WWE 2K22 is out in the wild, with many players enjoying the return of MyGM mode, creating their own superstars in MyRise, playing through Rey Mysterio’s Showcase Mode, and more. As far as game modes go, the game is pretty well-rounded. Those that want more also know that WWE 2K22 DLC is on the horizon, including several new characters, but it turns out that some characters, costumes, and more never made it into the game.
Any video game is going to have cut content, as that’s just the nature of the beast. However, it’s a little different for WWE 2K22. This is because some of these cut characters look like they were intended for the game prior to being released by WWE, although there are a few pieces of cut content that fall under the “normal” things cut from video games.
As pointed out by WhatsTheStatus (and reported by VGC), the biggest discovery is perhaps the "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt’s entire entrance being animated, modeled, and so on. He also appears on cards in MyFaction mode and there was an arena discovered based on Wyatt’s in-universe kids show, “Firefly funhouse." Several characters, such as Drew McIntyre and Carmella, also have additional attires that were cut from the game.
Two wrestlers who are now signed to AEW, Ruby Riott/Ruby Soho and Bryan Danielson, also have in-file elements showing how they were once intended for the game. This includes an entrance video for Soho and several hidden crowd signs for Danielson. Ruby Riott was released from WWE on June 2, 2021, and signed to AEW on September 5, 2021. Danielson’s contract with WWE expired in May 2021 and he signed with AEW thereafter, appearing at the show in September. Chances are, they'll appear in the upcoming AEW game.
Another big discovery includes a different match for Rey Mysterio’s Showcase mode, namely his match against Jushin Liger at WCW Starrcade 1996. The arena and costume from this match made it into the game, yet this early and iconic match of Mysterio’s did not. According to VGC, this is likely due to Jushin Liger’s image rights (they are partially owned by a Japanese comic book publisher), making his appearance difficult.
Looking at cut content is always interesting, regardless of the franchise, but for WWE 2K22, there’s some real-world interest too. It’s uncertain if there will be a WWE 2K23, if WWE makes a deal with EA instead, or if 2K Sports is allowed to build on the solid WWE 2K22, but chances are, the next entry may have similar content cut from it.
WWE 2K22 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Source: VGC