WWE 2K16 roster update: The New Day, Ricky Steamboat, and 6 more make the cut
Jim Neidhart
Back in August, we confirmed Bret Hart before anyone else thanks to some T-shirt rated super-sleuthery and now the Hitmans tag partner (and brother-in-law) is also invited to the pink-and-black party. Its crushing news for Erick Rowan, who can no longer claim the fictional-but-real-to-us in-game title of bestest ginger beard.
John Cena
Whisper it, but the much-maligned WWE answer to Superman has been the companys MVP this year. His feud with Rusev far surpassed expectations, and a summer series against Kevin Owens delivered two of 2015s standout matches. His knockers remain critical, but few deserve their placing here more than Mr Wash-Your-Mouth-Like-Colgate.
Kane
Masked, unmasked, masked, unmasked Kanes status in WWE these days essentially equates to being an unsubtle Scooby Doo villain. For this years 2K outing, hes back to the shaven-head-and-scary-eyed look but you can bet that therell be a version of his masked character available for unlocking as part of the Steve Austin showcase mode.
Ken Shamrock
Hes bad, hes bad, hes really, really angry when you try to summarise him using Michael Jackson lyrics. Probably. The ass-kicking, ankle-breaking former UFC champs last series appearance came in WWE 2K13, where we had him link-up with pretend porn star Val Venis in a tandem called Shamrock Hard. You can have that one for free, Vince.
Kevin Nash
With Hulk Hogan and Scott Hall both in WWEs naughty books, the once-famed NWO is reduced to a one-man army in this years official game. You wont have to wait long to reunite the dastardly trio, mind more creative options than ever mean fan versions of both Hulkster and Razor will inevitably be available within days of release. Phew.
Layla
Recently retired, WWEs first diva search winner departs the company in style with a series comeback after surprisingly missing out in 2K15. And youll need her if you plan to bring back the Womens Championship in Universe mode the title was retired in 2010, but shes technically the reigning belt-holder.
Lex Luger
The Narcissists 1993 repackaging as an American hero, complete with a flag-trumpeting tour bus called the Lex Express, remains one of WWEs greatest mis-steps. Yet the mulleted muscle-man //did// have a successful run in WCW prior to that. Foes Ric Flair and Stings inclusions here provide a welcome chance to relive those halcyon days.
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Lord Steven Regal
Tougher than a decade-old stick of Blackpool Rock, this wily British vet adheres to a strictly-offscreen brief these days as general manager of NXT. Even so, grap fans will delight in his making the roster as it sets up hard-hitting, hold-heavy dream matches with his most famous protege, Daniel Bryan a man who wears burgundy in Regals honour.
Lucha Dragons
After a promising Raw debut the night after WrestleMania, Kalisto and Sin Cara found their opportunities limited throughout the summer months. Even so, both have movesets which lend themselves perfectly to high-flying videogame insanity. Recommendation: Stick them up against Kidd and Cesaro and let the lunatic high spots unfold.
Macho Man Randy Savage
Having gone the entire noughties without appearing in a WWE game, Savage is now considered a series regular. This will be his third consecutive appearance although last year, unlike in 2K14, it came without ex-wife and manager Miss Elizabeth by his side. Hopefully thats rectified this time around.
I'm GamesRadar's sports editor, and obsessed with NFL, WWE, MLB, AEW, and occasionally things that don't have a three-letter acronym – such as Chvrches, Bill Bryson, and Streets Of Rage 4. (All the Streets Of Rage games, actually.) Even after three decades I still have a soft spot for Euro Boss on the Amstrad CPC 464+.