No matter what you think about the card for Wrestlemania 40, people are excited to play the newest installment of WWE games in WWE 2K24. WWE 2K24 is extending the “X Years of Wrestlemania” mode from WWE 2K14 to update it for the current day WWE in both the scope of the event and also contractual complications.
With that in mind, we are going to look back at WWE 2K14 and see what changes might need to be made to make sure WWE 2K24’s version is up to code while looking into the past 10 events to see what could be used in the mode. So, we begin with the original Wrestlemania and go all the way through to last year’s event, where the mode will end… For the next 10 years.
Wrestlemania
Date: March 31, 1985
City: New York, New York
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Attendance: 19,121
Why add Hogan and T vs Orndorff and Piper? Well, WWE is on good relations with Piper's family, allowing him to be included in the game. As for Mr. T, that would be nice as it was the main event of the first Wrestlemania. Hopefully, Mr. T needs some extra cash and would allow his likeness to be used in a WWE game again as he was available in WWE 2K22, which featured him in a DLC pack. Not to mention it would open up some more matches in the next entry.
Date: March 31, 1985
City: New York, New York
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Attendance: 19,121
- Match from 2K14: Andre the Giant vs. Big John Studd ($15,000 Body Slam Challenge)
- Add: Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper
Why add Hogan and T vs Orndorff and Piper? Well, WWE is on good relations with Piper's family, allowing him to be included in the game. As for Mr. T, that would be nice as it was the main event of the first Wrestlemania. Hopefully, Mr. T needs some extra cash and would allow his likeness to be used in a WWE game again as he was available in WWE 2K22, which featured him in a DLC pack. Not to mention it would open up some more matches in the next entry.
Wrestlemania 2
Date: April 7, 1986
City(s): Uniondale, New York / Rosemont, Illinois / Los Angeles, California
Venue(s): Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum / Rosemont Horizon / Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance: 40,085 (combined)
Date: April 7, 1986
City(s): Uniondale, New York / Rosemont, Illinois / Los Angeles, California
Venue(s): Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum / Rosemont Horizon / Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance: 40,085 (combined)
Match: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy (Steel Cage)
Add: Randy Savage with Miss Elizabeth vs George Steele (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
Add: Mr. T with Joe Frazier vs Roddy Piper with Lou Duva and Bob Orton
Wrestlemania III
Date: March 29, 1987
City: Pontiac, Michigan
Venue: Pontiac Silverdome
Attendance: 78,000
To be honest, this is probably one of the few Wrestlemania entries that I would not change. Savage vs Steamboat is one of the best technical wrestling matches every presented in the ring, and Hogan vs Andre is a legendary match that Hogan will embellish at the drop of a hat... I swear Andre is not over 5000 tons in weight when Hogan slammed him at this event. Nothing needs to be added or changed here.
Date: March 29, 1987
City: Pontiac, Michigan
Venue: Pontiac Silverdome
Attendance: 78,000
- Match: "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
- Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
To be honest, this is probably one of the few Wrestlemania entries that I would not change. Savage vs Steamboat is one of the best technical wrestling matches every presented in the ring, and Hogan vs Andre is a legendary match that Hogan will embellish at the drop of a hat... I swear Andre is not over 5000 tons in weight when Hogan slammed him at this event. Nothing needs to be added or changed here.
Wrestlemania IV
Date March 27, 1988
City Atlantic City, New Jersey
Venue Trump Plaza
Attendance 19,199
Not much can be added to this event as it was mostly a tournament for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship due to Andre The Giant giving the belt illegally to Ted DiBiase after the events of Wrestlemania III. So unless you want to add some extra matches from the tournament, this would be the only thing you can add since now WWE is on good terms with Warrior's family after his passing.
Side note: I know my price for "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase... A McDonalds chicken wrap. I got a chance to meet/babysit Ted at a BCW show just before Wrestlemania one year. He offered me his leftover McChicken Wrap and I took it. He even showed me his itinerary for Wrestlemania weekend for that year (2018)
Date March 27, 1988
City Atlantic City, New Jersey
Venue Trump Plaza
Attendance 19,199
- Match: "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
- Add: The Ultimate Warrior vs Hercules with Bobby Heenan
Not much can be added to this event as it was mostly a tournament for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship due to Andre The Giant giving the belt illegally to Ted DiBiase after the events of Wrestlemania III. So unless you want to add some extra matches from the tournament, this would be the only thing you can add since now WWE is on good terms with Warrior's family after his passing.
Side note: I know my price for "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase... A McDonalds chicken wrap. I got a chance to meet/babysit Ted at a BCW show just before Wrestlemania one year. He offered me his leftover McChicken Wrap and I took it. He even showed me his itinerary for Wrestlemania weekend for that year (2018)
Wrestlemania V
Date April 2, 1989
City Atlantic City, New Jersey
Venue Boardwalk Hall
Attendance 18,946
Out of all the matches available, there was only one where I could find something about the rights to the character being allowed in 2K Games, that being Rick Rude and Ultimate Warrior... Outside of that, not much to choose from due to issues with contracts, people being unwelcome in the company, or legal issues. Take a look at the other options I wish were possible and the reasons why they won't/can't happen:
Date April 2, 1989
City Atlantic City, New Jersey
Venue Boardwalk Hall
Attendance 18,946
- Match: "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
- Add: Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) vs The Ultimate Warrior (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
Out of all the matches available, there was only one where I could find something about the rights to the character being allowed in 2K Games, that being Rick Rude and Ultimate Warrior... Outside of that, not much to choose from due to issues with contracts, people being unwelcome in the company, or legal issues. Take a look at the other options I wish were possible and the reasons why they won't/can't happen:
- The Twin Towers (Akeem and The Big Boss Man) (w/ Slick) vs The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) - Jannetty is blackballed in WWE
- Brutus Beefcake vs. Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) - Double Countout Ending... Boring!
- Mr. Perfect vs The Blue Blazer - Owen's wife won't allow it
- Jake Roberts vs André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) - Jake Roberts is under contract with AEW
- The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) vs Greg Valentine and The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart) - Honky Tonk Man is blackballed in WWE
- Wrestlemania VI
Date April 1, 1990
City Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venue SkyDome
Attendance 67,678
Match: Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior (WWF Intercontinental & World Heavyweight Championships)
Add: Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire with Miss Elizabeth vs "Macho King" Randy Savage and Queen Sherri
With Dusty Rhodes coming in the first DLC pack in WWE 2K24, why not give one of his matches a go in the showcase mode? Dusty needs more respect when it comes to his WWF run and why not do with his match against Savage? It might not be the best match on the card to highlight, but it would be a great way to preview the DLC and get some extra purchases.
Wrestlemania VII
Date March 24, 1991
City Los Angeles, California
Venue Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance 16,158
Wrestlemania VII gave two interesting matches that are often left off when talking about the history of Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania VII is the first time we saw The Undertaker appear in the event, beginning what would become known as "The Streak" in his bout against Jimmy Snuka... Though Snuka's allegations of murder in 2015 might be enough to squash this entry, but with Snuka's death in 2017, we have no idea what his family's standing is with the company at this time.
As for Warrior vs Savage, this would put a cap on Savage's many Wrestlemania appearances and would be good to see with the other matches I've suggested for the mode. Randy Savage was a major contributor to WWF's success during the 1980s, so his last match should be included as it seems his family has also mended bridges with WWE.
Date March 24, 1991
City Los Angeles, California
Venue Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Attendance 16,158
- Match: Sgt. Slaughter vs. Hulk Hogan (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker with Paul Bearer vs Jimmy Snuka
- Add: The Ultimate Warrior vs Randy Savage with Queen Sherri (Retirement Match)
Wrestlemania VII gave two interesting matches that are often left off when talking about the history of Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania VII is the first time we saw The Undertaker appear in the event, beginning what would become known as "The Streak" in his bout against Jimmy Snuka... Though Snuka's allegations of murder in 2015 might be enough to squash this entry, but with Snuka's death in 2017, we have no idea what his family's standing is with the company at this time.
As for Warrior vs Savage, this would put a cap on Savage's many Wrestlemania appearances and would be good to see with the other matches I've suggested for the mode. Randy Savage was a major contributor to WWF's success during the 1980s, so his last match should be included as it seems his family has also mended bridges with WWE.
Wrestlemania VIII
Date April 5, 1992
City Indianapolis, Indiana
Venue Hoosier Dome
Attendance 62,167
Yes, you've read that right, we're REMOVING a previous entry from 30 Years of Wrestlemania and replacing it with two matches from the same card. The reason Flair vs Savage is because of Flair's current contract with AEW, which might not allow him to appear in WWE products at this time.
The replacements are either tied into the same storyline, with Hogan vs Justice working hand in hand with Flair vs Savage, so you can keep the feud going without sacrificing too much of the story. As for Hart vs Piper, it was one of the best Intercontinental championship matches at Wrestlemania with it being a match of respect between family more than anything, and it was a spectacularly emotional match.
Date April 5, 1992
City Indianapolis, Indiana
Venue Hoosier Dome
Attendance 62,167
- Remove: Ric Flair vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
- Add: Bret Hart vs Roddy Piper (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
- Add: Hulk Hogan vs Sid Justice with Harvey Wippleman
Yes, you've read that right, we're REMOVING a previous entry from 30 Years of Wrestlemania and replacing it with two matches from the same card. The reason Flair vs Savage is because of Flair's current contract with AEW, which might not allow him to appear in WWE products at this time.
The replacements are either tied into the same storyline, with Hogan vs Justice working hand in hand with Flair vs Savage, so you can keep the feud going without sacrificing too much of the story. As for Hart vs Piper, it was one of the best Intercontinental championship matches at Wrestlemania with it being a match of respect between family more than anything, and it was a spectacularly emotional match.
Wrestlemania IX
Date April 4, 1993
City Paradise, Nevada
Venue Caesars Palace
Attendance 16,891
I know the Undertaker vs Gonzalez match was the drizzling shits, but highlighting The Undertaker in general should be some of the focus in the 40 Years of Wrestlemania mode, which is why I would add this match into the mix. Otherwise, just keep the main event as it is the only thing that people remember about the event... Maybe just add Randy Savage entering the show on one of those roman chair/bed things being carried around by people, that was funny.
Date April 4, 1993
City Paradise, Nevada
Venue Caesars Palace
Attendance 16,891
- Match: Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. Yokozuna (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
- Match: Yokozuna vs Hulk Hogan (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker with Paul Bearer vs Giant Gonzalez with Harvey Wippleman
I know the Undertaker vs Gonzalez match was the drizzling shits, but highlighting The Undertaker in general should be some of the focus in the 40 Years of Wrestlemania mode, which is why I would add this match into the mix. Otherwise, just keep the main event as it is the only thing that people remember about the event... Maybe just add Randy Savage entering the show on one of those roman chair/bed things being carried around by people, that was funny.
Wrestlemania X
Date March 20, 1994
City New York, New York
Venue Madison Square Garden
Attendance 18,065
There is only one other match I wish would be included (Owen Hart vs Bret Hart) but we all know that Owen's wife would never allow WWE or 2K Games to include anything to do with Owen's wrestling career, though it didn't stop her from working with AEW and allowing Owen in AEW's Fight Forever video game for some reason.
The only thing I would change is that instead of playing as either Yokozuna or Bret, you play as Piper as the referee, using the rumored special referee match type in the 40 Years of Wrestlemania mode a few times (Another example will come later)
Date March 20, 1994
City New York, New York
Venue Madison Square Garden
Attendance 18,065
- Match: Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels (Ladder match for the Undisputed WWF Intercontinental Championship)
- Match: Yokozuna vs. Bret "Hitman" Hart (WWF Championship with Roddy Piper as special guest referee)
There is only one other match I wish would be included (Owen Hart vs Bret Hart) but we all know that Owen's wife would never allow WWE or 2K Games to include anything to do with Owen's wrestling career, though it didn't stop her from working with AEW and allowing Owen in AEW's Fight Forever video game for some reason.
The only thing I would change is that instead of playing as either Yokozuna or Bret, you play as Piper as the referee, using the rumored special referee match type in the 40 Years of Wrestlemania mode a few times (Another example will come later)
Wrestlemania XI
Date April 2, 1995
City Hartford, Connecticut
Venue Hartford Civic Center
Attendance 16,305
Another match where they could use the special guest referee match type to their advantage, otherwise they can leave this one alone since the only other match I would like to add (Razor Ramon with The 1–2–3 Kid vs Jeff Jarrett with The Roadie for the WWF Intercontinental Championship) wouldn't have a change to be done since Jeff Jarrett is currently under contract with AEW... Get used to hearing "under contract with AEW" as it gets a lot worse once we pass Wrestlemania 20.
Date April 2, 1995
City Hartford, Connecticut
Venue Hartford Civic Center
Attendance 16,305
- Match: The Undertaker vs. King Kong Bundy
- Match: Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels (WWF World Heavyweight Championship)
- Add: Bret Hart vs Bob Backlund ("I Quit" match with Roddy Piper as special guest referee)
Another match where they could use the special guest referee match type to their advantage, otherwise they can leave this one alone since the only other match I would like to add (Razor Ramon with The 1–2–3 Kid vs Jeff Jarrett with The Roadie for the WWF Intercontinental Championship) wouldn't have a change to be done since Jeff Jarrett is currently under contract with AEW... Get used to hearing "under contract with AEW" as it gets a lot worse once we pass Wrestlemania 20.
Wrestlemania XII
Date March 31, 1996
City Anaheim, California, United States
Venue Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
Attendance 18,853
We're going to hope that Brock allows his wife, Sable, to be scanned and used in this added match. The return of Ultimate Warrior after many long years is something that should be added as it would be the last match the an would ever have with WWF before his unfortunate death. Ultimate Warrior was another cornerstone of the 1980s era of Wrestlemania and WWF, so it would be good to add his final match with the company.
Date March 31, 1996
City Anaheim, California, United States
Venue Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
Attendance 18,853
- Match: The Undertaker vs. Diesel
- Match: Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (60-minute Iron Man match for the WWF Championship)
- Add: The Ultimate Warrior vs Hunter Hearst Helmsley with Sable
We're going to hope that Brock allows his wife, Sable, to be scanned and used in this added match. The return of Ultimate Warrior after many long years is something that should be added as it would be the last match the an would ever have with WWF before his unfortunate death. Ultimate Warrior was another cornerstone of the 1980s era of Wrestlemania and WWF, so it would be good to add his final match with the company.
Wrestlemania 13
Date March 23, 1997
City Rosemont, Illinois
Venue Rosemont Horizon
Attendance 18,197
The Deadman wins his first WWF championship and The Rock's first Wrestlemania, these are two moments that should get more of the spotlight. Don't get me wrong, I love the submission match between Bret and Steve, and would love to play this from the referee's angle, but we've done this match too many times and there needs to be more from the event that should be shown.
Date March 23, 1997
City Rosemont, Illinois
Venue Rosemont Horizon
Attendance 18,197
- Match: Bret "Hitman" Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (Submission match with Ken Shamrock as special guest referee)
- Add: Rocky Maivia vs The Sultan with Bob Backlund and The Iron Sheik (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker vs Sycho Sid (No Disqualification match for the WWF Championship)
The Deadman wins his first WWF championship and The Rock's first Wrestlemania, these are two moments that should get more of the spotlight. Don't get me wrong, I love the submission match between Bret and Steve, and would love to play this from the referee's angle, but we've done this match too many times and there needs to be more from the event that should be shown.
Wrestlemania XIV
Date March 29, 1998
City Boston, Massachusetts
Venue FleetCenter
Attendance 19,028
The Attitude Era is born and all we got last time was Undertaker vs Kane? Sure, it was Kane's debut at Wrestlemania and it was a great match, but we have a great Intercontinental championship match with The Rock once again, and the classic that is Stone Cold vs Shawn Michaels! I know we couldn't do Austin vs Michaels before due to Mike Tyson's rights issues, but Iron Mike has been in the game already, so hopefully it won't be hard to get his likeness rights once again.
Date March 29, 1998
City Boston, Massachusetts
Venue FleetCenter
Attendance 19,028
- Match: The Undertaker vs. Kane
- Add: The Rock with The Nation of Domination vs Ken Shamrock (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
- Add: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Shawn Michaels (WWF Championship with Mike Tyson as special outside enforcer)
The Attitude Era is born and all we got last time was Undertaker vs Kane? Sure, it was Kane's debut at Wrestlemania and it was a great match, but we have a great Intercontinental championship match with The Rock once again, and the classic that is Stone Cold vs Shawn Michaels! I know we couldn't do Austin vs Michaels before due to Mike Tyson's rights issues, but Iron Mike has been in the game already, so hopefully it won't be hard to get his likeness rights once again.
Wrestlemania XV
Date March 28, 1999
City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Venue First Union Center
Attendance 20,276
Not much to change or add here. I think adding an extra Undertaker match here and there to flesh out his legacy is a great idea, even if it wasn't the best match or Hell in a Cell match. I did look over other matches, but most of them were pretty pointless. I was going to add Kane with Chyna vs Triple H, but I can't remember the match at all so its probably not worth it
Date March 28, 1999
City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Venue First Union Center
Attendance 20,276
- Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock (No Disqualification match for the WWF Championship, Mankind was the special guest referee)
- Add: The Undertaker with Paul Bearer vs Big Boss Man (Hell in a Cell)
Not much to change or add here. I think adding an extra Undertaker match here and there to flesh out his legacy is a great idea, even if it wasn't the best match or Hell in a Cell match. I did look over other matches, but most of them were pretty pointless. I was going to add Kane with Chyna vs Triple H, but I can't remember the match at all so its probably not worth it
Wrestlemania 2000 (16)
Date April 2, 2000
City Anaheim, California
Venue Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
Attendance 19,776
Well shit... This is screwed. The main event would need to be removed due to Big Show being under AEW contract, also there might be issues with Linda McMahon since she is no longer with the company, same with Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. The only other matches worth highlighting would be:
Edge, Christian, Matt, Jeff, and Jericho are all under AEW contracts, and Benoit is "Persona non Grata" in WWE anything. So safe to say neither of those matches are going to be playable in a WWE game for a long time to come, if ever. Outside of these, there is nothing worth highlighting for Wrestlemania 2000. It's going to be interesting to see how 2K Games gets around this event.
Date April 2, 2000
City Anaheim, California
Venue Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
Attendance 19,776
- Remove: Triple H with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley vs The Rock with Mr. McMahon vs Mick Foley with Linda McMahon vs Big Show with Shane McMahon (Fatal 4-Way elimination match for the WWF Championship)
- Add: ...
Well shit... This is screwed. The main event would need to be removed due to Big Show being under AEW contract, also there might be issues with Linda McMahon since she is no longer with the company, same with Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley. The only other matches worth highlighting would be:
- Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) vs The Hardy Boyz (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) (Triangle ladder match for the WWF Tag Team Championship)
- Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle (Two-fall Triple threat match for the WWF Intercontinental and WWF European Championships)
Edge, Christian, Matt, Jeff, and Jericho are all under AEW contracts, and Benoit is "Persona non Grata" in WWE anything. So safe to say neither of those matches are going to be playable in a WWE game for a long time to come, if ever. Outside of these, there is nothing worth highlighting for Wrestlemania 2000. It's going to be interesting to see how 2K Games gets around this event.
Wrestlemania X-Seven
Date April 1, 2001
City Houston, Texas
Venue Reliant Astrodome
Attendance 67,925
Yep, another one where an Undertaker match is going to be added and nothing else. By now you might notice that WWF was relying heavily on the same people over and over again to carry the main show for the company. Unfortunately, a lot of the undercard is no longer working with the company and refuses to do so, or they are now under contract with AEW.
So unless you want to put X-Factor (X-Pac and Justin Credible with Albert) vs Steve Blackman and Grand Master Sexay or Eddie Guerrero with Perry Saturn vs Test for the WWF European Championship on the card, which might be hard for the second match due to Perry Saturn not being on WWE's good books, I don't see anything else possible to add here... Maybe Chyna vs Ivory for the WWF Women's Championship at a stretch.
Date April 1, 2001
City Houston, Texas
Venue Reliant Astrodome
Attendance 67,925
- Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock (No Disqualification match for the WWF Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker vs Triple H
Yep, another one where an Undertaker match is going to be added and nothing else. By now you might notice that WWF was relying heavily on the same people over and over again to carry the main show for the company. Unfortunately, a lot of the undercard is no longer working with the company and refuses to do so, or they are now under contract with AEW.
- Kane vs Raven vs Big Show (Triple Threat Hardcore match for the WWF Hardcore Championship) - Raven is retired and hates WWE, Big Show is under contract with AEW
- Kurt Angle vs Chris Benoit - Benoit is never allowed in WWE games ever again
- Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) vs The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff) (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWF Tag Team Championship) - Edge, Christian, and Hardy Boyz are under AEW contract.
So unless you want to put X-Factor (X-Pac and Justin Credible with Albert) vs Steve Blackman and Grand Master Sexay or Eddie Guerrero with Perry Saturn vs Test for the WWF European Championship on the card, which might be hard for the second match due to Perry Saturn not being on WWE's good books, I don't see anything else possible to add here... Maybe Chyna vs Ivory for the WWF Women's Championship at a stretch.
Wrestlemania X-8
Date March 17, 2002
City Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venue SkyDome
Attendance 68,237
Lots of options to pick from here. Of course we lose the Undisputed WWF Championship match as Jericho is under contract with AEW, but there are some good matches here to choose from. RVD vs Regal is a good mix of styles that was very entertaining, Austin vs Hall can be used to lead into Rock vs Hogan, Angle vs Kane is so-so but it's there since the Undertaker match this year (The Undertaker vs Ric Flair) can't be done due to AEW contract, and there are not enough women's matches in this mode, which needs to be fixed as this was the prime of the women wrestling era.
Date March 17, 2002
City Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Venue SkyDome
Attendance 68,237
- Match: The Rock vs. "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan
- Remove: Chris Jericho vs. Triple H (Undisputed WWF Championship)
- Add: Rob Van Dam vs William Regal (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
- Add: Kurt Angle vs Kane
- Add: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Scott Hall with Kevin Nash
- Add: Jazz vs Trish Stratus vs Lita (Triple threat match for the WWF Women's Championship)
Lots of options to pick from here. Of course we lose the Undisputed WWF Championship match as Jericho is under contract with AEW, but there are some good matches here to choose from. RVD vs Regal is a good mix of styles that was very entertaining, Austin vs Hall can be used to lead into Rock vs Hogan, Angle vs Kane is so-so but it's there since the Undertaker match this year (The Undertaker vs Ric Flair) can't be done due to AEW contract, and there are not enough women's matches in this mode, which needs to be fixed as this was the prime of the women wrestling era.
Wrestlemania XIX
Date March 30, 2003
City Seattle, Washington
Venue Safeco Field
Attendance 54,097
Jericho is removed once again due to being under contract with AEW. Instead, WWE 2K24 can use this to start building the story of Brock Lesnar with his match against Kurt Angle. Other then that, more women's wrestling. Anything we can get to add some focus on the women who built the road that future Divas and Horsewomen alike paved.
Date March 30, 2003
City Seattle, Washington
Venue Safeco Field
Attendance 54,097
- Remove: Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
- Match: The Rock vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
- Add: Trish Stratus vs Victoria with Steven Richards vs Jazz (Triple threat match for the WWE Women's Championship)
- Add: Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle (WWE Championship)
Jericho is removed once again due to being under contract with AEW. Instead, WWE 2K24 can use this to start building the story of Brock Lesnar with his match against Kurt Angle. Other then that, more women's wrestling. Anything we can get to add some focus on the women who built the road that future Divas and Horsewomen alike paved.
Wrestlemania XX
Date March 14, 2004
City New York City, New York
Venue Madison Square Garden
Attendance 20,000
Unfortunately, Cena vs Big Show will be removed due to Big Show being under contract with AEW. However, there are a LOT of matches to replace it with. The top choice would be Undertaker vs Kane, as this was Undertaker returning as The Deadman after a long feud with Kane. Two women's matches are available here as well, though one is a bit controvercial since I doubt WWE will let 2K Games program an Evening Gown match into the game, and while I love Eddie vs Kurt, it still pains me that we will never see the other half of the story as Triple H vs Benoit is banned due to the ban on Benoit.
Date March 14, 2004
City New York City, New York
Venue Madison Square Garden
Attendance 20,000
- Remove: John Cena vs. Big Show
- Match: Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar ("Stone Cold" Steve Austin as special guest referee)
- Add: Torrie Wilson and Sable vs Miss Jackie and Stacy Keibler (Playboy Evening Gown Women's Tag Team match)
- Add: Victoria vs Molly Holly (Hair vs. Title match for the WWE Women's Championship)
- Add: Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle (WWE Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker with Paul Bearer vs Kane
Unfortunately, Cena vs Big Show will be removed due to Big Show being under contract with AEW. However, there are a LOT of matches to replace it with. The top choice would be Undertaker vs Kane, as this was Undertaker returning as The Deadman after a long feud with Kane. Two women's matches are available here as well, though one is a bit controvercial since I doubt WWE will let 2K Games program an Evening Gown match into the game, and while I love Eddie vs Kurt, it still pains me that we will never see the other half of the story as Triple H vs Benoit is banned due to the ban on Benoit.
Wrestlemania 21
Date April 3, 2005
City Los Angeles, California
Venue Staples Center
Attendance 20,193
Again, lots of matches to add to this one. Eddie vs Rey is always a classic no matter what era its in. You continue Undertaker's streak in his match against Orton. Angle and Michaels was a technical classic. Batista vs Triple H could also be possible, though you'd have to blur out or remove Ric Flair completely due to him being under contract with AEW.
Date April 3, 2005
City Los Angeles, California
Venue Staples Center
Attendance 20,193
- Match: John "Bradshaw" Layfield vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)
- Add: Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero
- Add: The Undertaker vs Randy Orton
- Add: Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels
- Add: Batista vs Triple H (World Heavyweight Championship) *Remove Ric Flair
Again, lots of matches to add to this one. Eddie vs Rey is always a classic no matter what era its in. You continue Undertaker's streak in his match against Orton. Angle and Michaels was a technical classic. Batista vs Triple H could also be possible, though you'd have to blur out or remove Ric Flair completely due to him being under contract with AEW.
Wrestlemania 22
Date April 2, 2006
City Rosemont, Illinois
Venue Allstate Arena
Attendance 17,155
Say it with me: "Edge is removed due to being under contract with AEW". However, like other years, there are a lot of matches available to replace it with. Undertaker vs Mark Henry might be possible as, while he is under contract with AEW, he is not active and does a lot of other work on the side. Plus 2K Games has teased that Casket matches are coming to WWE 2K24, so this might be why its included.
Mickie James has a contract with WWE as a coach, so we might finally be able to replay the "ask forgiveness instead of permission" match with her and Trish where a specific gesture by Mickie might resurface. We could keep Cena's legacy going with his bout with Triple H, and Rey vs Angle was a weird mixing of styles that just worked.
Date April 2, 2006
City Rosemont, Illinois
Venue Allstate Arena
Attendance 17,155
- Remove: Edge (W/ Lita) vs. Mick Foley
- Add: Mickie James vs Trish Stratus(WWE Women's Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker vs Mark Henry (Casket match)
- Add: Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle vs Randy Orton (Triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship)
- Add: John Cena vs Triple H (WWE Championship)
Say it with me: "Edge is removed due to being under contract with AEW". However, like other years, there are a lot of matches available to replace it with. Undertaker vs Mark Henry might be possible as, while he is under contract with AEW, he is not active and does a lot of other work on the side. Plus 2K Games has teased that Casket matches are coming to WWE 2K24, so this might be why its included.
Mickie James has a contract with WWE as a coach, so we might finally be able to replay the "ask forgiveness instead of permission" match with her and Trish where a specific gesture by Mickie might resurface. We could keep Cena's legacy going with his bout with Triple H, and Rey vs Angle was a weird mixing of styles that just worked.
Wrestlemania 23
Date April 1, 2007
City Detroit, Michigan
Venue Ford Field
Attendance 74,287
To be honest, there is nothing else worth throwing into the mix here. Bobby Lashley with Donald Trump vs Umaga with Mr. McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada (Hair vs. Hair match with Stone Cold Steve Austin as special guest referee) would be amazing to recreate from either a straight gameplay perspective or even a guest referee perspective, but with the current political climate with Trump I don't see this happening.
Date April 1, 2007
City Detroit, Michigan
Venue Ford Field
Attendance 74,287
- Match: Batista vs. The Undertaker (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Match: John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (WWE Championship)
To be honest, there is nothing else worth throwing into the mix here. Bobby Lashley with Donald Trump vs Umaga with Mr. McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada (Hair vs. Hair match with Stone Cold Steve Austin as special guest referee) would be amazing to recreate from either a straight gameplay perspective or even a guest referee perspective, but with the current political climate with Trump I don't see this happening.
Wrestlemania XXIV
Date March 30, 2008
City Orlando, Florida
Venue Florida Citrus Bowl
Attendance 74,635
This is one of those events that is plagued with people either being under contract with other companies, matches that aren't worth highlighting, or the people are no longer with the company and want nothing to do with WWE. Sadly, the best match on the card, Michaels vs Flair, needs to be removed due to Flair being under contract with AEW, leaving the main event title match as the only thing worth playing on this card. A really sad thing to see.
Date March 30, 2008
City Orlando, Florida
Venue Florida Citrus Bowl
Attendance 74,635
- Remove: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair (Flair's Career Threatening match)
- Match: Randy Orton vs. Triple H vs. John Cena (Triple threat match for the WWE Championship)
This is one of those events that is plagued with people either being under contract with other companies, matches that aren't worth highlighting, or the people are no longer with the company and want nothing to do with WWE. Sadly, the best match on the card, Michaels vs Flair, needs to be removed due to Flair being under contract with AEW, leaving the main event title match as the only thing worth playing on this card. A really sad thing to see.
Wrestlemania 25th Anniversary
Date April 5, 2009
City Houston, Texas
Venue Reliant Stadium
Attendance 72,744
Date April 5, 2009
City Houston, Texas
Venue Reliant Stadium
Attendance 72,744
- Remove: Edge vs. John Cena vs. Big Show (Triple threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship)
- Match: Randy Orton vs. Triple H (WWE Championship)
- Add: Rey Mysterio vs John "Bradshaw" Layfield (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
- Add: The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels
Wrestlemania XXVI
Date March 28, 2010
City Glendale, Arizona
Venue University of Phoenix Stadium
Attendance 72,219
This is the only card where removing one match will not effect anything that carries the show as a whole. Jericho and Edge are under an AEW contract, so that would need to be removed. But losing that match means nothing in the long run since the main focus of this show was Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels 2, the rematch that was better than the original, plus it keeps the focus on Shawn Michaels, who as I said before, needs his own mode.
Date March 28, 2010
City Glendale, Arizona
Venue University of Phoenix Stadium
Attendance 72,219
- Remove: Chris Jericho vs. Edge
- Match: Batista vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)
- Match: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (No Disqualification Streak vs. Career)
This is the only card where removing one match will not effect anything that carries the show as a whole. Jericho and Edge are under an AEW contract, so that would need to be removed. But losing that match means nothing in the long run since the main focus of this show was Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels 2, the rematch that was better than the original, plus it keeps the focus on Shawn Michaels, who as I said before, needs his own mode.
Wrestlemania XXVII
Date April 3, 2011
City Atlanta, Georgia
Venue Georgia Dome
Attendance 71,617
AEW Contract removes Edge from the card, and Alberto is one of those "we don't talk about him" people. The good thing is that you can start adding more people into this event, and one joke match. Keep The Streak going with Undertaker and Triple H, introduce CM Punk with his match against Orton, and start hinting at Wrestlemania's future with Cody Rhode vs Rey Mysterio... Or add Michael Cole vs Jerry Lawler just to laugh. Either way, there are a lot of good matches available to fill the slot that Edge and Del Rio used to have.
Date April 3, 2011
City Atlanta, Georgia
Venue Georgia Dome
Attendance 71,617
- Remove: Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio
- Match: The Miz vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)
- Add: Cody Rhodes vs Rey Mysterio
- Add: Randy Orton vs CM Punk
- Add: Michael Cole vs Jerry Lawler (Stone Cold Steve Austin as special guest referee)
- Add: The Undertaker vs Triple H (No Holds Barred)
AEW Contract removes Edge from the card, and Alberto is one of those "we don't talk about him" people. The good thing is that you can start adding more people into this event, and one joke match. Keep The Streak going with Undertaker and Triple H, introduce CM Punk with his match against Orton, and start hinting at Wrestlemania's future with Cody Rhode vs Rey Mysterio... Or add Michael Cole vs Jerry Lawler just to laugh. Either way, there are a lot of good matches available to fill the slot that Edge and Del Rio used to have.
Wrestlemania XXVIII
Date April 1, 2012
City Miami Gardens, Florida
Venue Sun Life Stadium
Attendance 78,363
Another show where the only thing is to remove a match due to AEW contracts. To be honest, you lose nothing by removing Punk and Jericho from this show as the focus was on the other two matches. So hype up the "Once in a lifetime" Cena vs Rock match even more than you did last time as that's going to be the one that saves this segment of the game.
Date April 1, 2012
City Miami Gardens, Florida
Venue Sun Life Stadium
Attendance 78,363
- Match: Triple H vs. The Undertaker (No Holds Barred)
- Remove: CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Championship)
- Match: The Rock vs. John Cena
Another show where the only thing is to remove a match due to AEW contracts. To be honest, you lose nothing by removing Punk and Jericho from this show as the focus was on the other two matches. So hype up the "Once in a lifetime" Cena vs Rock match even more than you did last time as that's going to be the one that saves this segment of the game.
- Wrestlemania 29
Date April 7, 2013
City East Rutherford, New Jersey
Venue MetLife Stadium
Attendance 74,300
Match: CM Punk vs. Undertaker
Match: Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H (No Holds Barred)
Match: The Rock vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)
Perfect, keep everything as is. We don't need to add anything or remove anyone for anything. A good way to end the WWE 2K14 mode and lead into the new segments that WWE 2K24 will provide.
Wrestlemania XXX
Date April 6, 2014
City New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Attendance 60,000-65,000
From here, I'll include all possible matches with the top two being highlighted in bold.
Ok, we're starting to get into uncharted territory here. With whole cards open to be used, within reason. For this event, I picked 2 matches that would work with a little bit of creative business happening behind the scenes. The first Cena vs Wyatt match would be good to see but it would need permission from Eric Redbread to use his likeness as well as permission from the family of Jon Huber. I think 2K Games would do well to reach out for permission just to give Harper a nice send-off in the video game. As for Undertaker vs Lesnar, it was the end of the streak, so it is a MUST to be included.
Date April 6, 2014
City New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Attendance 60,000-65,000
- John Cena vs Bray Wyatt with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper
- Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman vs The Undertaker
From here, I'll include all possible matches with the top two being highlighted in bold.
Ok, we're starting to get into uncharted territory here. With whole cards open to be used, within reason. For this event, I picked 2 matches that would work with a little bit of creative business happening behind the scenes. The first Cena vs Wyatt match would be good to see but it would need permission from Eric Redbread to use his likeness as well as permission from the family of Jon Huber. I think 2K Games would do well to reach out for permission just to give Harper a nice send-off in the video game. As for Undertaker vs Lesnar, it was the end of the streak, so it is a MUST to be included.
Wrestlemania 31
Date March 29, 2015
City Santa Clara, California
Venue Levi's Stadium
Attendance 67,000
This was a HUGE night, but we lost out on 2 matches due to AEW contracts. Triple H vs Sting can't happen, and neither can Cena vs Rusev (Meaning we miss out on the awesome Tank entrance) due to Sting and Rusev (aka Miro) being under AEW contracts. What we have left is a trilogy of moments leading to a great finish of the show. Tonight was Seth Rollins' night with him cashing in and winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship out of nowhere after an amazing Reigns vs Lesnar match up. Adding Undertaker vs Wyatt is more of adding to a tribute for Wyatt more than anything else.
Date March 29, 2015
City Santa Clara, California
Venue Levi's Stadium
Attendance 67,000
- Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins
- The Undertaker vs Bray Wyatt
- Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
- Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
This was a HUGE night, but we lost out on 2 matches due to AEW contracts. Triple H vs Sting can't happen, and neither can Cena vs Rusev (Meaning we miss out on the awesome Tank entrance) due to Sting and Rusev (aka Miro) being under AEW contracts. What we have left is a trilogy of moments leading to a great finish of the show. Tonight was Seth Rollins' night with him cashing in and winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship out of nowhere after an amazing Reigns vs Lesnar match up. Adding Undertaker vs Wyatt is more of adding to a tribute for Wyatt more than anything else.
Wrestlemania 32
Date April 3, 2016
City Arlington, Texas
Venue AT&T Stadium
Attendance 80,709
Now the tag team match here might be possible since the Dudley Boyz are under WWE Legends contracts, though Bully Ray might be under a TNA contract, so who knows with this one, but it might be possible. The Undertaker vs McMahon match would be a good bloodbath match to add in, and of course, we have the beginning of seeing Roman Reigns in the Wrestlemania main event... As much as we hate it now.
Date April 3, 2016
City Arlington, Texas
Venue AT&T Stadium
Attendance 80,709
- The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) vs The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley)
- The Undertaker vs Shane McMahon (Hell in a Cell)
- Roman Reigns vs Triple H with Stephanie McMahon (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Now the tag team match here might be possible since the Dudley Boyz are under WWE Legends contracts, though Bully Ray might be under a TNA contract, so who knows with this one, but it might be possible. The Undertaker vs McMahon match would be a good bloodbath match to add in, and of course, we have the beginning of seeing Roman Reigns in the Wrestlemania main event... As much as we hate it now.
Wrestlemania 33
Date April 2, 2017
City Orlando, Florida
Venue Camping World Stadium
Attendance 64,900
A HUGE amount of matches available to choose from here. Some are good, some are ok, others might not be that good to replay. My focus would be on Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. I'd love to see the 6-Pack Challenge in there too, but it'll need editing and contracts signed in order to happen. Same with the mixed Tag match as I'm not sure what the Bella Twins contract status with WWE is.
Date April 2, 2017
City Orlando, Florida
Venue Camping World Stadium
Attendance 64,900
- John Cena and Nikki Bella vs The Miz and Maryse (Mixed tag team match)
- Seth Rollins vs Triple H with Stephanie McMahon (Unsanctioned match)
- Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt (WWE Championship)
- Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman vs Goldberg (WWE Universal Championship)
- Naomi vs Alexa Bliss vs Becky Lynch vs Carmella with James Ellsworth vs Mickie James vs Natalya (Six-pack challenge for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship)
- Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker (No Holds Barred)
A HUGE amount of matches available to choose from here. Some are good, some are ok, others might not be that good to replay. My focus would be on Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. I'd love to see the 6-Pack Challenge in there too, but it'll need editing and contracts signed in order to happen. Same with the mixed Tag match as I'm not sure what the Bella Twins contract status with WWE is.
Wrestlemania 34
Date April 8, 2018
City New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Attendance 78,133
Plenty to work with here. We can see the rise of "The Queen" Charlotte Flair in her match with Asuka, more women's action with Jax and Bliss (the condition being that Mickie James has a WWE contract), and the two championship matches could be the focus of the show. Otherwise, the one-off Rousey match could make for a decent mini-story for the mode if they include footage from the previous year as well.
Date April 8, 2018
City New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Attendance 78,133
- Seth Rollins vs The Miz vs Finn Bálor (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
- Charlotte Flair vs Asuka (WWE SmackDown Women's Championship)
- Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey vs Triple H and Stephanie McMahon (Mixed tag team match)
- The Undertaker vs John Cena
- Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss with Mickie James (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
- AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura (WWE Championship)
- Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman vs Roman Reigns (WWE Universal Championship)
Plenty to work with here. We can see the rise of "The Queen" Charlotte Flair in her match with Asuka, more women's action with Jax and Bliss (the condition being that Mickie James has a WWE contract), and the two championship matches could be the focus of the show. Otherwise, the one-off Rousey match could make for a decent mini-story for the mode if they include footage from the previous year as well.
Wrestlemania 35
Date April 7, 2019
City East Rutherford, New Jersey
Venue MetLife Stadium
Attendance 68,000–70,000
Rollins beats the beast, Triple H avoids retirement, Kurt Angle retires, and the first ever women to main event a Wrestlemania. As the kids say "we eating tonight". As we head into the two-night era with the complications of COVID around the corner, it would be nice to end this live era of Wrestlemania with some of the better moments that happened. I'd turn focus to the women's triple threat match if Rousey is fine to have her likeness in the game, otherwise, things aren't you to look too good for this year.
Date April 7, 2019
City East Rutherford, New Jersey
Venue MetLife Stadium
Attendance 68,000–70,000
- Seth Rollins vs Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman (WWE Universal Championship)
- AJ Styles vs Randy Orton
- Roman Reigns vs Drew McIntyre
- Triple H vs Batista (No Holds Barred match)
- Baron Corbin vs Kurt Angle
- "The Demon" Finn Bálor vs Bobby Lashley (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
- Becky Lynch vs Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair (Winner Takes All triple threat match for the WWE Raw Women's Championship and WWE SmackDown Women's Championship)
Rollins beats the beast, Triple H avoids retirement, Kurt Angle retires, and the first ever women to main event a Wrestlemania. As the kids say "we eating tonight". As we head into the two-night era with the complications of COVID around the corner, it would be nice to end this live era of Wrestlemania with some of the better moments that happened. I'd turn focus to the women's triple threat match if Rousey is fine to have her likeness in the game, otherwise, things aren't you to look too good for this year.
Wrestlemania 36
Date April 4–5, 2020
City Orlando, Florida
Venue WWE Performance Center
Attendance 0
Part 1 (April 4)
Part 2 (April 5)
COVID shuts down Wrestlemania, pushing it into the Performance Centre for the first time as WWE scrambles to adjust to the worldwide pandemic. This is the beginning of the two-night event series, and the introduction of cinematic matches. Both AJ Styles vs Undertaker & Wyatt vs Cena would be prefect for people to play in a video game as those matches play out pretty much as a video game sequence. The WWE Championship match can be left aside because of the Big Show also getting a title shot after the main match on night two, but I'd love to see the NXT and Women's championship matches be used as well since we get WWE 2K24 cover star Rhea Ripley's first wrestlemania appearance.
Date April 4–5, 2020
City Orlando, Florida
Venue WWE Performance Center
Attendance 0
Part 1 (April 4)
- Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) (WWE Women's Tag Team Championship)
- Becky Lynch vs Shayna Baszler (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
- Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins (No Disqualification)
- The Undertaker vs AJ Styles with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (Boneyard match)
Part 2 (April 5)
- Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley (NXT Women's Championship)
- The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs Angel Garza and Austin Theory with Zelina Vega (WWE Raw Tag Team Championship)
- "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs John Cena (Firefly Fun House match)
- Drew McIntyre vs Brock Lesnar with Paul Heyman (WWE Championship)
COVID shuts down Wrestlemania, pushing it into the Performance Centre for the first time as WWE scrambles to adjust to the worldwide pandemic. This is the beginning of the two-night event series, and the introduction of cinematic matches. Both AJ Styles vs Undertaker & Wyatt vs Cena would be prefect for people to play in a video game as those matches play out pretty much as a video game sequence. The WWE Championship match can be left aside because of the Big Show also getting a title shot after the main match on night two, but I'd love to see the NXT and Women's championship matches be used as well since we get WWE 2K24 cover star Rhea Ripley's first wrestlemania appearance.
Wrestlemania 37
Date April 10–11, 2021
City Tampa, Florida
Venue Raymond James Stadium
Attendance (Combined): 40,806
Night 1 (April 10)
Night 2 (April 11)
We can completely skip night one and just focus on night two here. The final match at Wrestlemania for Bray Wyatt before his untimely death from complications due to illness, and also more Rhea Ripley matches would help push her as the face of 2K24. But as we build to the end of the mode here, the focus is going to shift to the cover stars over everything else. Otherwise, why else put them on the cover at all?
Date April 10–11, 2021
City Tampa, Florida
Venue Raymond James Stadium
Attendance (Combined): 40,806
Night 1 (April 10)
- Bobby Lashley with MVP vs Drew McIntyre (WWE Championship)
- AJ Styles and Omos vs The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) (WWE Raw Tag Team Championship)
Night 2 (April 11)
- Randy Orton vs The Fiend with Alexa Bliss
- Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler vs Natalya and Tamina (WWE Women's Tag Team Championship)
- Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn with Logan Paul
- Apollo Crews vs Big E (Nigerian Drum Fight for the WWE Intercontinental Championship)
- Rhea Ripley vs Asuka (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
We can completely skip night one and just focus on night two here. The final match at Wrestlemania for Bray Wyatt before his untimely death from complications due to illness, and also more Rhea Ripley matches would help push her as the face of 2K24. But as we build to the end of the mode here, the focus is going to shift to the cover stars over everything else. Otherwise, why else put them on the cover at all?
Wrestlemania 38
Date April 2–3, 2022
City Arlington, Texas
Venue AT&T Stadium
Attendance (Combined): 131,372
Night 1
The Miz and Logan Paul vs Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
Bianca Belair vs Becky Lynch (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
Cody Rhodes vs Seth "Freakin" Rollins
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens (No Holds Barred)
Night 2
Bobby Lashley vs Omos
Johnny Knoxville vs Sami Zayn (Anything Goes)
Sheamus and Ridge Holland with Butch vs The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Roman Reigns with Paul Heyman vs Brock Lesnar (Winner Takes All match for the WWE Championship and WWE Universal Championship)
With things getting close to the end, this is where the developers will start pushing more matches into each section, especially since there are matches that not only involve cover superstars Cody Rhodes and Bianca Belair, but by this point, we will be deep into the "Roman Reigns Era" of the story, where Roman becomes the undefeatable juggernaut that would reign over WWE with an almost 3-year championship reign. Showcasing the moment that Roman's title run begins is the thrilling third act that this mode needs.
Date April 2–3, 2022
City Arlington, Texas
Venue AT&T Stadium
Attendance (Combined): 131,372
Night 1
The Miz and Logan Paul vs Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio
Bianca Belair vs Becky Lynch (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
Cody Rhodes vs Seth "Freakin" Rollins
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens (No Holds Barred)
Night 2
Bobby Lashley vs Omos
Johnny Knoxville vs Sami Zayn (Anything Goes)
Sheamus and Ridge Holland with Butch vs The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Roman Reigns with Paul Heyman vs Brock Lesnar (Winner Takes All match for the WWE Championship and WWE Universal Championship)
With things getting close to the end, this is where the developers will start pushing more matches into each section, especially since there are matches that not only involve cover superstars Cody Rhodes and Bianca Belair, but by this point, we will be deep into the "Roman Reigns Era" of the story, where Roman becomes the undefeatable juggernaut that would reign over WWE with an almost 3-year championship reign. Showcasing the moment that Roman's title run begins is the thrilling third act that this mode needs.
Wrestlemania 39
Date April 1–2, 2023
City Inglewood, California
Venue SoFi Stadium
Attendance (Combined): 134,856
Night 1
Austin Theory vs John Cena (WWE United States Championship)
Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs Logan Paul with KSI
Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio
Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair (WWE SmackDown Women's Championship)
Pat McAfee vs The Miz
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship)
Night 2
Brock Lesnar vs Omos with MVP
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez vs Natalya and Shotzi vs Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville (Women's WrestleMania Showcase fatal four-way tag team match)
Gunther vs Sheamus vs Drew McIntyre (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
Bianca Belair vs Asuka (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
Roman Reigns with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa vs Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
(Editing note: This was written before the WWE 2K24 previews were made available, Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair & Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes have since been confirmed.)
This would be the end of what is available to be used in the 40 Years of Wrestlemania mode, with everyone selected being on the covers of the game, so they are the obvious choices. I also expect this to be the biggest lineup out of the whole mode with many matches from nights 1 and 2 being used alongside the cover superstar's matches. This is where they will sell Cody Rhodes trying to finish the story, but ultimately failing, and wins for the woman. That being side, you cannot put this mode out there without Rey vs Dom and Rollins vs Logan Paul as they were HUGE matches at the event. Ultimately 40 Years of Wrestlemania is going to end on a not-so-happy note, or will 2K Games allow you to change history by adding a bonus where you get a rematch right away and have Cody finish the story? Guess you'll have to buy the game to find out.
Date April 1–2, 2023
City Inglewood, California
Venue SoFi Stadium
Attendance (Combined): 134,856
Night 1
Austin Theory vs John Cena (WWE United States Championship)
Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs Logan Paul with KSI
Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio
Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair (WWE SmackDown Women's Championship)
Pat McAfee vs The Miz
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) (Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship)
Night 2
Brock Lesnar vs Omos with MVP
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez vs Natalya and Shotzi vs Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville (Women's WrestleMania Showcase fatal four-way tag team match)
Gunther vs Sheamus vs Drew McIntyre (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
Bianca Belair vs Asuka (WWE Raw Women's Championship)
Roman Reigns with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa vs Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Universal Championship)
(Editing note: This was written before the WWE 2K24 previews were made available, Rhea Ripley vs Charlotte Flair & Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes have since been confirmed.)
This would be the end of what is available to be used in the 40 Years of Wrestlemania mode, with everyone selected being on the covers of the game, so they are the obvious choices. I also expect this to be the biggest lineup out of the whole mode with many matches from nights 1 and 2 being used alongside the cover superstar's matches. This is where they will sell Cody Rhodes trying to finish the story, but ultimately failing, and wins for the woman. That being side, you cannot put this mode out there without Rey vs Dom and Rollins vs Logan Paul as they were HUGE matches at the event. Ultimately 40 Years of Wrestlemania is going to end on a not-so-happy note, or will 2K Games allow you to change history by adding a bonus where you get a rematch right away and have Cody finish the story? Guess you'll have to buy the game to find out.
