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The WWE 2K series is due for an installment in the coming months as WWE programming enters its TV season finale stretch, the Road to WrestleMania. Since 2022, the 2K Games franchise has been a sponsor of the Grandest Stage of Them All, switching its October yearly release to an earlier March window, so the title's year matches the year of release more accurately.
Now, on the verge of WrestleMania Vegas II, it’s expected that a full announcement will be made imminently to start hyping media outlets, WWE fans, and Judgement Day members alike. Though the wait may not be long, we might want to sit crossed-legged in the middle of the ring for this one.
After much speculation, the internet has fully decided on the next WWE 2K Cover Superstar with little to no pushback from the WWE Universe; WWE 2K26 is expected to feature none other than Chicago’s own, Phil ‘CM Punk’ Brooks. Punk made his triumphant return at Survivor Series 2023 on a last-second signing for the company, one that has shaken the foundations of the wrestling business to this very day. Since then, Phil has been involved in marquee storylines, high-tension feuds, and top-of-the-card matches.
After a remarkable year in 2025, fans can already see CM Punk across WWE 2K26 promotional arts, trailers, and more – but it’s not just a year’s worth of work. Since his return, Phil has been on a roll on the microphone, in the ring – even on commentary. A selfless stint was much needed to clear his name after a highly publicized exit from the company in 2014.
The Second City Saints' second run has led to historic feuds and bouts, most notably against Seth Freakin’ Rollins and the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, both of whom culminated in highly praised Hell in a Cell matches.
Even John Cena acknowledged this run on his Last Time is Now press tour, praising Punk’s guts and change of heart during the Saudi Arabia’s Night of Champions Kickoff Show, where the Voice of the Voiceless turned fans to his side after humbly apologizing for his controversial comments lambasting the Saudi events, putting all beef with the fans to sleep.
All this led to a WrestleMania Triple Threat Main Event, one of Phil’s biggest dreams, and two World Heavyweight Championship wins, the latest of which came against fan-favorite Jey Uso. It is worth noting that Mr. Yeet Man himself was heavily mentioned in the WWE 2K26 cover art conversation, yet his overall performance, botchy reputation, and tag team division descent have given 2K no choice but to say No Yeet.
This would be Punk’s first WWE 2K cover art, joining the likes of Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns, all of which have been featured after 2021’s 2K Games hiatus from the yearly releases due to poor performance and player backlash.
This would also be CM Punk’s first WWE video game cover art since the iconic WWE ‘13 release by Yukes and THQ, one of the most beloved video game titles in WWE history, ending a 13-year drought for the straight-edge superstar.
Funny how life works: this would’ve been his second cover art of the decade if he weren’t removed from 2K’s competition, AEW: Fight Forever’s line-up after being suspended and ultimately released from the company. This same series of events led to Punk’s 2023 return to the federation.
Nothing says ‘Top Guy’ like being the Poster Boy for one of WWE’s most important adjacent products, a placement earned through hard work and perseverance despite self and external adversity. If all this rings true, our WWE 2K26 wishlist would include this year’s showcase featuring Punk’s real-life wife and WWE talent, AJ Lee, making her return to the franchise since the release of WWE 2K15. Light it up, Pepsi boy.
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