How to Recreate Classic TNA/Impact Wrestling Characters in WWE 2K?

Wrestling fans have long enjoyed the thrill of recreating their favorite legends from different promotions in WWE 2K games. If you’re a fan of classic TNA/Impact Wrestling, you might want to bring some of its legendary characters into the WWE 2K universe. From AJ Styles’ early years to the dominance of Samoa Joe and the charismatic flair of Jeff Hardy’s Immortal persona, recreating these characters can uplift your gaming experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to accurately create classic TNA/Impact stars, ensuring they look and feel authentic in the WWE 2K series.

1. Choosing the Right Base Model and Appearance

To make an authentic-looking TNA/Impact Wrestling character in WWE 2K, start by selecting a WWE superstar whose default model closely resembles the wrestler you want to recreate. Consider the following:

• AJ Styles (Early TNA Era): Use his in-game model but modify his attire to resemble his classic blue and white tights from the mid-2000s.
• Samoa Joe (Dominant X-Division Run): His in-game version can be adjusted with red and black trunks to reflect his TNA days.
• Kurt Angle (Main Event Mafia Era): If Angle is not in the game, try modifying Chad Gable’s model for a similar look.
• Jeff Hardy (Immortal Era): Use in-game face paint options and custom attires to replicate his heel run.
• Abyss (Monster Abyss): Use a heavyweight character model like Braun Strowman’s and add a custom mask.

Additionally, for a more authentic recreation, use WWE 2K’s Community Creations feature to download user-generated models that match the wrestlers’ TNA/Impact appearances.

2. Creating Signature Moves and Finishers

A wrestler’s moveset is crucial to making them feel authentic. WWE 2K allows you to modify moves to ensure they perform just like they did in TNA. Here are some recommended moves:

• AJ Styles: Styles Clash (already in-game), Spiral Tap (use a similar getting move if unavailable)
• Samoa Joe: Muscle Buster (check for availability or modify a Samoan Drop animation)
• Kurt Angle: Angle Slam and Ankle Lock (both are usually in the game)
• Jeff Hardy: Swanton Bomb and Twist of Fate
• Abyss: Black Hole Slam (use a spinning side slam if unavailable)

3. Designing Attires and Custom Logos

One of the biggest challenges is getting the look just right. WWE 2K allows for deep customization in the attire creation section:

• Custom Attires: Use layered designs to add textures and details to tights, jackets, and accessories.
• Logos and Tattoos: Use the Image Uploader feature to add authentic logos, such as the “TNA” logo for AJ Styles’ trunks or Abyss’s signature skull design.
• Face Paint and Masks: Jeff Hardy’s unique face paint can be replicated with in-game designs, while Abyss’ mask can be customized using existing game elements or Community Creations.

4. Entrance and Theme Music Customization

A wrestler’s entrance defines their persona. While WWE 2K may not include TNA themes, you can choose music that closely resembles their Impact Wrestling entrance themes. Here are some suggestions:

• AJ Styles: Use a rock instrumental similar to his “Get Ready to Fly” TNA theme.
• Samoa Joe: Pick a menacing theme with a slow beat, akin to his TNA entrance.
• Kurt Angle: If his WWE theme isn’t available, choose a patriotic or intense orchestral track.
• Jeff Hardy: Opt for a fast-paced alternative rock track to match his high-energy entrance.
• Abyss: Select a horror-inspired theme with eerie sounds.

For animations, WWE 2K allows you to modify walk styles and entrance behaviors. Try to match these with the wrestler’s signature movements.

5. Adjusting Attributes and Abilities for Authentic Gameplay

To fully capture a wrestler’s dominance, customize their stats and abilities:

• AJ Styles: High agility, balanced strength, and technical prowess
• Samoa Joe: Strong submission ability, powerful strikes, and high stamina
• Kurt Angle: High technical wrestling stats, resilience, and grappling ability
• Jeff Hardy: High flying ability, quick recovery, and risk-taking tendencies
• Abyss: Maximum strength, high durability, and hardcore ability

You can tweak these attributes in WWE 2K’s Superstar Edit Mode to ensure that each character plays like their real-life counterpart.