The rivalry between WCW and WWE is one of the most iconic in professional wrestling history. Fans have long wondered what it would be like to simulate this historic conflict in the virtual world, and WWE 2K offers the perfect platform for it. With a mix of nostalgia, thrilling gameplay, and diverse wrestling styles, WWE 2K lets you experience the WCW vs. WWE rivalry firsthand. Whether you’re a fan of the classic WCW days or the dominant WWE era, Let’s guide you through setting up an epic WCW vs. WWE showdown in WWE 2K.
This guide will cover essential steps to create the ultimate wrestling war, from selecting the right roster to perfecting the match types. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, you’ll discover how to make the most of WWE 2K’s features to relive the legendary battles that shaped wrestling history.
1. Choosing Your Roster: WCW Legends vs. WWE Icons
The first step in simulating the WCW vs. WWE rivalry is assembling the perfect roster. WWE 2K offers a range of legendary wrestlers from both promotions. Start by selecting WCW’s most iconic stars such as “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Sting, and Goldberg. On the WWE side, include titans like The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock.
You’ll want to choose characters that not only represent the spirit of the two companies but also provide contrasting wrestling styles. WCW had a strong focus on high-flying and athleticism, while WWE emphasized larger-than-life personas and powerful in-ring action. By picking a roster that showcases these differences, you’ll be setting up for a more authentic and exciting virtual rivalry.
2. Creating the Right Arenas: WCW Nitro vs. WWE Raw
To truly recreate the WCW vs. WWE conflict, it’s important to choose the right settings for your matches. WWE 2K allows players to customize arenas, and you can make your own WCW Nitro and WWE Raw arenas to represent each brand. WCW’s Nitro had a unique atmosphere, with its blue and black color scheme and high-energy vibe. WWE Raw, on the other hand, often featured grander stages with red lighting and flashy visuals.
Customizing arenas adds to the authenticity of your matches. You can even use custom logos and background images to make each arena look and feel like its real-life counterpart. For an extra touch, consider creating a special “Monday Night Wars” event, where you can have your wrestlers face off in their respective home arenas.
WWE 2K WCW (Image via 2K Sports)3. Match Types: From Traditional to Hardcore Showdowns
The next step in simulating WCW vs. WWE in WWE 2K is selecting the right match types. Both companies had their unique match stipulations, and it’s crucial to capture that in your simulation. Start with classic match types like the standard one-on-one, tag team, and steel cage matches. But for a true WCW vs. WWE experience, you’ll want to incorporate more extreme stipulations.
WCW was known for matches like the WarGames match, a multi-ring, multi-team brawl that captured the chaotic nature of the promotion. WWE fans, on the other hand, can enjoy hardcore matches or the famous Hell in a Cell contest. Use WWE 2K’s customization tools to adjust match rules and environments, and even include special referee roles or custom entrances to enhance the experience.
WWE 2K Hardcore Match (Image via 2K Sports)4. Storylines and Rivalries: Building the Narrative
One of the most exciting features of WWE 2K is the ability to craft your own storylines. To simulate the WCW vs. WWE rivalry properly, you’ll need to build narratives that reflect the real-life tensions between the two brands. Use WWE 2K’s Universe Mode to create factions and rivalries that mimic the actual storylines of the Monday Night Wars.
For example, you can have Vince McMahon’s WWE go head-to-head with Eric Bischoff’s WCW, each promoting their own superstars in weekly shows. You can simulate memorable storylines, such as the NWO’s dominance over WCW or the rise of DX in WWE. Use the creative tools in WWE 2K to establish your matches as part of a larger narrative, creating a compelling series of events that mirror the historical clashes between the two wrestling powerhouses.