Past WWE Video Game Features We Want Back

With the release of WWE 2K24, it is clear to a lot of the fans that the game will feature the return of some of the most heavily requested features that have been on every gamer's checklist for years. This includes Special Guest Referee matches, more backstage areas, and the Casket Match among a few other tweaks that are quality-of-life upgrades to the flagship series that has made a full return to greatness in the last few years since the now legendarily awful WWE 2K20 debacle.

WWE 2K24: 10 Wrestlers From Last Year's Game (Who Will Miss This Year's Game)

While these wrestlers appeared in last year's WWE 2K23 video game, don't expect them to be on the roster of this year's WWE 2K24.

As 2K devs seemed to take great note of what the fans wanted out of the game, it would be interesting to throw out some of the other bygone features and options that are no longer in the game. It would seem like there are no limitations to what the team at Visual Concepts can achieve, and with the right utilization, these could be fantastic throwback features that would help bolster the success of WWE 2K going forward. On top of that, it would help bring the wrestling game genre back to heights that have not been experienced by mainstream audiences for years.

Road To WrestleMania Was Creative

The Mode That Gave Us Meme-able Moments

Was Featured In WWE Games Until WWE 12
Started in Smackdown vs. Raw 2009
Some cutscenes have gone viral in recent years

A nostalgic mode for fans of the WWE or Smackdown vs. Raw series is the Road to WrestleMania, featuring original stories for players to follow while controlling specific superstars. While My Rise may have surpassed this mode for some, others yearn for the zany storylines and what-if scenarios with actual wrestlers doing voice acting. Introducing this mode wouldn't necessarily compete with My Rise and Showcase mode, offering a chance for developers to showcase creativity without overshadowing the core WWE-style content.

Create-A-Finisher: Like A Wrestler Coming Up With Their Finishing Move

A Creative Way To Allow Players To Choose How They Finish Opponents

smackdown-vs-raw-2011-create-a-finisher-1

Allowed for creation of both grapples and aerial maneuvers
Implemented in Smackdown vs. Raw 2009
Hasn't returned since WWE 2K14

Though 2K has included numerous well-known wrestling maneuvers in the core game, the Create-A-Finisher, with its game-breaking wackiness, added a sense of arcade-style fun. Allowing players to create their own bizarre combinations, holds, and flying maneuvers, even if they looked silly, catered to those who enjoy a slightly more unrealistic approach to in-game fighting. This would be great for both purists who want to recreate moves that are not in the game and for those who want to make outrageously long or spectacular finishers that could look great on created wrestlers that are based on characters with superpowers.

Custom Entrance Music Adds A Personal Touch

Players Turn Into DJs For The Virtual Crowd

Introduced in Raw for Xbox
Feature is currently available in other games
PlayStation is rumored to be behind its removal

The glaring issue with the overall creation suite for entrances is the absence of customizable music options for entrances, arenas, and menu themes. This used to be a standout feature, enhancing immersion and game customization by allowing players to incorporate their own music files stored on their consoles. Not only was it enjoyable, but it also provided the opportunity for fans to update theme songs when WWE wrestlers changed theirs, a rarity in updates from 2K. This feature is sorely missed and consistently requested by fans. There is hope that it might be reintroduced, similar to the Special Guest Referee and GM Mode, especially considering the potential workaround through streaming services like Spotify.

Different Pre-Made Attires For Each Superstar

A Quality Of Life Change That Would Be Easy And Overwhelmingly Convenient

First added in WWF War Zone
Every 2K features alternate attire options in the creation suite
Changing of hair is still unavailable in 2K for in-game wrestlers

In WWF No Mercy on the Nintendo 64, the game featured an array of outfits and attires for each wrestler, ranging from subtle color swaps to backstage attire in casual street clothes. This immediately heightened immersion, particularly for backstage brawls. While players can technically create multiple outfits and there are specific clothing options for backstage/promo attire, it's puzzling why 2K hasn't incorporated this option from the start. Being able to pick a street clothes option for wrestlers would be a welcome addition.

Stacking Tables For Maximum Impact

Getting Extreme Is Not As Tall As It Could Be

This, along with fan-given weapons, are no longer in the game
The Undertaker famously fell through stacked tables at One Night Stand/Extreme Rules 2008
Was featured as recently as WWE 2K18

An underrated feature from the Smackdown vs. Raw and early 2K days was the ability to stack tables. While uncommon in professional wrestling, it adds an exciting element to TLC or extreme rules matches, offering players a wild option, especially considering the prominence of online gaming and streaming as it would give another amazing way to inflict damage to opponents while providing a spectacle of the virtual wood and metal structure. Furthermore, there are a handful of wrestling moments that could be recreated, for the players that like to replay past wrestling moments with accuracy.

The Buried Alive Match Was Great Fun In Games

Imagine Leaving Your Opponent On Twitch In The Ground

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First Buried Alive Match was in 1996 with Undertaker Vs Mankind at In Your House: Buried Alive
Only 5 official matches of the stipulation have happened
Last one was in 2010, with Undertaker Vs. Kane at Bragging Rights

While WWE is transitioning to a more sports-centric presentation, a Buried Alive match was a well-known feud-ending match for The Undertaker in the 90s and early 2000s. Though it might be a ghastly sight for some, it added a satisfying element to defeating an opponent and watching the cutscene play out, delivering a definitive win and contributing to the theatrical nature of professional wrestling.

Every Buried Alive Match In WWE History, Ranked From Worst To Best

WWE's infamous Buried Alive match saw rivals clash in a brutal struggle, culminating in one competitor being buried beneath tons of dirt!

It would also allow the players to recreate iconic moments from The Undertaker's career including bouts against the likes of The Rock, Mankind, Stone Cold, Vince McMahon, and Kane.

Taking The Fight Outside In The Streets

An Actual Street Fight, Not A Gimmick

Made its last appearance in WrestleMania XIX
Was a mainstay for the first four Smackdown! games
Featured cars that could damage the player in some iterations

In select titles from the 90s and early 2000s, players could go from the backstage area to sections completely outside the arena, interacting with street objects and traffic. While out of the norm for modern WWE, it adds a fun and unique experience, allowing content creators to tell stories in a fresh setting through Universe Mode. In all honesty, it might come across as a bit of a niche option to ask for, but it must be stated that it is more of a quality-of-life change if the Falls-Count-Anywhere element was taken to heart. On top of that, one could make moments similar to the way the Hardcore and 24/7 Championship were defended.

Drivable Vehicles Added A Fun Hardcore Element

Keep Rollin' Over The Competition

Bikes, ATVs, Forklifts, and other vehicles were drivable
Carts were similarly implemented in some games
Players could utilize a grab move with it in Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain

A niche but enjoyable addition in some Smackdown games and the racing title WWE Crush Hour was the ability to drive vehicles as wrestlers. While it may seem unnecessary on paper, providing players with creative freedom to choose their preferred style of gameplay, whether simulation or arcade, is crucial. Drivable vehicles, though initially clunky, offer a unique and zany way to inflict damage. Furthermore, there are more than enough cool rides from wrestling history that can be added to the game.

The Locker Room Displayed Your Achievements

A Place Where The Player Could Make Their Own

Only a feature in SvR 2006 and 2007
Was also in 2008, but without any customization whatsoever
Also allowed players to collect props/weapons from other wrestlers

An often forgotten feature in Smackdown vs. Raw 2007, the locker room serves as a seemingly superfluous menu but contributes to the immersion of a career-type mode. Providing a home base to customize and live within virtually enhances the player's connection to the game world. The ability to personalize furniture, decoration, wallpapers, and trophy cases adds depth and engagement similar to simulation games like GTA V or The Sims.

Destroy WWE From Within In Revenge Mode

How Appropriate It Would Be To Take Revenge On The McMahons Now...

This mode was viewed as controversial by many gamers
Hilariously has tasks such as throwing opponents off the stages
Featured a plot with Stephanie McMahon planning a coup against Vince

WrestleMania XIX, an underrated wrestling game named after one of the best WrestleManias of all-time, featured the exceptional Revenge mode, allowing players to systematically destroy WWE from within by attacking various areas and different forces as the player would eventually work their way up to a Mania main event as they literally battled to the top.

10 Wild Wrestlers You Can Unlock In WWE Video Games

WWE video games have always been filled with wacky unlockables, and these are the wildest wrestlers you can unlock in them.

This unique beat-em-up style mode, set in creative locations like a construction site, docks, and a mall, is unprecedented in 2K or Smackdown vs. Raw games. A similar Revenge Mode option with a different story and name would be a welcome addition to the game.