WWE 2K25 Review: Embracing the Past, Building the Future

Somehow, we’ve once again found ourselves at the halfway point of another decade. And with a new year comes another WWE 2K game. Since the glitch-ridden disaster that was WWE 2K20—forcing the development team to skip a year entirely, 2K has been working hard to regain the trust of gamers worldwide. WWE 2K22 was a welcome return to form, and both 2K23 and 2K24 continued to improve on what came before. So, does 2K25 keep that momentum going, or will fans be lining up to hit the developers with a flurry of finishing moves?

Showcase Mode: A Bloodline Legacy

Showcase mode returns once again, widely considered the game’s main attraction—or at least the one most heavily advertised. This year, players relive the history of The Bloodline, playing through various matches featuring members of the legendary wrestling family. Some of these encounters will be instantly recognizable, while others have been rewritten to give The Bloodline victories that never actually happened—like Rikishi vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin at No Mercy 2000. There are also fantasy matchups, such as The Wild Samoans vs. The Dudley Boyz, that feel like a treat for longtime fans.

While the matches themselves are fun—especially for those less familiar with The Bloodline’s deep history—the true highlight isn’t the gameplay but the narration. The entire saga is hosted by none other than Paul Heyman, and there aren’t enough words to describe just how damn good he is in this role. With the revered Ula Fala in his hands, Heyman guides players through a history lesson that touches on moments often overlooked in WWE storytelling—like his time managing The Samoan Swat Team in WCW. Even when the match objectives feel like a chore, Heyman’s storytelling keeps you hooked. It’s further proof that he isn’t just one of the greatest talkers in wrestling history—he’s one of the greatest salesmen, period.

MyRise: A Step Forward

WWE 2K25 brings back MyRise, where players create their own Superstar and work their way up the ranks. This year, the mode expands with an overarching storyline that weaves through the various feuds and challenges. Interestingly, players now control both a male and female wrestler, switching between them to keep things fresh. This setup prevents the experience from feeling like a rushed checklist of objectives. Another great addition is Live Events—if your secondary character is advancing the main story on SmackDown, your primary character can hone their skills on the house show circuit, earning much-needed attribute points.

The main story follows a new faction of disgruntled talent shaking things up in WWE. While this might sound like The Nexus or Retribution rehashed, the execution here is better—free from political nonsense or bad booking. The storylines go all over the place but never cross into ridiculous territory. If Nexus and Retribution were early '90s WWF, this new faction leans more into the Attitude Era.

New Features: The Island & Online MyGM

So, we’ve got a solid Showcase mode and a refined MyRise. But what else is new?

First up: The Island. If you’ve watched WWE programming recently, you’ve likely heard about this mode. You create a Superstar, but instead of debuting straight into WWE, you’re summoned to an island by The Tribal Chief and his Wise Man to compete for a contract. If this sounds like the plot of Mortal Kombat, you’re not alone.

While there’s no four-armed Shokan Prince or soul-stealing Reigns (that’s The Rock’s department), there’s plenty to do. The Island serves as a hub where players complete challenges—winning matches, putting on five-star performances, and more. While it can feel repetitive, it’s a fun mode to jump into occasionally. And if you don’t laugh at R-Truth showing up—despite already being a WWE Superstar—you might not have a heart.

The second major addition: Online MyGM mode. For years, players have begged for an online version of the beloved GM mode, and 2K25 finally delivers. Now, you can compete against others to see who’s the best booker in the business. I haven’t had much time to dive deep into this yet, but the fact that it finally exists is a win in my book.

Returning Modes & The Creation Suite

Beyond the new features, WWE 2K25 sees the return of several fan-favorite modes:

• MyFaction continues blending card-collecting with in-ring action. While not everyone’s favorite (especially with microtransactions), it can be a fun distraction if taken casually.

• Universe Mode remains a sandbox for those who want full control over WWE’s storytelling.

Perhaps the biggest draw outside of gameplay is the Creation Suite, which somehow keeps getting better. Players can craft their own Superstars, movesets, arenas, and even custom Money in the Bank briefcases. And with the ability to upload and download content, anything you can dream of is likely already available. Within days, I had downloaded insanely detailed versions of Halloween’s Michael Myers and Friday the 13th’s Jason Voorhees. Expect to see custom WWE and AEW stars flooding the downloads, as usual.

The Roster: A Mix of Legends & Future Stars

If gameplay is the brain of WWE 2K25, then the roster is its beating heart. This year’s game boasts an excellent mix of current superstars and legendary figures. Of course, there are some glaring omissions (Lexis King made the cut, but Brian Pillman Sr. is missing despite recent appearances in past games), but the DLC roadmap suggests some exciting additions.

Names like Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura, Junkyard Dog, and New Jack are on the way, alongside contemporary stars like Giulia, Jordynne Grace, Stephanie Vaquer, and Penta. Oh, and the Motor City Machine Guns? In WWE? Never thought I’d see the day, but I’m here for it.

Final Thoughts: Where Does WWE 2K25 Rank?

Every year, the same question pops up: Will this game stand the test of time like No Mercy (N64) or SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain (PS2)? The truth is, it’s too soon to tell. But what I can say is that WWE 2K25 is another step in the right direction. It builds on the goodwill that 2K has earned in recent years, offering exciting new modes while refining the existing experience. Now, if I could just nail down my reversal timing, all would be right in the world.

WWE 2K25 is available now on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

An advanced digital copy of WWE 2K25 Bloodline Edition on Xbox Series S|X was provided by 2K.