WWE 2K25 Review: A Grand Slam for Wrestling Fans
Professional wrestling has always felt like a perfect fit for video games, blending athleticism with over-the-top theatrics. WWE 2K25 continues this tradition, delivering a highly polished and feature-rich experience that builds upon the success of WWE 2K24. While not without its flaws, the game's deep roster, improved modes, and enhanced gameplay make it the best wrestling game in years.
Stacked Roster and Deep Customization
One of WWE 2K25's biggest strengths is its expansive roster. Whether you're a fan of classic legends like Bret "The Hitman" Hart, megastars like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even more niche personalities like Dink the Clown, there's something for everyone. The game even includes multiple versions of the same wrestlers from different points in their careers, allowing for deeper strategic play and nostalgic matchups.
Customization remains a major highlight. You can adjust everything from a wrestler's stats and moves to their crowd reactions and outfits. This level of detail adds to the overall depth and makes the game feel truly personal.
In-Ring Action and New Additions
The core gameplay in WWE 2K25 doesn’t stray far from WWE 2K24, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The in-ring action remains fluid and responsive, with the welcome return of chain wrestling—a mini-game at the start of matches where you fight for control through grappling moves. While chain wrestling is mostly limited to the start of a match, it successfully captures the complexity of real-life pro wrestling.
New match types like intergender matches and underground fights add variety to the gameplay. Seeing Rhea Ripley take on Kevin Nash in a casket match, for example, is a thrill. Bloodline Rules matches—more chaotic brawls—also bring an exciting edge to the game.
Enhanced Showcase Mode
This year’s Showcase Mode focuses on the legendary Bloodline, tracing the legacy of the Anoa’i, Fatu, and Maivia families. Hosted by Paul Heyman, who delivers a standout performance, the mode features archival footage and compelling backstories.
A fresh twist in this year’s Showcase is the ability to rewrite history—changing the outcomes of famous WWE matches or creating entirely new "what if" scenarios. Full ring entrances and improved mid-match commentary enhance the authenticity, while matches now play out more organically without awkward cutscenes interrupting the flow.
MyRise and Career Progression
MyRise returns with a storyline involving NXT superstars trying to take over WWE. The mode features impressive character customization, and the branching narrative lets you make meaningful decisions that alter the course of your career.
Though the voice acting can be hit or miss, the mix of soap-opera drama and combat sports delivers the kind of over-the-top spectacle that WWE fans expect. It's fun to experiment with different choices and replay the mode to see how different paths unfold.
MyGM and Universe Modes
MyGM is now online, allowing you to compete against friends in booking the best shows. Universe Mode brings back the long-awaited promos, letting you manage rivalries and storylines more effectively. Whether you prefer controlling a single wrestler or managing an entire promotion, these modes provide endless replayability.
The Island – A Major Misstep
The biggest disappointment in WWE 2K25 is The Island—a new mode inspired by NBA 2K's City. Roman Reigns invites you to a PvPvE space to compete for a WWE contract, but the execution falls flat. The environment feels lifeless, and the challenges are repetitive. Worse still, the mode leans heavily on microtransactions, encouraging players to spend real money to gain an advantage.
While The Island is easy to ignore, its presence raises concerns about future monetization in the WWE series. Let’s hope 2K learns from this misstep and focuses on improving core gameplay rather than extracting more cash from players.
Visuals and Presentation
Graphically, WWE 2K25 looks better than ever. Wrestler models are detailed, and the effects of matches—like bruises, sweat, and exhaustion—are more realistic. The presentation mirrors WWE's live broadcasts, with authentic camera angles, lighting, and commentary enhancing the overall experience.
Conclusion: A Grand Slam with Minor Flaws
WWE 2K25 successfully builds upon the strong foundation of WWE 2K24. The refined gameplay, expanded roster, and enhanced Showcase and MyRise modes make it the most complete WWE game to date. While The Island mode and microtransactions are disappointing, they don’t detract from the game’s overall quality. If you’re a wrestling fan, WWE 2K25 is an absolute must-play.
