Summary
WWE 2K24celebrates the illustrious 40 years of Wrestlemania history, and the big-time matches, story lines, and moments that have come from it. As such, 2K24’s showcase mode celebrates Wrestlemania matches, allowing you to choose wrestlers to recreate or alter WWE history.
As such, this article is also a celebration, this time discussing the best matches in WWE 2K24’s showcase mode. To be clear, this article will not be discussing the quality of the real-life matches. It will discuss how interesting the 2K24 matches were within the showcase mode.
10Wrestlemania 3
Hulk Hogan Vs Andre the Giant
Andre the Giant was a true specimen, towering over opponents and allies alike. The resulting battle against former friend Hulk Hogan was a clash of the titans, main eventing Wrestlemania 3 for the WWF Championship.
While this match, of course, follows the basic showcase mode conventions (doing specific moves, dealing damage, the usual), it gets a bonus mainly due to the power of both wrestlers. Andre is a fearsome opponent, with incredible strength and damaging ability.
9Wrestlemania 35
Ronda Rousey Vs Charlotte Flair Vs Becky Lynch
Triple threats always manage to have an extra sense of chaos, breaking the usual constraints of a one on one match. This applies even within video games, as this triple threat for the Smackdown and Raw Women’s Championships is pure chaos.
Playing as the Man, Becky Lynch,the match typemakes the battle even more messy and violent than the real thing with the use of weapons and freedom. Plus, the match allows you to alter the botched ending to the real match with something else.
8Wrestlemania 21
Kurt Angle Vs Shawn Michaels
The ultimate clash of styles and substance, Angle vs Michaels is one of those matchups that always clicks, be it in real life or in video games. In this case, it’s a match that manages to blend both those forms into one to create something new.
Playing on its strengths, 2K manages to really encapsulate Wrestlemania 21’s bombastic Hollywood vibe, with spectacular details and attires. Angle’s moveset is more hard hitting and resilient, while Michaels has the speed and showboating, creating a fantastic match to play through.
7Wrestlemania 31
Randy Orton Vs Seth Rollins
This underappreciated match is an interesting addition to the Showcase mode roster, but the true highlight of the match is the beautiful Wrestlemania 31 stage. The match takes place in the day, and the bright lighting is such a unique aesthetic.
Alongside the bright and glowing visual style is a match between two unique and fun styles, and baby, you got yourself a stew goin'. The attires are recreated to perfection, and the only thing that could have elevated things would be a shout-out to J&J Security.
6Wrestlemania 36
‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt Vs John Cena
Had the uniqueness of this match been even slightly closer to the real thing, it would have been the number one option on the list, easily. However, the Firefly Funhouse match struggles with this concept, as it’s more cutscene than gameplay.
Of course, that’s not to say that 2K should have had Yakuza level minigames to fit the real match moments (though nobody would be complaining), it needs an extra bit of oomph to it. The multiple locations and attires are great though, as are the multiple unlockables post match.
5Wrestlemania 38
Cody Rhodes Vs Roman Reigns
It’s unfortunate that 2K24 didn’t manage to get the absolutely incredible Wrestlemania XL rematch between Cody and Roman for its showcase mode, but that doesn’t mean that their original Mania 38 meeting wasn’t a banger.
Out of all the Mania 38 matches in the game, this match is easily the best, not just in terms of objectives but in terms of details and intensity. The best part is that you can allow Cody to actually finish the story and beat Reigns, altering Wrestlemania history.
4Wrestlemania 31
Roman Reigns Vs Brock Lesnar Vs Seth Rollins
This match gets an elevation thanks to the fact that there are two matches in this, not just one. The match begins as a singles match between Reigns and Brock, all within that beautiful Mania 31 stage during the evening.
Completing objectives leads to Seth Rollins entering the match and cashing in like real life, and you now take control of the architect. Surprisingly, you can extend the match and play around with the triple threat format instead of the swift victory Rollins had at Wrestlemania.
3Wrestlemania 38
Stone Cold Steve Austin Vs Kevin Owens
It’s still somewhat wild to think that this match actually happened in real life; it just feels like a dream match from 2K. Instead, not only did this match happen, it was a no-holds barred street fight, and the main event of Wrestlemania 38 Night One.
Austin and Owens are basically pushed to go anywhere outside of the ring, brawling near the barricades, the announce tables, and on the ramp. It’s an all-star showdown between twomain event talents, and it allows you to make the match even more brutal and wild.
2Wrestlemania X
Razor Ramon Vs Shawn Michaels
So much detail has gone into recreating this match, from the arena to the orange ladders to the gray steel chairs. Even the two Intercontinental Championships dangle above the ring, creating a small but perfect detail for players to appreciate.
It’s a great historical showcase that manages to blend the best of 2K24’s somewhat limited showcase mode objectives, and strengths, all while looking great. The unique ending animations are especially interesting, giving the showcase some more replayability.
1The Bonus Match
Wrestlemania’s Finest
Upon completing every Wrestlemania match, a bonus match is unlocked — a 30-man Royal Rumble with Wrestlemania’sbest of the bestcompetitors. This is the match with the most freedom and the most excitement, as you can choose one out of a selection of 30 wrestlers.
A variety of Wrestlemania’s greatest competitors are available to choose from, from Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin, to Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. It’s a brilliant little reward for completing the more rigorous tasks in showcase mode, with the only rules being to eliminate the competition and win the rumble.
