WWE 2K25 Should Utilize TNA Working Relationship

WWE 2K25 Should Utilize TNA Working Relationship

I’ve been a devoted fan of professional wrestling for over two decades now, and I can’t help but notice the excitement and renewed energy that WWE has brought to the table under Triple H’s leadership. With NXT’s meteoric rise in popularity and record-breaking attendance numbers, it’s clear that fresh and innovative ideas are breathing new life into the product.


TNA Wrestling teaming up with WWE on business terms could bring some benefits for the WWE 2K25 video game. The moniker “forbidden door” was used by a competing promotion, AEW, to describe their collaborations with New Japan and other international groups. To counteract this, WWE opted to establish partnerships with one of the most prominent secondary promotions in the US market.

For more than two decades, TNA has been a significant player in the world of wrestling, featuring some of the most talented performers the sport has ever seen. Although it currently trails both WWE and AEW in terms of popularity, its legacy remains strong among fans who followed wrestling during that period. With this in mind, it would be wise for the creators of WWE 2K25 to incorporate TNA into different aspects of the game.

How TNA’s Working Relationship Can Help WWE 2K25

TNA contributes to WWE’s developmental brand NXT by allowing talents to be part of storylines and make unexpected appearances. Joe Hendry and Jordynne Grace have gained significant popularity outside of WWE’s main roster and AEW shows. Their time in NXT and showcasing their previous TNA accomplishments on a larger platform have made them fan favorites.

In WWE 2K24, the MyGM mode was more intricate than ever before, allowing players to revive the defunct WCW and ECW brands. The purchase of these rival promotions by Vince McMahon in 2001 at affordable prices continues to be beneficial today, with the iconic promotions being featured prominently in the game. Players can effortlessly recreate WCW or ECW events, using their specific setups, PPV names, and well-known talent occupying significant roles.

Active WWE Wrestlers w/ Noteworthy TNA Pasts Current Overall WWE 2K24 Rating
AJ Styles 85
Bobby Lashley 89
Chelsea Green 75
Drew McIntyre 89
Michin 68
R-Truth 67
Robert Roode 67
Xavier Woods 78

Despite not having the popularity of WCW or ECW, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) boasts enough talent to leave a mark on video game franchises. Legendary figures like Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan, or even bringing Dixie Carter into the game, could make TNA’s General Manager role highly appealing. The inclusion of Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff in WWE 2K24 underscores the significance of their presence in MyGM mode for ECW and WCW, making it all the more crucial for these wrestlers to be part of TNA’s gaming experience.

Expanding MyGM mode with TNA’s involvement could significantly enhance the user experience. Since TNA lacks the resources to create their own game, a partnership or licensing agreement with WWE would be advantageous for their business. A substantial portion of WWE 2K‘s dedicated fanbase aspires to manage their own fantasy TNA shows within MyGM mode, and the inclusion of TNA wrestlers and six-sided rings would cater to this desire.

WWE 2K’s Deep Roster Could Add TNA Versions To Familiar Faces

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the depth that WWE 2K games bring in by offering multiple variations of iconic wrestlers like Rey Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, and John Cena in WWE 2K24. These wrestling legends often have different gear or work for various promotions, making it a delight to have diverse versions of their characters to choose from. It adds an extra layer of realism and replayability to the game!

A video game agreement with TNA could add new versions of characters for stars like AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan, and plenty of other relevant names. Styles would be the biggest name since he was considered the face of the TNA brand. The drastically different appearance of Styles in TNA appeals to users who watched his entire career or even those who discovered him later in WWE.

WWE Legends w/ Noteworthy TNA Pasts Current Overall WWE 2K24 Rating
Booker T 85
Bubba Ray Dudley 85
D-Von Dudley 84
Hulk Hogan 94
Kurt Angle 89
Kevin Nash 88
Ken Shamrock 86
Mick Foley 83
Rob Van Dam 90

In a possible collaboration, it’s logical that TNA legends who haven’t thrived extensively in WWE might continue working there or excel elsewhere. For instance, Bobby Roode, Abyss, Petey Williams, and others transitioned from on-screen roles to backstage jobs within WWE post their greater success in TNA. Moreover, veterans like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Mick Foley, who have already made significant contributions to the industry, would bring valuable insights if they were involved in the game’s planning, enhancing the appeal of TNA’s participation.

Incorporating both well-known names from defunct promotions like WCW and ECW, as well as those from the current TNA promotion, would bring freshness and excitement to the WWE 2K series. The fact that WCW and ECW continued to add diversity to annual video games even after they went out of business in 2001 implies that TNA, which has been around for twenty-three years since then, should contribute a significant portion of new and noteworthy wrestlers to WWE 2K25.

TNA Inclusion Can Help WWE 2K25 Feel Similar To WWE’s TV Product

After Triple H assumed creative control of WWE, replacing Vince McMahon, the company underwent significant transformations, leading to remarkable improvements in business. WWE’s offerings have gained unprecedented popularity within the past two decades, as evidenced by record-breaking attendance and revenue figures. Previously, the company had been experiencing a plateau, but Triple H’s daring innovations sparked renewed enthusiasm for WWE.

Witnessing a surge in television audience and heightened fan interest, NXT is experiencing this uptick just prior to transitioning to the CW Network later in the year. TNA’s collaboration with NXT significantly contributes to the feeling that NXT is an essential television viewing experience for a larger number of fans compared to recent months. To maintain its competitive edge, WWE 2K25 needs to keep its storylines fresh and engaging like this one.

In a nutshell, WWE 2K provides wrestling enthusiasts with less limitations and ample opportunities to express creativity when they engage in the game. By incorporating a multitude of talents who have worked for TNA in the past, alongside new arenas or PPV titles, it opens up numerous fantasy booking possibilities. The addition of downloadable packs featuring TNA-related names or exclusive content could prove highly popular as a separate, paid offering outside the standard game.

A compact TNA presently increases the likelihood of them agreeing to reasonable deals, given that merging further with WWE’s realm could significantly boost their brand’s popularity. In crafting WWE 2K, it is crucial to remain committed to television production and understand why particular concepts gain prominence in the show. Ultimately, fans will reap the benefits through an expanded selection of options in the upcoming WWE 2K25. To fully harness the current strengths of WWE, TNA must be incorporated into the game.

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2024-07-30 16:24