The WWE 2K series has been a staple of wrestling video games for over a decade, providing fans with an annual installment featuring their favorite superstars. However, the selection of the cover athlete—a prestigious honor for any wrestler—has occasionally sparked debate and controversy. Whether due to their career trajectory after being chosen, fan backlash, or behind-the-scenes issues, some WWE 2K cover athletes have been at the center of heated discussions. Here, we explore the most controversial WWE 2K cover stars in the franchise’s history.
1. CM Punk (WWE 2K13)
CM Punk graced the cover of WWE 2K13 at the peak of his popularity as the reigning WWE Champion and leader of the “Pipe Bomb” revolution. While his selection was widely celebrated at the time, it became controversial due to his abrupt departure from WWE in early 2014. Punk left the company under acrimonious circumstances, citing creative frustrations and health concerns. His fallout with WWE led to lawsuits, scathing interviews, and his subsequent move to AEW years later. Fans and analysts have since debated whether WWE should have foreseen the fallout or if Punk’s inclusion inadvertently highlighted the tension between wrestlers and management.
2. Brock Lesnar (WWE 2K17)
Brock Lesnar was the cover star of WWE 2K17, capitalizing on his dominant presence in both WWE and the UFC. However, controversy surrounded his selection due to his part-time schedule in WWE, which led many fans to believe the spot should have gone to a full-time superstar. Further controversy arose when Lesnar failed a USADA drug test ahead of UFC 200 in 2016, casting a shadow over his credibility as a legitimate athlete. While WWE downplayed the incident, critics argued that his selection sent the wrong message about WWE’s stance on performance-enhancing substances.
3. AJ Styles (WWE 2K19)
While AJ Styles’ WWE 2K19 cover was not initially controversial, it later became a point of discussion due to the game’s infamous “Million Dollar Challenge” contest. WWE 2K19 promised fans a chance to compete against Styles for a $1 million prize, but the event’s execution led to widespread dissatisfaction. The winner, Stephen T. Benson (“Moneymaker”), claimed he was never actually paid the full amount, leading to speculation about the contest’s legitimacy. Although Styles himself was not responsible, his association with the controversy left a blemish on his otherwise well-received cover selection.
AJ Styles (WWE 2K19)(image via Getty)
4. Roman Reigns (WWE 2K20)
Roman Reigns was one of two cover stars for WWE 2K20, alongside Becky Lynch, making it the first time a female superstar shared the main cover. However, the game’s disastrous launch overshadowed the cover selection. WWE 2K20 was plagued with glitches, broken mechanics, and poor graphics, becoming one of the most criticized entries in the franchise. Fans were furious, leading to refund requests and negative reviews. Although neither Reigns nor Lynch were at fault, their association with WWE 2K20 made their cover moment one of the most tainted in the series’ history.
5. Rey Mysterio (WWE 2K22)
Rey Mysterio was chosen as the cover star for WWE 2K22, a decision that initially made sense given his legendary career. However, some fans questioned whether a younger, rising star should have been given the honor instead. The game itself was a marked improvement from 2K20, but Mysterio’s selection sparked debates over WWE’s reliance on nostalgia rather than pushing newer talent. Some believed that WWE 2K22 could have been an opportunity to showcase a superstar like Drew McIntyre or Seth Rollins instead.