Ever since 2K teased that the campaign style mode for WWE 2K15 would explore two historic rivalries at near documentary length, gamers and wrestling fans around the globe have been speculating which two classic feuds would be chosen. It wasn’t exactly something easy to predict when you consider that WWE history spans over five decades.
The time for rumors and assumptions is over, however, as 2K has revealed that the two storied rivalries will focus on HHH/Shawn Michaels and John Cena/CM Punk. Those are some pretty good choices, too; 2K didn’t go with an overexposed rivalry like Austin/Rock, but they also didn’t settle for something bland.
The careers of HHH and Shawn Michaels have pretty much paralleled each other. They formed arguably the greatest stable in WWE history – D-Generation X – and have also had numerous brutal matches with each other, ranging from Hell In A Cell to the very first Elimination Chamber match.
Punk and Cena have had their fair share of memorable clashes together, too, but what’s most interesting about this feud being chosen is that it confirms Punk as a selectable character. If you didn’t know, he left WWE earlier this January while under contract. We still don’t know exactly why – common beliefs are that he was burned out and/or upset that he would be losing to HHH at WrestleMania 30 – but it’s awesome for us fans that he will be appearing in one last game.
He’s going out with a bang, too, as his match with John Cena at Money In The Bank 2011 was an instant classic and easily one of the greatest matches of all time. I was also in the live audience for that PPV, so this one is extra special to me and something I can’t wait to relive in digital form.
It should also be noted that 2K might release more Showcase rivalries as DLC after the game’s launch. For now though, these combined 33 matches – complete with documentary footage and more – will be enough to salivate my thirst for historical violence.
WWE 2K15 will be released for current and last generation consoles on October 28th, 2014.