Nick Dubs got to grapple with the team at 2K Games to talk about their just-launched wrestler, WWE 2k26! Let's get that chair hidden underneath the squared circle out and crush some questions with Brian from 2K Games!
Nick:
Hey guys, Nick Dubs from GamingTrend here with Brian from 2K. We're gonna talk about the new WWE 2K26.
Bryan:
Yes we are, yes we are. So very happy to be here to talk to you about our brand new baby at WWE HQ.
I've finally made it here!
Nick:
Yeah, it's super rad. It's gigantic Andre the Giant.
Bryan:
I mean, beautiful. There's no better venue in my opinion to celebrate this game with the fan base and at the life mode of WWE.
Nick:
They're happy.
Bryan:
And I'm glad to meet you.
Nick:
Oh yeah, it's like we've been just sitting and talking for a while and it's been great just talking with you dude.
Bryan:
Yes, a bit of wrestling is just sort of my straight outlet. I keep on joking, wrestling is drag for straight people. The first time I heard that and thought about it, I was like yeah, I totally see that.
What’s New in WWE 2K26
Nick:
Yeah, yeah. So what's going on in 26 that would make people want to get 26 if they already have 25?
Bryan:
If you purchased 2K25 and thought that was a game worth your time and money, then you definitely want to pick up 2K26 because we have gone above and beyond this year.
We had roughly a nine‑and‑a‑half‑month development cycle from one game to the next, and the entire team rose to the occasion. If you thought 2K25 was feature rich, this one is double that. This is Thanksgiving dinner times two.
New Match Types & Fan Favorites Returning
Bryan:
We’ve added a bunch of new match types. WWE has so many match types, and even though 2K25 had a ton, there were some fan‑requested ones missing.
We listened. We’ve got our ear to the internet streets. And we brought back fan favorites like the I Quit Match. It’s the best it has ever been.
For the first time, we have actual VO for when the opponent quits, and for when you refuse to give up. Those guttural cries really set it over the top.
Inferno Match Returns
Bryan:
The Inferno Match is back for the first time in over 10 years. The ring is surrounded by flame, and the only way to win is to toss your opponent through the flames to ringside where they’re quickly extinguished. Safety with violence.
And yes, you can now exit the ring during an Inferno Match. It all makes sense once you play it. It’s wrestling — you don’t need to rationalize it.
Dumpster Match Debuts
Bryan:
The Dumpster Match is brand new to the franchise. It’s a container match — like casket or ambulance matches — where you must put your opponent into the dumpster full of hot garbage.
Chelsea Green’s recent dumpster moment inspired this one.
Three Stages of Hell Returns
Bryan:
The Three Stages of Hell match makes its grand return. It’s a best two‑out‑of‑three series, each stage a different match type. Falls Count Anywhere, Inferno, Hell in a Cell — whatever combination.
The best part: no load screens. It transitions smoothly from one stage to the next.
Nick:
Load times are one of the big things that take you out of a game.
Bryan:
Exactly. Wrestling is theater. You want smooth transitions between acts.
Weapons: Thumbtacks & Stackable Tables
Bryan:
We finally added thumbtacks. It’s long overdue. You can pull them from under the ring, hit your opponent with the bag, dump them out, and yes — they stick to your body. You’ll bleed.
We also brought back stackable tables. You can stack a table on top of another and put your opponent through both.
Showcase Mode Featuring CM Punk
Bryan:
Our new showcase features CM Punk. Players can relive his famous matches and explore what‑if scenarios.
The Island Expands
Bryan:
The Island returns from 2K25 — our online world where you create a character, take on quests, and level up. We’ve added cutscenes, taunts, and a ton of new content. Every part of the game has been expanded.
Creation Suite Upgrades
Nick:
I was playing Barbies with it for the first hour and a half.
Bryan:
Right? Our creation suite is one of the best in gaming. Fans wanted body morphing back — we brought it back. Two‑tone hair. More arenas. More match types. More everything.
We doubled custom character slots from 100 to 200. Custom logos increased from 1,000 to 2,000. For creation fans, this is the game to pick up.
Closing Thoughts
Nick:
It was great talking to you, dude.
Bryan:
You too.
Nick:
WWE 2K26 — early access March 6th, street date March 13th. Check out GamingTrend for updates.
Bryan:
Thank you!
