WWE 2K25 Features Unexpected Nostalgic Elements from Classic Games

In WWE 2K25, fans will find a nostalgic surprise that harks back to the Ruthless Aggression era, complete with its iconic SmackDown Fist. This well-loved feature is tucked away in a warehouse setting within the game, guaranteed to stir memories among long-time WWE enthusiasts. The WWE 2K series has always paid tribute to its storied history through various features like Showcase Modes, showcasing careers of current legends such as Rey Mysterio and John Cena, and a diverse lineup of DLC characters from different eras. WWE 2K25 continues this trend, revealing several fresh features over recent weeks.

One of the standout highlights this year is the 2K Showcase mode, which shines a spotlight on the legendary Anoaʻi family of wrestlers. Players can dive into matches that highlight the glory days of The Rock, Yokozuna, Jacob Fatu, and WWE 2K25 cover star Roman Reigns, among others. Roman Reigns’ longstanding manager, Paul Heyman, recently made an appearance at PlayStation’s State of Play, introducing fans to WWE 2K25’s innovative Island mode. This new online arena allows up to 50 players to explore environments themed after popular WWE superstars and engage in battles to unlock unique content.

Paul Heyman, a towering figure in WWE for many years, is closely linked to the new game. An observant fan on Instagram, pweofficial_, recently posted a screenshot featuring WWE 2K25’s backstage areas—a warehouse packed with WWE relics. Among these, the symbolic SmackDown Fist from the Ruthless Aggression era of the 2000s makes an appearance, offering a nostalgic platform for aerial maneuvers.

Introducing the SmackDown Fist for WWE 2K25 evokes memories from its debut on WWE SmackDown back on August 16, 2001, where it remained part of the set until 2008. Many WWE video games from that time included this towering icon, which players could scale, reminiscent of how The Rock does in a recently shared WWE 2K25 screenshot. It had made a comeback as an unlockable stage in WWE 2K23, accessed by reliving John Cena’s 2002 debut against Kurt Angle in the 2K Showcase mode.

Dedicated wrestling fans will likely discover other treasures within WWE 2K25’s backstage area, including the original WrestleMania ring, a Saturday Night’s Main Event neon sign, and even Triple H’s iconic stone throne from WrestleMania 22 in 2006. Wrestling enthusiasts, brace yourselves for March 14 when WWE 2K25 drops, allowing players to dive into the ring and experience these nods to wrestling history firsthand.