Today, WWE 2K26 unveiled the first look at its 2K Showcase: Punked, which retells the tumultuous story of Straight Edge Superstar CM Punk.
Just like other WWE 2K showcases, players will step into the shoes of CM Punk to relive authentic career milestones and also experience alternate-history twists and fantasy “What if?” match scenarios. The mode starts with the WrestleMania 41 triple-threat match, featuring CM Punk vs. Seth “Freakin’” Rollins vs. Roman Reigns, with Paul Heyman in CM Punk’s corner, the Showcase puts players in control of the “Straight Edge Superstar” in matches spanning his entire WWE career.
Players can also relive iconic matches, taking on Randy Orton at WrestleMania 27, The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29, Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood 2024, and more, all accompanied by Punk’s candid commentary and behind-the-scenes insight. Other matches include facing off with a cast of WWE Legends and World Champions such as Undertaker, The Rock, Rey Mysterio, JBL, and John Cena.
What If scenarios include situations like “What if CM Punk never left WWE in 2014?” or “What if certain rivalries had different outcomes?” The 2K Showcase also gives players the chance to revisit pivotal moments and change history to explore how Punk’s career might have unfolded differently, like seeing two married WWE couples go toe-to-toe, as CM Punk & AJ Lee take on The Miz & Maryse.
The Fantasy Warfare portion of the showcase lets players compete against Superstars Punk never faced in a WWE ring, including “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, and more. An all-new, original arena, the CM Punkvillion, serves as the backdrop for these fantasy battles.
There will still be plenty of rewards as well, as WWE 2K26 introduces The Gauntlet, an optional match where players can choose CM Punk or AJ Lee to face all 20 Showcase opponents consecutively, one after another, with no shortcuts. Unlocks include playable Legends, alternate attires, managers, championships, and arenas.
WWE 2K26 Standard Edition will be available on Friday, March 13, 2026. Pre-orders are available now for three versions: King of Kings Edition, Attitude Era Edition, and Monday Night War Edition. All are scheduled for release on March 6, 2026, with seven days of early access to the game. For more information on this and other 2K titles, be sure to check back to Simulation Daily for updates.
