The WWE 2K franchise has given wrestling fans the ability to experience the thrill of the squared circle through its ever-evolving game mechanics and match types. Over the years, these games have introduced a variety of unique and exciting match stipulations, providing an authentic and often chaotic wrestling experience. From classic stipulations to over-the-top encounters, here are some of the most unique match types in WWE 2K history.
1. Inferno Match
One of the most visually striking and intense match types ever included in a WWE game is the Inferno Match. First introduced in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009, this match type saw the ring surrounded by flames, with the fire intensifying as the battle progressed. The objective was to throw an opponent into the flames to secure victory, making it one of the most dramatic and high-stakes encounters in WWE gaming history. Despite its popularity, the Inferno Match has been absent from recent titles, leaving fans hoping for its return.
2. Buried Alive Match
The Buried Alive Match is another unique and brutal stipulation that made its way into WWE games, appearing in WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It and SmackDown vs. Raw 2006. In this match, players had to beat their opponents down, drag them to a gravesite near the entrance ramp, and bury them under dirt to claim victory. The dramatic visuals and high-stakes nature made this match unforgettable, though it has not been featured in recent WWE 2K games.
3. Casket Match
Popularized by The Undertaker, the Casket Match required players to incapacitate their opponent and seal them inside a casket to win. This match type was included in various WWE games, including WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 and WWE 2K14. The unique win condition and eerie atmosphere made it a fan favorite, adding an extra layer of storytelling and intensity to the game.
4. Special Guest Referee
The Special Guest Referee match type allowed players to take control of the referee, influencing the outcome of the match. Introduced in earlier WWE games like SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain and WWE 2K14, this match type added an unpredictable element, as players could enforce fair rules or cheat to assist a preferred superstar. This level of control made for some of the most entertaining and chaotic gameplay moments.
5. Ambulance Match
The Ambulance Match made its way into WWE 2K14, challenging players to incapacitate their opponent and load them into an ambulance to win. This stipulation, inspired by real-life WWE feuds, introduced a cinematic feel with dramatic cutscenes and an intense final sequence. Though not a staple of every WWE game, the Ambulance Match remains one of the most exciting and brutal match types ever included.
Ambulance Match (image via Getty)6. Backstage Brawls
While standard matches take place in the ring, Backstage Brawls allow players to fight in various areas behind the scenes, such as locker rooms, parking lots, and offices. Introduced in WWF SmackDown! and refined in later games, these matches offered a break from traditional wrestling by allowing players to use environmental objects like televisions, pipes, and cars as weapons. WWE 2K20 and WWE 2K22 further enhanced the experience with interactive backstage elements, making every brawl feel unique.
7. Mixed Gender Matches
Intergender wrestling has always been a controversial topic in WWE, but WWE games have allowed players to experiment with mixed-gender matchups. WWE 2K20 reintroduced mixed tag matches, allowing male and female superstars to team up, though direct combat between genders was limited. Earlier games, such as WWF No Mercy and SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain, had fewer restrictions, making for some memorable and unpredictable encounters.
8. Gauntlet Match
The Gauntlet Match puts one superstar against multiple opponents in a row, testing endurance and skill. This match type has been featured in several WWE 2K games, allowing players to face an onslaught of competitors with no breaks. The challenge of surviving multiple matches in succession adds a level of difficulty that makes this mode one of the most rewarding to complete.
9. WarGames
After years of anticipation, WarGames finally made its WWE 2K debut in WWE 2K23. This match type features two rings enclosed within a steel cage, with superstars entering the battle at timed intervals. Originally a WCW staple, WarGames was revived in WWE’s NXT brand before making its way into the game. The multi-man chaos, strategic teamwork, and brutal structure make WarGames one of the most unique and exciting additions in WWE 2K history.
10. Extreme Rules & Customizable Match Types
While Extreme Rules matches have been a staple of WWE games, recent titles have expanded their potential by allowing players to customize match rules, weapons, and stipulations. Games like WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23 feature advanced customization options, letting players create unique match experiences tailored to their liking. This freedom has kept the gameplay fresh and exciting for fans who love to experiment with different stipulations.