AEW currently has its debut console game in development. Coming from former WWE game developer, Yuke's, the title is set to give fans an alternative to the yearly WWE 2K series. While there are few concrete details about the AEW game known right now, fans are excited to play it nonetheless. All Elite Wrestling's roster has greatly expanded as of late, including former WWE favorites like Christian Cage, Paul Wight, and Matt Hardy. Besides the acclaimed developer and large roster of wrestlers, the company's fondness of hardcore wrestling could truly help the game stand out.
Despite its roster already being stacked with stars, AEW is reportedly set to be bolstered further by two huge new additions. CM Punk is allegedly returning to wrestling, and Daniel Bryan has also reportedly signed with the company. This could be a huge win for AEW, and it could see wrestling fans flock to the company's new game to play as these old WWE favorites. Fortunately, AEW has a lot more than just recognizable names to benefit its debut console game. In the company's short history, it has exhibited a wide variety of match types, including the infamous Deathmatch.
Deathmatches in AEW
In AEW's relatively short history, the company has put on two distinctly different Deathmatches. Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega faced off in an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch at AEW Revolution, but unfortunately, the ending was botched and didn't work as intended. More recently, Chris Jericho took on Nick Gage in a Deathmatch which was received better. While this was technically labeled as a No Rules match, it had all the hallmarks of a Deathmatch thanks to its weaponry, dangerous spots, and the use of blood. AEW hasn't shied away from hardcore wrestling, but Deathmatches, in particular, have been a unique part of the company's programming.
Why Deathmatches Would Help the AEW Game Stand Out
Including the Deathmatch gimmick in the AEW console game could be a smart move to hook in hardcore wrestling fans. Deathmatches rarely occur in wrestling in the western part of the world, especially so in notable federations like AEW. Other than the likes of the Fire Pro Wrestling franchise, Deathmatches aren't often seen in video games. With the company's history of Deathmatches, however, it would make sense to include the match type in the console game. This could be a unique feature in the game, as much as it is on AEW television. Not only would this contribute towards making a faithful representation of AEW's product, but it could also interest fans of Deathmatch wrestling who wouldn't find anything quite as violent in the WWE 2K series.
By comparison, while WWE does make use of gimmick matches, the company has to date never put on a Deathmatch. WWE has a long history of using violent stipulations like Hell in a Cell, Last Man Standing, and various hardcore gimmicks, but present-day WWE televises a PG product. It's unlikely that WWE will showcase something as extreme as a Deathmatch any time soon, and this is a distinct advantage for the AEW game. Because WWE has never used Deathmatches, they won't be included in WWE 2K22, which could entice wrestling fans to check out AEW's console game.
The AEW console game doesn't have a release date set yet, but Kenny Omega hopes it will be out by next year. Whenever it does launch, it's bound to face some stiff competition from WWE 2K22. Including stipulation matches like Deathmatches could interest hardcore wrestling fans enough to purchase the game. AEW's fondness of hardcore wrestling and Deathmatches as a major western promotion helps the TV product stand out, and it would hopefully do the same for the company's debut console game.
The AEW console game is currently in development.