With less than a month before release, the hype forWWE 2K25is already at an all-time high. The previews ofWWE 2K25’s roster and exciting features, such as The Island, have been a great indication that this installment will offer something fresh for longtime fans. What’s left to showcase now will be any post-launch additions that will likely be introduced via DLCs for the rest of the year, which could include unexpected playable wrestlers.
Both WWE’s main brans and NXT have interesting rosters consisting of wrestlers with memorable gimmicks. Sometimes, these companies also give the spotlight to non-wrestling talents, who often play significant roles in certain storylines. If they make a great impression, they can be featured in aWWE 2Kgame, just like what happened withBad Bunny inWWE 2K23. ForWWE 2K25, there could be an opportunity to turn one personality into a wrestler because of his subtle impact on WWE: The Weeknd.
It’s Time For The Weeknd to Shine in WWE 2K25
Unlike Bad Bunny, The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) has never set foot in a wrestling ring before, but his influence in WWE is quite interesting. The singer and actor has made his mark in WWE, as his songs were the officialWrestleManiathemes for five years straight. While it isn’t uncommon for WWE to tap the same artist multiple times to lend their hit songs for premium live events (PLE), The Weeknd’s regular involvement has already become a meme among fans, who often do fun predictions on the next song that will be used forWrestleMania. This year is no different since The Weeknd released his new album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” last January, but there are rumors that Travis Scott might be the featured artist instead. Regardless, The Weeknd’s WrestleMania theme streak is impressive and includes the following tracks:
At this point, The Weeknd’s indirect presence duringWrestleManiawarrants him a spot inWWE 2K25’s official roster via a DLC. He could get his own rating, set of moves, and unique ring attire inspired by his musical personas. He could even use his own song as his entrance music. This wouldn’t be the first time that a WWE game will feature a musician who hasn’t competed in an actual match. Just last year,Post Malone debuted as playable character inWWE 2K24because he curated the game’s official soundtrack. Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst has also appeared in a number of WWE games as an unlockable playable character, includingWWF Smackdown! Just Bring ItandWWF Raw, as The Undertaker used to come out to “Rollin.”
The Weeknd being usable inWWE 2K25could add a fun dynamic to many matches, as players could pair him up with different wrestlers. His wardrobe could also be worn by players' custom-made wrestlers, allowing them to add more personality to their look. Plus, the singer’s label could give permissions to integrate some more of his hit songs intoWWE 2K25, so players could use them as their cool entrance music. The possibilities are vast becauseWWE 2K25fans could define The Weeknd’s role in the game, even having him win a world championship if they really want to.
As of now,WWE 2K25’s full rosteris stacked with performers and NPC managers from different generations of WWE. Developer Visual Concepts is still keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to upcoming DLC wrestlers, which could include this year’s class of WWE Hall of Fame inductees. Fans will just have to wait and see how this installment will unfold, because early reviews of the game have been promising so far.
WWE 2K25
WHERE TO PLAY
Celebrate The Bloodline in Showcase. Compete online in MyGM. Expanded gameplay includes intergender wrestling, chain wrestling, barricade diving, the return of Promos + much more!A ROSTER FOR THE AGESWWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers. The 300+ stacked roster spans multiple generations and features Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Undertaker, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, and more.2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE’S DYNASTYThe all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.A UNIFIED MyRISEYour Superstar takes center stage in an all-new intergender storyline with new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, objects and more.MyGM GOES WORLDWIDETake your show on the road with MyGM 4-player online multiplayer! Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAYNew upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience. Promos are back with multiple types and outcomes featuring new cutscenes and branching choices.EXPANDED GAMEPLAYIntergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! Additional features include the return of chain wrestling, the Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, plus much more.
