The gameplay designer behind WWE 2K26 has commented on the inclusion of a pre-WWE version of cover star CM Punk.
With the latest iteration of the video game franchise now released, WWE 2k26 features CM Punk in its Showcase mode, with players able to relive moments from across the star’s career.
Despite being a WWE video game, the latest release features a “retro” version of CM Punk inspired by his indie look, along with Miseria Cantare by AFI, his Ring of Honor and independent scene entrance theme.
In a recent interview with Temple of Geek, WWE 2K26 Gameplay Designer Cornell Gunter addressed the inclusion of the indie version of CM Punk, saying:
“I think one of the coolest things about the retro Punk was being able to bring in his theme that he used on the independent circuit, which was definitely something that we felt was a very, very must have for our community because we know how much they love wrestling, but we also know how much a lot of our communities grew up watching that version of Punk be able to evolve into what he is today.
“A lot of small things we try to do very, very well, especially when it comes to superstars. So I think with CM Punk, I think me personally, I feel like we got that right. And I think definitely with the theme song and being able to trigger certain core childhood memories, like nostalgia memories of people.”
WWE 2K26 is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and Windows PC.
A Showcase Of The Immortals
WWE 2K games have long featured the Showcase mode, with the 2015 game also featuring CM Punk and his feud with John Cena under the title “Hustle, Loyalty, Disrespect”.
Showcase mode doesn’t even stick to the rich history of televised feuds or storylines, with WWE 2K20 being a prime example of the mode playing with alternate realities through its The Demon Within (Finn Balor/Bray Wyatt) story, Seth Rollins-led post-apocalyptic story, and an Asuka-driven cyberpunk narrative.
While the mode itself has seen many changes over the years, it is certainly one of the oft-talked-about features in any iteration of the franchise.
All these modes have, however, stuck to WWE stars within that very world, with this year’s game marking something of an unexpected change.
Beyond the occasional name drop, such as Punk referencing AEW star Samoa Joe on Raw, it’s rare that WWE would shine a spotlight on the wrestling past of their stars, outside of, perhaps, a vague mention during their initial debut.
With the music associated with his ROH run being featured in the game alongside an indie version of CM Punk, this potential opens an otherwise ‘forbidden door’ to showcase a past for WWE stars beyond the company they’re currently signed to, licensing permitting, of course.
Whether we will see this in future WWE 2K games remains to be seen, but the potential is there, especially if the Showcase mode star is big enough to drive interest.
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