Why 2K22 Is The Best WWE 2K Video Game
Robert King
Published Mar 28, 2026
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The THQ and Yuke's era in WWE video games was like the Attitude Era for gaming fans. Before the SmackDown vs RAW series, THQ had released a number of excellent video games, such as Shut Your Mouth and Here Comes the Pain but in 2004, the standalone SmackDown series was upgraded to SmackDown vs RAW. The company introduced a few elements to emulate the feel of a real wrestling match but at the core, the SvR series was much like its predecessors: fast, chaotic, and addictive.
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SmackDown vs RAW 2006 was the pinnacle of the portfolio, and according to critics, it rivals the masterpiece that was No Mercy on Nintendo 64. Unfortunately, the glory came to an end as THQ ended up bankrupt and the honor of producing WWE games was bestowed upon 2K.
2K Wrestling Video Games Disappointed For The Most Part
WWE 2K games looked good, no doubt about it, but the gameplay left a lot to be desired. The action was slow, the controls were tedious, and it just lacked the chaotic charm of the SvR series. 2K20 was panned as the worst wrestling game ever. It was so bad that 2k decided to skip out on the already in development, 2K21.
However, there is one game that is actually good. Yes, a good 2K WWE exists and that is WWE 2K22. The latest game in the series is the best one. After the 2K20 disaster, 2K games picked themselves up and actually released a good game. Is it as good as the SvR series? Not quite, but it is undeniably the best wrestling game in years and the pinnacle of the series so far. The visuals are stunning as usual but in addition to incredible graphics, the gameplay is the best the series has to offer.
The controls are simple and for once there is an actual tutorial session that guides new players on how the game engine works. The reversal mechanics are simplified, the targeting system is easier to get used to (to the point that you can actually target the referee and beat him up for however long you like), and the overall gameplay is more fluid and immersive, unlike most entries in the series.
In summation, the gameplay is fun and the pace has definitely picked up a few notches. The wrestlers don’t feel like they’re moving underwater and that’s nice for a change, but what makes 2K22 the best installment in the series is the amount of content. The roster is incredibly deep, featuring legends from the good old days and the newest superstars, and this is not counting the DLCs. Fans wanted the Showcase mode back, and we got it, featuring the beloved Rey Mysterio as the protagonist. MyRise, formerly MyCareer, is also much more enjoyable and deep, and the customization is on another level.
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The return of the GM mode was demanded by fans ever since SvR 2008 and 2K delivered on that front as well. It was everything that fans demanded and more. 2K22 reintroduces brand warfare as players in MyGM mode have to build up a roster and make sure that their show is superior to the competitors. Along the way, they’ll have to deal with contracts, injuries, and the annual WWE draft.
WWE 2K22 Was A Step In The Right Direction
The game feels like it actually has a soul. Prior installments felt lifeless, a product that was made solely to get work done and grab a paycheck, but 2K22 actually cares about delivering an authentic wrestling experience. This is evident in the commentary as well. 2K games never really paid too much attention to the commentary but in the latest game the commentators actually talk like they care.
When Brock Lesnar walks down at WrestleMania, the commentators will remember how he crushed the Streak. When John Cena wrestles, Michael Cole will remember his box-office matches with the Rock, as he should. Tag team matches are actually treated as multi-superstars matches and the commentary reflects that. Imagine that happening in the older games.
Is 2K22 the best wrestling game ever? Not really, but considering the disappointment fans had to endure before, 2K22 is definitely a masterpiece and a step in the ring direction. That one extra year surely helped the developers in getting everything down, and for the most part, 2K games nailed it.
