WWE 2K25 Excludes 26 Wrestlers Featured in 2K24

WWE 2K25 is gearing up to offer its biggest lineup yet, featuring an impressive array of 300 characters that include both wrestling legends and today’s top Superstars. Die-hard fans will notice that some favorite names from WWE 2K24 are absent this time around—a reality often driven by contract disputes or company decisions to part ways with talent. What’s capturing attention now, though, is the buzz around a possible TNA DLC pack. Fans are hopeful this could reinstate legends like Robert Roode, who’ve been notably missed, into the fold.

As we approach the launch, excitement builds while more details emerge. Gamers are eager to dive into the new features, debuting modes, and yes, that all-important roster reveal. WWE 2K25 aims to strike the perfect balance, blending the star power of current and past legends to captivate wrestling enthusiasts of every generation.

Fans have recently gotten a glimpse of WWE 2K25’s full roster, which indeed has the largest count yet. An exciting blend of unique gimmicks and talent from Raw, SmackDown, and NXT is set to enrich this gaming season. However, with each updated roster, some faces inevitably disappear. Departures can result from expired contracts or other corporate decisions, meaning that not everyone makes the cut from one year to the next.

Reddit user Makuraudo recently documented the names missing from WWE 2K25. Notably, many expected characters from WWE 2K24, specifically those from the Pat McAfee DLC Pack, were absent—likely because of its mixed reception. High-profile exits like Edge and Bobby Lashley aren’t shocking given their departure from WWE. More unexpected, however, are those like Robert Roode, Big Boss Man, Jerry Lawler, and Ted DiBiase.

Roode’s omission is particularly surprising since he remains affiliated with WWE, albeit in a producer role. If Tyler Breeze, with his backstage responsibilities, remains within the roster, it raises intriguing questions. Speculation abounds that contract changes from performer to non-performer roles could be the issue. Fans remain optimistic about a potential TNA collaboration, hoping for a DLC that revives Roode’s iconic TNA persona, “The Glorious One.”

As for Boss Man, Lawler, and DiBiase, their absence likely stems from expired Legends deals, despite recent surprise appearances. Despite some chatter of negative feedback, there’s always the possibility that WWE 2K25 reinstates them through DLC. WWE 2K24 managed to reintroduce characters like DDP and the Iron Sheik this way, so never say never. With this ever-evolving roster and game features, WWE 2K25 continues to expand, aiming to surprise and delight its fanbase.