AEW’s growth in the wrestling world has made its own video game inevitable, and AEW Fight Forever was a good starting point, despite its shortcomings. The game was fun but lacked depth in areas like character creation, match types, and its story mode. However, AEW’s next video game has a real opportunity to set itself apart by creating an expansive and detailed history mode that covers the company’s evolution since its 2019 debut.

Unlike WWE, which has decades of history to work with, AEW’s five-year run allows for a more focused narrative that can cover key storylines, iconic matches, and major roster changes in a meaningful way. This approach would give players a chance to relive AEW’s biggest moments, offering something WWE’s 2K series can’t. By focusing on AEW’s unique identity and its brightest stars, the next game could provide an engaging experience that captures the essence of AEW.

AEW’s Potential for an Epic Video Game Story Mode

After AEW’s rapid growth in the wrestling industry, the need for a dedicated video game was inevitable. However, 2023’s AEW Fight Forever proved to be a mixed experience for fans. While the game captured the nostalgic feel of early 2000s wrestling titles, it fell short in key areas like the character creator, limited match options, expensive DLC, weak presentation, and a forgettable story mode. With this in mind, AEW’s next game has an exciting opportunity to fix these issues and stand out in ways that WWE 2K cannot.

A Challenge for AEW to Match WWE 2K’s Quality

Matching WWE 2K’s high level of polish would be a difficult task for AEW. To achieve such quality, AEW might need to partner with a major sports developer, like EA. However, even if AEW sticks with a Fight Forever-type game that focuses on fun gameplay over top-tier presentation, it still has the chance to outshine its competition with a deeper, more engaging story mode. While WWE 2K’s history spans decades, AEW’s five-year history provides a unique advantage—there’s ample room to cover its entire evolution.

A History Mode for AEW

The next AEW video game could focus on a story mode that spans the company’s history, providing an in-depth, fun experience for both long-time fans and newer followers. Players could experience AEW’s rise, from its humble beginnings at Daily’s Place to massive events like Wembley Stadium. Key moments such as the introduction of new belts like the International Title or the Continental Classic Tournament could be integrated into the story. This mode would serve as both a nostalgic look back and a primer for new fans, ensuring they experience AEW’s evolution firsthand.

Excluding Controversial Figures from History Mode

Some figures from AEW’s past, like CM Punk, who had a controversial stint with the company, would need to be excluded from this mode due to his return to WWE. Likewise, AEW co-founder Cody Rhodes’ departure would prevent him from being part of this narrative. While these exclusions may be disappointing to some, AEW could still deliver a compelling story by focusing on the company’s significant events and other standout stars.

Highlighting AEW’s Biggest Stars

To create a realistic and engaging history mode, AEW’s game would need to center on its existing roster, with players taking control of iconic wrestlers throughout different eras. The game would need to switch playable characters as the story progresses, mirroring AEW’s growth and the rise of its key stars. Here’s how the story could unfold:

• 2019 – Chris Jericho: As AEW’s first world champion, Jericho would represent the early days of the company, marking its inception and first major rivalries.
• 2020 – Jon Moxley: Following Jericho’s reign, Moxley’s run as world champion during 2020 would be a thrilling chapter, with notable matches against Darby Allin and Eddie Kingston.
• 2021 – Kenny Omega: Omega’s belt collector storyline, where he held titles across various promotions, would be featured, allowing players to relive his dominance in AEW.
• 2022 – Hangman Adam Page: Page’s championship reign would be the heart of the next chapter, with major matches against opponents like Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole.
• 2023 – MJF: MJF’s rise to the top in 2023, particularly his 60-minute Iron Man match with Danielson, would be a key highlight in this mode.
• 2024 – Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland: In the final stage, players could choose between controlling Danielson or Strickland, recreating their epic All In 2024 match and determining the winner.

Creating a Unique Identity for AEW’s Video Game

AEW has earned a reputation for its in-ring quality, with every PPV event generating match-of-the-year contenders. The company’s next video game should follow suit, focusing on offering a unique experience that WWE 2K cannot provide. While Fight Forever tapped into the nostalgia of older wrestling games, AEW’s next title needs a deeper, more replayable story mode that provides real value to fans. With a comprehensive, engaging history mode, AEW could offer something that WWE’s 2K franchise cannot, giving players a reason to keep coming back.