Hulk Hogan
Justifiably dumped by WWE in 2015 following an ugly racism row, Hogan’s many apologies finally saw the company offer him an olive branch in 2018. He took on a hosting gig for the controversial Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia, and appeared on Raw soon after to pay tribute to legendary announcer and close friend Mean Gene Okerlund.
Humberto Carrillo
A luchador from the famed Garza family who went by the name of Ultimo Ninja during his days wrestling in Mexico, Carrillo makes his first 2K appearance this year despite only having signed in 2018. Neat. As of October, you can catch him on Monday Night Raw.
Io Shirai
After making a name for herself in Japan’s Stardom federation, Sharai switched to WWE in June 2018 – and became an instant favourite on NXT by allying with country-mate Kairi Sane to feud with the trio of Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. Now a nefarious heel, this is her first appearance in the 2K series.
Jack Gallagher & Mark Andrews
Two contrasting Brits from cruiserweight show 205 Live here. Manchester-born 'Gentleman' Gallagher adopts an old-school, mainly ground-based approach, while Welsh high-flyer Andrews showcases a limitless array of flips and top-rope moves. This is the latter's first 2K appearance.
Jake Roberts & Ricky Steamboat
Snake, meet Dragon. Two huge names from early-'90s WWF, particularly for anyone who collected Hasbro action figures - then smashed them to pieces via homebrew Royal Rumbles. Incredibly, for all their in-ring excellence, neither Roberts nor Steamboat won the WWF/WWE Championship.
Jaxson Ryker
Fresh blood in the 2K series is always welcome, but Ryker's inclusion occurs under curious circumstances. He's only ever appeared on NXT TV alongside Forgotten Sons stablemates Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake - yet neither of them are afforded a slot here, despite Blake having featured in WWE 2K16 and 2K17.
Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy
Over to brother Matt on Twitter for this one: "I am very appreciative that WWE Games included me in WWE 2K20. Happy they understand that #BROKEN/WOKEN Matt Hardy is beneficial to the WWE 2K20 game. I believe #WOKEN Matt can transcend pro wrestling & eventually will in the future." Never change, woken one.
Jerry Lawler
The King is back; long live the King. Despite being signed to WWE for much of the last 25 years, Lawler's in-ring videogame appearances have been sporadic – focussing on his commentary rather than historic squared circle excellence. Hopefully he's now here to stay.
Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso
There's been little in-ring action for the Usos in the second half of 2019 following Jimmy's (real name Jonathan Fatu) arrest on a DUI charge, but - for now - that doesn't affect their videogame status. Dad and WWE Hall Of Famer Rikishi misses out on a fifth consecutive 2K appearance.
Jim Neidhart & Natalya
The senior pro of the women's division alongside Mickie James, Natalya's status as a solid hand earned her a title match with Becky Lynch at Summerslam – though it was no surprise to see the dominant WWE 2K20 cover star retain. Father Jim, a Hart Foundation favourite, sadly passed away in August 2018.
Jinder Mahal
Mocked by some as the worst WWE Champion of all time, the onscreen Punjabi (who’s actually, uh, Canadian) had the last laugh by signing a new five-year WWE deal this summer. Currently on the shelf with a ruptured patella tendon, he’s nonetheless fighting fit in the digital sense.
John Cena
WWE's perennial boo boy for nearly two decades, absence really has made hearts grow fonder in Cena's case. His sporadic appearances, such as a summer rap battle with The Usos, now meet with near-universal acclaim from fans both in arenas and at home. Big-match John's 2K roster spot is assured for life.
Johnny Gargano
Long adored by the rowdy hometown crowd at NXT's Full Sail University, it feels like only a matter of time until Johnny Wrestling receives a main roster call-up – although I wrote similar 12 months ago, to no avail. Whatever his short-term future, Gargano is locked in for another year's worth of title bouts in the virtual ring.
Kane & Undertaker
The sight of Kane's mask in the very first WWE 2K20 teaser trailer confirmed the Big Red Machine's roster spot – and there was never a chance of onscreen brother The Undertaker missing out. Kane's been away from the ring for much of 2019 as he (AKA Glenn Jacobs) is now mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.
Kassius Ohno & Lars Sullivan
These two feuded in NXT way back in 2017, but have gone in different directions since - literally. Sullivan now resides on Smackdown (in theory, anyway – he was AWOL for much of 2019), while Ohno has largely been used across the pond, bringing 20 years' experience to the NXT UK roster.
