WWE 2K25: Reviving Raw Underground with the New Underground Match

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of going hands-on with WWE 2K25, particularly amidst the excitement surrounding this year’s Royal Rumble event. As expected, I shared my initial impressions, highlighting some of the standout features. However, due to the embargo set by 2K Games, one important feature, the Underground Match, had to remain under wraps until now. With the embargo lifted, I’m excited to dive deeper into this newly reintroduced match type.

A Brief Overview of the Raw Underground Experiment

To fully appreciate the Underground Match in WWE 2K25, it’s essential to understand its origins. For those who may not be familiar, Raw Underground was a concept introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WWE, in a bid to add something fresh to the programming, created Raw Underground, which aired during the third hour of WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw. The segments were led by Shane McMahon and were designed to offer a different flavor of WWE programming.

In concept, Raw Underground was a hybrid of Fight Club and UFC, featuring competitors battling it out in a ropeless ring. There were no traditional WWE rules, and matches were presented as more of a “shoot” style, with a gritty, street-fight-like atmosphere. The competitors’ moves were far less scripted, and the whole environment was designed to look more like an underground fighting ring.

While Raw Underground had the potential to spice up the show, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The segments were poorly integrated into the larger WWE narrative, and despite the appeal of a more raw, unscripted style of fighting, the segments didn’t seem to resonate with the audience. Fans were confused by its place in the WWE programming, and it was quickly dropped after only a few months. But in WWE 2K25, the concept is being resurrected, albeit with some modern twists.

The Surprising Revival of the Underground Match in WWE 2K25

When news broke that WWE 2K25 would be reviving the Underground Match, it took many by surprise. After all, the Raw Underground concept had a rather brief and unremarkable run on TV. However, as series producer Lynell Jinks explained, Visual Concepts, the developers behind WWE 2K25, are always on the lookout for fresh and interesting concepts from WWE’s archives that could be reimagined into fun game modes. Even if these ideas didn’t necessarily garner massive popularity during their initial run on TV, they could still offer something unique for the game.

In this case, the Underground Match is an attempt to bring back the grittiness of Raw Underground. WWE 2K25’s rendition of the match pulls from that original aesthetic but with some important adjustments. For one, the matches no longer take place in a completely isolated “Underground” arena. Instead, these matches can take place in any arena, as long as the right atmosphere is created. While this may seem like a missed opportunity for a dedicated Underground-specific arena, the visual adjustments made to standard arenas help to evoke the feeling of the original concept.

Design and Aesthetic Adjustments for the Underground Match

One of the key features of the Underground Match in WWE 2K25 is the adjustment to the match environment. As mentioned, these matches no longer occur in a unique arena set aside for Raw Underground. Instead, WWE 2K25 allows the Underground Match to take place in any arena, with certain tweaks made to the lighting and general aesthetics to create a raw, underground atmosphere.

According to Jinks, the match takes place in a standard arena, but several changes are made to enhance the visual experience. The lights are dimmed, and spotlights are used to illuminate the action. The LED barricades around the ring are also turned off, giving the entire environment a more stripped-down, grittier vibe. The most prominent visual change, of course, is the removal of the ropes. This is in line with the original Raw Underground segments, where competitors fought without the confines of traditional wrestling ropes.

While these aesthetic tweaks certainly help create a more immersive environment, some might feel that there’s still room for improvement. The absence of a dedicated Underground arena does make the match feel somewhat disconnected from its original vision. That said, the lighting and spotlights do a solid job of enhancing the gritty feel of the match, and the lack of ropes adds to the rawness of the experience.

Gameplay Mechanics: A Fresh Take on No-DQ Combat

When it comes to gameplay, the Underground Match in WWE 2K25 offers a few unique elements that distinguish it from the standard WWE matches. For starters, the only way to win the match is by knockout or submission. This sets the match apart from traditional contests where pinfalls and disqualifications can end the match. By limiting victory conditions to knockout or submission, the Underground Match leans even more into its MMA-inspired vibe.

The lack of disqualifications is another significant feature. In a typical No-DQ match, competitors can use weapons and take the fight outside the ring without any interference from the referee. The Underground Match takes this one step further by allowing players to throw their opponents out of the ring without the usual restrictions of ropes. This makes the environment more fluid, allowing combatants to flow between the ring and the outside areas with greater ease.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of the Underground Match is the increased freedom. Without ropes in the way, players are able to throw their opponents around and even fight outside the ring without restrictions. This creates a more dynamic combat experience where the action flows more naturally. However, this is where things start to feel a bit repetitive. While the match allows for greater flexibility, there aren’t many other gameplay features that stand out.

Missed Opportunities: Lack of Unique Animations and Moves

While WWE 2K25’s Underground Match introduces a few interesting gameplay elements, it also leaves some room for improvement. One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of unique animations or moves tailored to the Underground Match. In the game’s presentation, the Underground Match still relies heavily on the same move sets used in traditional matches, which feels like a missed opportunity to truly differentiate the match type.

The gritty, shoot-style nature of Raw Underground could have been highlighted further with specialized moves and animations. For example, it would have been great to see some new submission holds or ground-based fighting mechanics introduced specifically for this mode. Additionally, a few new animations for striking and grappling could have added to the authenticity of the Underground Match. Instead, the match feels like a standard no-DQ fight with the added wrinkle of no ropes and some minor environmental changes.

What’s missing here is the sense that this is a truly unique match type. While the lack of ropes and the more free-flowing nature of the combat are interesting, the general lack of distinct animations and moves prevents the Underground Match from standing out as much as it could have. The game’s approach to the Underground Match feels more like a callback to an older style of match (such as the Lights Out match) rather than an innovative new addition to the game.

How the Underground Match Compares to Other WWE 2K Additions

In the context of the WWE 2K franchise, WWE 2K25’s Underground Match doesn’t quite measure up to some of the more recent additions to the series. For instance, WWE 2K23 introduced the Wargames match, which became an instant fan favorite due to its unique structure and the chaos it brought to the ring. Similarly, WWE 2K24 added the Ambulance match, which provided players with a fresh and exciting way to interact with the game’s physics and match mechanics.

By comparison, the Underground Match feels like a more basic addition. While it certainly offers a fun new way to experience WWE 2K25, it doesn’t have the same level of depth or excitement as other recent match types. For players who enjoy trying out every match mode, the Underground Match will likely be a fun addition to their rotation. However, it doesn’t carry the same weight or excitement as the Wargames or Ambulance matches, which offer more complex and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Is the Underground Match Worth Your Time?

Despite the criticisms, WWE 2K25’s Underground Match still has some potential. For those looking for a grittier, no-holds-barred fight, the Underground Match offers a unique way to experience WWE combat. The ability to throw your opponent out of the ring without the constraints of ropes adds an exciting element to the match. However, the lack of specialized animations and unique moves holds the mode back from reaching its full potential.

If you’re a fan of WWE 2K’s more traditional no-DQ matches and want to experience a variation on that theme, the Underground Match will likely be an enjoyable feature. However, if you’re expecting a groundbreaking new mode that completely redefines the way WWE 2K plays, the Underground Match might leave you wanting more. It’s a fun diversion, but it may not be the standout feature that fans were hoping for.

Final Thoughts on WWE 2K25 and the Underground Match

WWE 2K25 promises to be a solid entry in the WWE 2K franchise, offering a mix of new and returning features. The Underground Match, while an interesting addition, doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. Its revival will likely appeal to players who enjoy exploring the game’s various match types, but it may not be the standout feature that drives the game’s success. Still, it’s a fun inclusion for fans who appreciate the gritty, no-rules nature of the Raw Underground concept.

WWE 2K25 is set to release on March 14, 2025, with early access available for those who purchase the Deadman or Bloodline special editions. While the Underground Match may not steal the show, it adds an interesting layer to the game’s already diverse set of match types. Whether you’ll love it or leave it depends on your preference for more hardcore, chaotic wrestling action.