WWE 2K25 has officially been announced, and fans of the franchise are already buzzing with excitement. The latest installment in the popular WWE video game series promises to bring both new features and nostalgic elements, honoring WWE’s storied history. One of the most anticipated inclusions is the return of the SmackDown Fist, a symbol of the Ruthless Aggression era that defined much of WWE’s early 2000s programming. This massive, striking fist was a fixture of WWE SmackDown’s entrance for years, and now it’s back, allowing players to interact with it in a way that was not previously possible in past games.
For those unfamiliar with the history of WWE, the SmackDown Fist made its debut on the August 16, 2001, episode of WWE SmackDown, immediately becoming one of the most recognizable elements of the show. The first was part of the show’s entrance ramp and was prominently displayed each week until it was retired in late 2008. It became a symbol of the SmackDown brand during the Ruthless Aggression era, a period when WWE was transitioning into a new generation of superstars. The era also marked a time when WWE’s television programming and video games began to expand their influence, bringing fans even closer to the action through gaming.
WWE 2K25 (image via Getty)A Throwback to the Ruthless Aggression Era
WWE 2K25 aims to continue the tradition of honoring WWE’s rich history, and the inclusion of the SmackDown Fist is a perfect representation of that. This inclusion adds a layer of depth to the game, allowing players to relive a key piece of wrestling nostalgia. The first was more than just a stage prop—it was a statement of dominance for SmackDown during its time. The fist appearance in WWE 2K25 gives fans an opportunity to take a step back in time, reliving the glory days of SmackDown and the memorable matches that took place under its watch.
Beyond the fist itself, the SmackDown brand during the Ruthless Aggression era was home to some of WWE’s most iconic superstars. Names like The Rock, The Undertaker, Kurt Angle, John Cena, Edge, and many others helped define the brand’s legacy. The SmackDown Fist, as part of WWE 2K25, serves as a reminder of the times when WWE was at its creative peak, producing some of the most memorable matches and storylines in the company’s history.
WWE 2K25 (image via Getty)The SmackDown Fist Comes to Life in WWE 2K25
WWE fans are accustomed to the idea that video games often incorporate elements of WWE’s past. However, WWE 2K25 goes a step further by providing players the opportunity to interact with the SmackDown Fist in a way that harkens back to the original SmackDown shows. In the game, players will be able to climb onto the fist, replicating the moves of legendary wrestlers who once performed from the top of it. This interactive feature allows players to perform aerial attacks from the iconic fist, just like The Rock did in one of his most memorable moments during a match on SmackDown. For many fans, this will bring a sense of closure, as it allows them to relive moments they’ve only watched in the past.
WWE 2K25 takes this nostalgia to the next level by positioning the SmackDown Fist within a warehouse area in the game. The backstage area is filled with relics of WWE’s past, including not only the fist but also other pieces of WWE history that will undoubtedly delight longtime fans. The SmackDown Fist, in particular, serves as a centerpiece of this backstage environment, offering a tangible connection to the past. As players explore the game, they’ll be able to see the fist in all its glory, surrounded by other artifacts that define WWE’s journey over the years.
This addition to WWE 2K25 continues the trend of paying homage to WWE’s legacy. In past games, WWE 2K has introduced other nostalgic elements, such as classic arenas, wrestlers from previous eras, and memorable match types. The SmackDown Fist fits perfectly into this ongoing effort to blend the past with the present, creating a bridge between the WWE of today and the WWE of yesterday.
WWE 2K25 (image via Getty)The Evolution of WWE 2K’s Showcase Mode
One of the most beloved features in the WWE 2K series has always been the Showcase mode. For WWE 2K25, the developers have chosen to highlight one of the most iconic wrestling families of all time—the Anoaʻi family. This includes the legendary career of The Rock, the powerhouse Yokozuna, the rising star Jacob Fatu, and, of course, the game’s cover star, Roman Reigns. Each of these stars represents a different era of WWE, and the Showcase mode will allow players to relive key moments from their careers.
The Anoaʻi family’s influence on WWE cannot be overstated. From The Rock’s rise to superstardom to Roman Reigns’ dominance as the Universal Champion, the family has had a lasting impact on WWE. WWE 2K25’s Showcase mode will allow players to play through significant matches that define the careers of these iconic wrestlers. Whether it’s The Rock’s first major feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin or Roman Reigns’ multiple epic title defenses, the Showcase mode will give fans the chance to step into the ring and experience these unforgettable moments for themselves.
In addition to these playable matches, WWE 2K25 will also feature new game modes that help bring WWE’s past to life. Paul Heyman, a key figure in WWE’s history, made a surprise appearance during the PlayStation State of Play event, unveiling a new feature called Island mode. This innovative new mode offers an online environment where up to 50 players can explore areas inspired by WWE superstars. These areas are designed to reflect the personalities and styles of top WWE stars, adding another layer of immersion to the game. Players will be able to roam these islands, engage with other players, and unlock new items as they go. This interactive, multiplayer element gives WWE 2K25 a fresh take on WWE’s virtual universe.
WWE 2K25- THE MIZ (image via Getty)The Relics of WWE’s Past
WWE 2K25 doesn’t stop with the SmackDown Fist. Fans of WWE’s history will find plenty of other familiar relics scattered throughout the game’s backstage area. For example, the game features the original WrestleMania ring, a piece of WWE’s history that represents the grandeur of the biggest event in the company’s annual calendar. WrestleMania is known for its incredible matches and larger-than-life moments, and having this piece of history included in WWE 2K25 serves as a tribute to the spectacle that is WrestleMania.
In addition, the game includes a neon sign for Saturday Night’s Main Event, a key television show that aired during WWE’s golden years. The show was home to numerous historic matches and helped uplift the careers of many top WWE superstars. The inclusion of this sign in WWE 2K25 is another nod to the company’s history, reminding players of the shows that helped shape WWE into the global entertainment giant it is today.
Perhaps one of the most striking additions to WWE 2K25 is Triple H’s stone throne from his iconic entrance at WrestleMania 22 in 2006. This memorable piece of WWE history is now immortalized in the game, allowing players to get a closer look at one of the most extravagant entrances in WWE history. This throne represents the larger-than-life nature of WWE and serves as a tribute to Triple H’s contribution to the company.
WWE 2k25 Underground Match (image via Getty)WWE 2K25: A Celebration of WWE’s Legacy
With its focus on both the present and the past, WWE 2K25 promises to be a game that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The return of the SmackDown Fist is just one of the many ways the game honors WWE’s rich history, and the inclusion of other relics from the company’s past only adds to the excitement. The game’s Showcase mode, featuring the Anoaʻi family, provides an opportunity to relive some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history.
As WWE 2K25 prepares for its release on March 14, fans can look forward to stepping back in time and experiencing the evolution of WWE in a way that’s never been done before. Whether you’re climbing the SmackDown Fist to perform aerial attacks, playing through the legendary careers of WWE superstars, or exploring the game’s new multiplayer Island mode, WWE 2K25 is set to be an unforgettable journey through professional wrestling.
For those who have followed WWE through the years, WWE 2K25 represents more than just a video game—it’s a celebration of everything that makes WWE so special. From its legendary superstars to its unforgettable moments, WWE 2K25 allows fans to experience the thrill of the ring like never before. Get ready for a new chapter in WWE’s video game history when WWE 2K25 hits shelves on March 14.