For a journey through WWE history over the last few decades, examining the covers of WWE video games is insightful. Released annually since 2000, these covers showcase the leading figures in WWE at any given time, reflecting the marketing decisions of the game developers.
This list is prestigious, featuring some unexpected names. We will review each WWE video game released since 2000, detailing the wrestlers featured on their covers.
WWF WrestleMania 2000 — The Rock, Triple H, Mankind, Big Show and The Undertaker
Interestingly, The Undertaker did not compete at WrestleMania 2000 due to injury. Despite 2000 being a creatively strong year for WWE, WrestleMania 2000 itself was considered underwhelming, and the game is not particularly well-remembered. The cover stars, excluding Undertaker, were the main event participants.
WWF No Mercy — The Rock, Triple H and Edge
Many consider No Mercy the greatest wrestling video game ever. It capitalized on the arcade-style gameplay popular at the time. The Rock and Triple H are recurring figures, but Edge, then a rising star, also features, hinting at his future prominence.
WWF Smackdown — The Rock, Mankind and Chyna
The Rock`s frequent appearances are not surprising. While Stone Cold Steve Austin may have been a bigger star, The Rock had broader mainstream appeal, evidenced by his subsequent Hollywood career. Mankind appears even though Mick Foley had retired the persona, and Chyna became the first woman on a WWE game cover.
WWF Smackdown 2: Know Your Role — The Rock, Triple H, The Undertaker and Chris Jericho
Reinforcing The Rock`s top star status, the game title uses one of his catchphrases. Triple H, a major rival, is also featured, along with popular wrestlers Chris Jericho and The Undertaker.
WWF Smackdown: Just Bring It — The Rock, Triple H and Kurt Angle
The Rock`s dominance continues on the third Smackdown game cover, where his image is most prominent, overshadowing even major stars like Triple H and Kurt Angle.
WWF Raw — The Undertaker, Kane, Jeff Hardy and Triple H
Following the success of the Smackdown series, WWF attempted a similar approach for its Raw program, but the games were less successful. The cover, considered poorly photoshopped and featuring questionable star choices, may have contributed. Kane, while popular, was not ideal for selling a video game.
WWE WrestleMania X-8 — Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Rob Van Dam and Hulk Hogan
In 2002, WWF became WWE. WrestleMania X-8 had two cover variations, one featuring Stone Cold and the other The Rock, reflecting their status as top stars. Hulk Hogan`s return allowed WWE to use his image extensively for the first time since the mid-90s. RVD, a popular newcomer from ECW, was also included.
WWE Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth — Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle and Booker T
Despite using his catchphrase, The Rock is absent as he was filming The Scorpion King. Triple H takes center stage, beginning his “reign of terror” era. He is joined by rising star Brock Lesnar and established names like Angle, Jericho, and Booker T.
WWE WrestleMania 19 — Kurt Angle, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock
The final “WrestleMania” game features Kurt Angle as the central figure, the Undisputed Champion who main-evented WrestleMania 19 against Brock Lesnar. Stone Cold`s retirement match against The Rock at the same event explains their presence on the cover.
WWE Raw 2 — Goldberg, Triple H and Scott Steiner
Despite limited success compared to Smackdown, WWF Raw received a sequel. The cover star selection remains questionable. Scott Steiner`s inclusion is humorous in hindsight, given his brief and unremarkable WWE career. Goldberg, while popular, did not replicate his WCW success in WWE. Triple H is a consistent presence.
WWE Smackdown: Here Comes the Pain — Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker and Rey Mysterio
With The Rock in Hollywood, the Smackdown series moved on, using Brock Lesnar`s catchphrase and featuring him as the main cover star. This was a logical choice given Lesnar`s WWE success, although he left the company shortly after the game`s release.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw — Vince McMahon
The Raw and Smackdown game brands merged in 2005 into an annual series. The first cover, featuring Vince McMahon, was not well-received, with questions about its appeal to buyers.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2006 — Batista and John Cena
By 2006, WWE had transitioned from the Attitude Era to the Ruthless Aggression Era, with John Cena and Batista as the new top stars. While both became Hollywood figures, they did not achieve the mainstream popularity of The Rock or Stone Cold. However, they were the dominant figures in WWE at the time.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2007 — Triple H, John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Batista and Torrie Wilson
Triple H remains prominent, dominating the cover even over John Cena, arguably the bigger star then. Rey Mysterio and Batista are also featured.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008 — The Undertaker, John Cena and Bobby Lashley
The “Featuring ECW” tagline is ironic, as WWE`s ECW revival was unsuccessful. Bobby Lashley, despite being less prominent than The Undertaker and John Cena, appears on the cover. Cena was WWE`s top star, while The Undertaker had broader appeal.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009 — Triple H and Shawn Michaels
The “Featuring ECW” mention is minimized, reflecting its declining relevance. Triple H and Shawn Michaels, despite being active, were part of the less popular, PG, DX version, making them arguably less deserving of the cover.
WWE Legends of WrestleMania — Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin
This spin-off game features a collection of WWE legends. Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan`s WrestleMania 3 match is iconic. The Rock and Stone Cold`s rivalry defined WWE`s most successful era. Announcers Jimmy Hart and Bobby Heenan are also included.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010 — John Cena, The Undertaker, Randy Orton, Edge and Rey Mysterio
After years as a top WWE star, this is John Cena`s first solo cover, pushing aside stars like The Undertaker, Randy Orton, Edge, and Rey Mysterio.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 — John Cena, The Miz and Big Show
Big Show`s cover appearance in 2011 was still not as impactful as hoped in 2000. The Miz, then WWE Champion, was being pushed as a top star, though both were overshadowed by John Cena.
WWE All Stars — Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, The Rock, Randy Savage, John Cena, Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio
Another spin-off, this game features legends against modern stars, though Rey Mysterio was active alongside the legends. Kofi Kingston`s unexpected cover appearance is notable.
WWE `12 — Randy Orton
The Smackdown vs Raw series ended, and a single cover star became the norm, starting with Randy Orton. Despite Cena`s long reign as the top face, Orton was equally significant, albeit often as a heel.
WWE `13 — CM Punk
Considered one of the best WWE game covers, it was almost Sheamus instead of CM Punk, but THQ, the developer, insisted on Punk. This was THQ`s last WWE game.
WWE 2K14 — The Rock
2K`s first WWE game cover featured The Rock. A reversible cover included the popular Daniel Bryan.
WWE 2K15 — John Cena
John Cena finally got a solo cover for 2K15, marking his last year as a full-time WWE competitor as his Hollywood career grew.
WWE 2K16 — Stone Cold Steve Austin
Correcting the underrepresentation of Stone Cold on earlier covers, 2K16 featured him, capitalizing on his “Austin 3:16” slogan.
WWE 2K17 — Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar`s dominant run in the 2010s elevated his status, leading to his 2K17 cover. Goldberg as a preorder bonus set up their Survivor Series 2016 match.
WWE 2K18 — Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins, consistently reliable over the past decade, was a fitting choice for 2K18, coinciding with his peak babyface popularity.
WWE 2K19 — AJ Styles
AJ Styles, initially doubted in WWE, became a top star, with a 371-day WWE Championship reign making him the obvious 2K19 cover choice.
WWE 2K20 — Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch
Despite WWE 2K20`s issues, the cover featuring Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch is visually appealing. Becky Lynch became the first woman on a WWE game cover since 2007.
WWE 2K22 — Rey Mysterio
After often being relegated to the edges, Rey Mysterio finally got a solo cover for 2K22, a relaunch after 2K20`s problems. The cover reflects his vibrant Lucha Libre style.
WWE 2K23 — John Cena
Even as a part-time wrestler, John Cena`s 20-year WWE anniversary made him the clear choice for the 2K23 cover.
WWE 2K24 — Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes`s journey, from leaving WWE to revolutionizing wrestling and returning as a top star, made him the only choice for the 2K24 cover.
WWE 2K25 — Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns`s public perception shifted dramatically by 2K25. After a long world championship reign, he became a fan favorite, making him a fitting cover star.
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