

Four new match types

WWE 2K26 is getting four new match types. Inferno Match, made famous by Kane, sees the outside of the ring apron engulfed by flames. Three Stages of Hell lets opponents go through a gauntlet with their opponent with three match types built into it. The Dumpster Match works similarly to the casket and ambulance matches, except you’ll be throwing opponents in dumpsters and slamming that lid shut. Finally, and possibly the biggest addition, is the I Quit Match. There have been numerous I Quit Matches over the years, but The Rock vs Mankind from Royal Rumble 1999 is one of the biggest. It’s also worth noting that Intergender Matches will be available across all core game modes, too.

Improved ring entrances and start to matches

This sounded really cool. Last year gave players the option to interact with superstar entrances. In WWE 2K26, there will be three preset animations for superstars based on their archetype which can be triggered at any point on the walk to the ring. On top of that, there’s the ability to trigger fireworks on the ramp or in the ring. Perhaps the most intriguing announcement as far as starts to matches go is how Visual Concepts are giving you more options.

Previously, the bell would ring and you’d start the match. Now, players will have more options on how they do this. Feeding off energy from the crowd; going for a handshake or refusing your opponent’s handshake; hitting a cheapshot; trading blows; chain wrestling; and rushing your opponent are all options.

Updates to various modes

There were plenty of new features shared about MyGM, MyRise, MyFaction, The Island, and Universe Mode during our preview of WWE 2K26.

MyGM

More shows and superstars per match, including 5, 6, and 8-person matches (featuring Intergender Matches).
More match types
More shows per season

MyRise

Two new division-based storylines
Keep playing through MyRise after the storylines are finished

MyFaction

New Intergender Matchups
Quick swap matches, allowing you to swap out cards during matches

The Island

New brawl map called Scrapyard
Storyline carries on from WWE 2K25. Roman Reigns is no longer the Tribal Chief. There’s now a power vacuum with three factions competing for control.
Expanded Superstar Builder
Upgraded quests with new cutscenes and dialogue

Universe Mode

The WWE Draft will feature
New Universe Creation Wizard
A ‘Watch Show’ mode
Improved Money in the Bank cash-ins
Added promo types

Additional Information

On top of all the cool information on WWE 2K26 already, there was some other cool bits of info dropped about additions to the commentary team, new weapons, and more.