Wrestling video games have long been a staple for fans who wish to bring the action from the squared circle into their living rooms. WWE 2K25, the latest installment in the popular series, promises new features and exciting additions to the roster, but for the first time in several years, some familiar faces will be notably absent. As fans eagerly await this next chapter in the WWE video game franchise, a closer look at the wrestlers who won’t be making an appearance in WWE 2K25 reveals much about the changing terrain of WWE and professional wrestling as a whole.
Bobby Lashley: The AEW Transition
One of the most significant absences in WWE 2K25 is Bobby Lashley. Lashley, a dominant figure in WWE over the past several years, was a consistent presence in previous WWE video games, with his powerful moves and charisma making him a fan favorite. However, Lashley’s departure from WWE in August 2024 marked a turning point for his video game representation. Upon leaving WWE, Lashley signed with AEW (All Elite Wrestling), WWE’s main competitor, and will not appear in the new game as a result. His exit leaves a notable gap in the WWE 2K roster, as he was a key player and a popular character for players to use in past editions. His absence will surely be felt, especially considering the impact he made on WWE’s roster during his tenure.
MVP: The Manager’s Exit
Another prominent WWE figure to miss WWE 2K25 is MVP (Montel Vontavious Porter). Known for his leadership of The Hurt Business and his significant role as a manager in WWE, MVP was a staple of recent games. However, his switch to AEW has led to his removal from the WWE 2K25 roster. MVP’s low rating in WWE 2K24, where he was one of the lowest-rated characters in the game, suggests that while he played an important role in real-life storylines, he wasn’t a fan favorite in the digital world. Even though he was a key player in the formation of one of the most successful factions in recent WWE history, his exclusion from WWE 2K25 is unlikely to cause much disappointment among fans who didn’t often choose him in the games.
MVP- The Manager’s Exit (image via Getty)Ricochet: The High-Flying Specialist’s Exit
Ricochet, the high-flying daredevil known for his awe-inspiring acrobatics, has been a part of multiple WWE 2K games, offering fans the chance to perform gravity-defying stunts and thrilling maneuvers. However, with Ricochet’s decision to pursue opportunities with AEW, it is clear that WWE 2K25 will not feature him. Ricochet’s departure marks the end of a significant era for WWE video games, where he was a top choice for players looking to experience the most spectacular in-ring action. While Ricochet may be missed by those who loved his aerial abilities, the shift to AEW means his presence in the game series is no longer possible.
Ricochet (image via Getty)Baron Corbin: A Streak Broken
Baron Corbin, a consistent fixture in the WWE 2K franchise since WWE 2K16, will also not be appearing in WWE 2K25. Corbin, who had eight consecutive appearances in the game, was a mainstay for fans who appreciated his character’s versatility and depth. However, his release from WWE in 2024 ends his streak with the game franchise. Corbin’s absence is significant because he had been a key player in several WWE storylines over the years, and his in-ring style provided a compelling choice for gamers. Despite a strong presence in the game series, Corbin is now a freelancer, and he made his first post-WWE appearance at Game Changer Wrestling, signaling a new chapter in his career that does not include WWE 2K25.
Baron Corbin (image via Getty)Jinder Mahal: A Quiet Exit
Jinder Mahal, a former WWE Champion and a fixture in the WWE 2K series since his first appearance in WWE 2K13, is another wrestler who will not be in WWE 2K25. Mahal’s presence in the game franchise was never as impactful as some of his peers, as his character struggled to resonate with fans. He had a relatively low rating in WWE 2K24, and his absence from WWE 2K25 is unlikely to cause much of a stir. For many players, Mahal’s time in the games has been unremarkable, and his departure from the roster will be a relatively quiet one.
Jinder Mahal (image via Getty)Tegan Nox: A Short-Lived Run
Tegan Nox, who made her debut in WWE 2K22, was another wrestler who appeared in WWE 2K24 but will not be returning in WWE 2K25. Despite showing potential in her early years in WWE, Nox’s career was marred by injuries and creative decisions that limited her opportunities. Her run in WWE 2K was brief, with only a handful of appearances in the games, and her exclusion from WWE 2K25 is a reflection of her struggles to establish a lasting presence in the company. Nox’s absence is a result of her release from WWE in 2024, marking the end of what could have been a promising in-game character had circumstances been different.
Tegan Nox (image via Getty)Indi Hartwell: A Fallen Star
Indi Hartwell is another wrestler whose decline has been mirrored in the WWE 2K ratings. After initially receiving a decent rating in WWE 2K23, her rating plummeted to just 63 in WWE 2K24, signaling a loss of momentum both on-screen and in the game. Hartwell’s career faltered on the main roster, and she failed to achieve the success many had hoped for after her time in NXT. With her departure from WWE, it is clear that she will not be appearing in WWE 2K25. Her exclusion is a reflection of her inability to maintain relevance within the company and the franchise.
Indi Hartwell (image via Getty)Xia Li: A Gradual Decline
Xia Li’s trajectory in WWE was one that seemed promising at first, especially after her debut in the WWE 2K22 DLC. Her early ratings were solid, but they gradually declined over the next few installments, with her most recent appearance in WWE 2K24 seeing her rating drop to 73. Now, with Li no longer under contract with WWE, she will not appear in WWE 2K25. While she had some moments in WWE, her decline both in real life and in video games reflects the lack of opportunities and consistent character development that hindered her potential.
Xia Li (image via Getty)Beth Phoenix: A Legend’s Final Farewell
Beth Phoenix, a cornerstone of women’s wrestling in WWE, has been a consistent figure in WWE video games for over a decade. She made her debut in the WWE video game series with WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 and appeared in numerous titles, often with a high rating due to her legendary status in WWE. Phoenix’s powerful moves and status as a wrestling icon made her a favorite among fans, but her time with WWE 2K is now over. With Phoenix no longer under contract with WWE and rumors circulating about a potential AEW appearance alongside her husband, Adam Copeland, her exclusion from WWE 2K25 is a sign of the changing terrain of women’s wrestling in the digital world.
Beth Phoenix (image via Getty)Dijak: A Forgotten Talent
Dijak, previously known as T-BAR, made his WWE 2K debut in WWE 2K22, and though his career never quite reached the heights that many fans expected, he still managed to build a loyal following. Known for his in-ring talent, Dijak was a solid mid-card option in WWE 2K games, but now with his move to Major League Wrestling (MLW), he won’t be part of the WWE 2K25 roster. While his absence may be felt by a small but dedicated group of fans, it reflects the lack of significant opportunities he was given in WWE, both in the ring and in the video game franchise.
Dijak (image via Getty)The Changing WWE Terrain
The absence of these wrestlers in WWE 2K25 highlights a larger trend in WWE. With the rise of AEW and other wrestling promotions, the WWE roster continues to evolve, and with it, the game roster is also shifting. Fans who have grown accustomed to these wrestlers appearing in past editions of WWE 2K games will need to adjust as new talent emerges and older faces make their exits. WWE 2K25 will undoubtedly feature a fresh, dynamic roster of wrestlers, but the absence of these familiar names will remind fans of the ever-changing nature of professional wrestling.
As the wrestling terrain continues to shift, the absence of these veterans in WWE 2K25 highlights the changing nature of both the WWE and the video game series. Fans of these wrestlers may feel a sense of nostalgia for past appearances, but the future of WWE 2K will undoubtedly bring fresh faces and new opportunities. With AEW’s rise and the constant evolution of WWE’s roster, WWE 2K25 promises to be a reflection of these changes. As these wrestlers move on to other promotions or retire, new stars will take center stage in the game, bringing excitement and innovation to future releases.