WWE 2K22is now available and is packed full of content. The pro wrestling game features a roster of over 200 characters, with each wrestler having their own music and entrances.WWE 2K22even goes a number of preset entrances made for, officially, use with player custom creations. In reality, these preset entrances are mostly all based on popular pro wrestlers outside the WWE. Funnily enough, that includes stars from WWE’s new competition, All Elite Wrestling, too.
2K’s unofficial practice of adding entrances from other promotions who aren’t contracted with WWE goes back several years. These entrances are added under unique names, but once they play out are easily recognizable as associated with certain pro wrestlers. For example, inWWE 2K18a preset entrance named Alpha Omega was introduced. This was at the height ofAEW star Kenny Omega’s popularity while he was part of NJPW. Alpha Omega has returned each year, including inWWE 2K22.
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Another example of an AEW entrance in WWE, this time explicitly pulled from the rival promotion, is for currentAEW Women’s Champion Dr. Britt Baker DMD. This is the first time that Britt’s entrance, which is named The Doctor is In, has been included in aWWE 2Kgame, and since Britt Baker has made her fame near entirely in AEW, it’s certainly a nod to the WWE rival’s top woman.
There are other AEW wrestlers who are also represented in an unofficial capacity through these extra entrances. Kris Statlander, AEW’s alien, and Brian Cage, who recently had his contract extended, were found. The now-passedBrodie Leehas an entrance named Dark One. Even Jake Hager, previously known as Jack Swagger, has an entrance inWWE 2K22.
These aren’t the only AEW wrestlers who have entrances included inWWE 2K22. For example, Jeff Hardy, AEW’s latest signee, is officially included onWWE 2K22’s roster. Jeff Hardy was still a part of WWE just over several months ago, and so assumedly WWE still had licensing rights. The same goes for Keith Lee, Kyle O’Reilly, and Buddy Matthews, who were both a part of WWE recently but jumped to AEW.
For those confused over how something like this happens, there are no licenses associated with walking from backstage to the ring. Pro wrestlers all have their own unique motions and behavior, but it can’t be trademarked or copyrighted.WWE 2K22is free to include these animations, so long as they don’t use anyone’s names or music. It may be a little sketchy, but in the end it’s better for wrestling fans and that’s what should matter most. Don’t be surprised ifAEW does something similarin its wrestling game, too.
WWE 2K22is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
