The WWE 2K series has delivered some of the most immersive wrestling experiences, allowing fans to step into the squared circle and live out their wrestling fantasies. However, with each new installment, certain beloved match types have disappeared, leaving players yearning for their return. These unique stipulations added variety, strategy, and excitement to the games, making them fan favorites. Let’s explore five match types that WWE 2K should bring back to enhance the gameplay experience and revive nostalgia.
1. Special Guest Referee Match
One of the most entertaining match types in WWE history, the Special Guest Referee Match, allowed players to take on the role of an official, adding an extra layer of unpredictability. The ability to call the match fairly or engage in biased officiating made this mode a fun and chaotic addition to past WWE games. The return of this match type would create opportunities for creative storytelling, online multiplayer shenanigans, and even custom referee attire. With modern technology, WWE 2K could integrate more detailed referee mechanics, such as controversial calls, fast counts, and the ability to restart a match.
2. Inferno Match
The Inferno Match was one of the most visually striking and thrilling stipulations in WWE history. Popularized by Kane, this match involved surrounding the ring with fire, with the goal being to set the opponent ablaze. The last time this match was seen in a WWE 2K game was in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, and its absence has been felt ever since. With the power of next-gen consoles, WWE 2K could create stunning fire effects, realistic physics, and dramatic moments that make this match type a true spectacle once again.
Casket Match (Image via 2K Sports)3. Casket Match
The Casket Match, made famous by The Undertaker, was another exciting and unique stipulation where the objective was to lock the opponent inside a casket. This match type added an eerie and cinematic element to gameplay, requiring players to weaken their opponents before dragging them into the casket. With WWE 2K’s evolving mechanics, a revamped Casket Match could feature different-sized caskets, interactive elements, and dramatic animations, making it a must-have for fans of supernatural and horror-themed wrestling moments.
4. Three Stages of Hell Match
The Three Stages of Hell Match was a grueling, multi-fall contest that put wrestlers through different stipulations in a single match. This format, often used for intense rivalries, tested a competitor’s endurance and adaptability. Bringing this back to WWE 2K would allow players to craft their own brutal showdowns, selecting various match types for each stage, such as a steel cage, street fight, or submission match. The addition of cinematic storytelling, seamless transitions, and enhanced AI decision-making could make this one of the most immersive match types in the game.
Buried Alive Match (Image via 2K Sports)5. Buried Alive Match
Another match type synonymous with The Undertaker, the Buried Alive Match was a spectacle where players had to incapacitate their opponent and bury them under dirt to secure victory. This match added an element of horror and drama to WWE games, making it a favorite among players who enjoyed supernatural rivalries. If WWE 2K reintroduces this match type, they could implement next-gen physics for realistic dirt interactions, intense struggle mechanics, and dramatic cutscenes that enhance immersion. Imagine a player-controlled moment where a hand emerges from the grave, hinting at a supernatural comeback in Universe Mode!