Three weeks ago, we reported on the The Inquisitr that former WWE champion CM Punk was rumored to be in the WWE 2K15 video game. It was all pure speculation, because the WWE 2K15 rosters was leaked online and the official roster usually doesn’t come out until the weekend of SummerSlam, which takes place in six days.
Operation Sports is now confirming that CM Punk will be in WWE 2K15 and will have a massive role within the video game.
“Last week we had a chance to sit in on a conference call to discuss the new mode in WWE 2K15, 2K Showcase. This mode will feature two of the top rivalries in WWE history, Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels from 2002 through 2004 and John Cena vs. CM Punk from 2011 through 2013. Yes, you read that correctly, CM Punk is in ‘WWE 2K15’ and featured in the new mode in a major way.”
To elaborate on the new “2K Showcase” mode, it will feature those two favorite feuds from the past 10-12 years. The rivalries will be played out over the course of 33 matches. It will include documentary footage, including in-studio interviews as well as live footage from matches and promos. 2K emphasized to Operation Sports that they want the feuds to play out just like they did on television.
2K also said that new rivalries would be coming out as DLC packages in the future.
First off, this isn’t even the huge selling point of WWE 2K15 . The new career mode was the initial reason for the new game’s mystique. Now, that will become secondary to CM Punk’s involvement in the game. To further the ongoing speculation of his inevitable return, something had to have been signed for him to be associated with WWE 2K15 .
Since Punk owns his ring name, the WWE needed permission to use it, as well as sell his merchandise. If any member of the WWE Universe checks out the WWE Shop , they realize that Punk’s apparel is still being sold. Not only that, but his involvement in the video game confirms a deal was made.
No, it wasn’t a wrestling deal. Vince McMahon and Triple H had to have him sign a merchandise deal with the company. If they use his name without his permission, that’s a huge lawsuit . Some say Punk will never return to the company, which could be true. The WWE did have eight months to remove him from the game and input another memorable feud in its place.
By not doing so, it reveals that something was done before or right after Punk left.
With the addition of CM Punk and the new game mode, don’t be surprised if this version of WWE 2K is the best-selling in history. It will be released for PS3, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 on October 28 in the United States. Along with the revised career mode and the addition of “2K Showcase,” the WWE hit a grand slam. Then again, it could all be speculation.
[Images via operationsports.com and newsn.org]