The WWE 2K series has long been a favorite among wrestling and gaming enthusiasts, delivering immersive gameplay and an extensive roster of superstars. While fans expect legendary wrestlers and current superstars to appear, some cameo appearances have left players scratching their heads. From unexpected celebrities to non-wrestling icons, WWE 2K has surprised its audience with some truly surprising inclusions.
Let’s explore five of the most surprising cameo appearances in WWE 2K history. Whether they were hidden characters, DLC additions, or Easter eggs, these figures brought an extra layer of excitement to the franchise.
1. The Terminator (WWE 2K16)
One of the most unexpected yet exciting cameo appearances in WWE 2K history was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator in WWE 2K16. As part of a special pre-order bonus, players could unlock both the T-800 from The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). This marked a rare crossover between Hollywood and WWE gaming.
The inclusion of The Terminator wasn’t entirely random. Schwarzenegger was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, recognizing his contributions to the industry. With his iconic leather jacket, sunglasses, and robotic mannerisms, playing as The Terminator allowed gamers to live out a sci-fi wrestling fantasy.
2. Fred Durst (WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It)
Long before WWE 2K dominated the wrestling video game industry, WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It (2001) surprising fans by including Fred Durst, the frontman of Limp Bizkit, as a playable character. While this was not a WWE 2K entry, it remains one of the strangest inclusions in WWE gaming history, influencing future odd cameos.
Durst’s inclusion was largely due to Limp Bizkit’s song “Rollin’” being The Undertaker’s entrance theme at the time. As part of a licensing deal, Durst was added to the game, making him one of the first celebrity cameos in a WWE title.
Fred Durst (Image via 2K Sports)3. RoboCop (WWE 2K20 DLC)
Yes, you read that right—RoboCop made an appearance in WWE 2K20 as part of a special WWE Originals DLC pack. This was a callback to a bizarre real-life WCW moment in 1990 when RoboCop appeared at Capital Combat to “save” Sting from The Four Horsemen. Though the event was widely ridiculed, it became legendary in wrestling lore.
In WWE 2K20, RoboCop was included as a playable character, complete with his signature robotic movements and futuristic armor. While it was an unusual addition, it fit WWE 2K’s trend of incorporating unexpected pop culture icons.
4. The Boogeyman (WWE 2K22)
The Boogeyman is a WWE legend in his own right, but his return in WWE 2K22 as part of a special DLC pack was a delightful surprise for fans of horror and nostalgia. Known for his creepy persona, painted face, and worm-eating antics, The Boogeyman hadn’t been an active WWE competitor for years before his return to the game.
His inclusion as a DLC character brought back memories of his eerie entrances and spine-chilling promos. The Boogeyman remains one of the most unique wrestlers in WWE history, making his 2K22 appearance a welcome (and terrifying) surprise.
The Boogeyman (WWE 2K22) (Image via 2K Sports)5. Mike Tyson (WWE 2K13)
Boxing legend Mike Tyson is no stranger to WWE. His involvement in the infamous WrestleMania XIV main event between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels solidified his place in WWE history. However, fans were still surprised when he appeared as a playable character in WWE 2K13 as part of the Attitude Era mode.
His inclusion gave players the chance to recreate some of the most legendary moments in WWE history. With his signature boxing stance and devastating punches, Tyson added a new dimension to the game. His crossover appeal and real-life history with WWE made him one of the most exciting and unexpected guest characters in the franchise.