WWE 2K22 is set for release later in 2021, and fans have been hoping it'll revitalize the series after WWE 2K20. One of the most commonly criticized elements of the last game was the lack of match types. Several match types haven't been seen in a WWE game for years, and WWE 2K22 could be the perfect opportunity to bring some of them back. Visual Concepts is hoping to address the issues of the past game, and bringing back some wild stipulation matches could be received well by fans.
2K Sports and Visual Concepts canceled WWE 2K21 after the nearly-universal negative reaction to WWE 2K20. Fans are hoping that after the year-long break that the developer has come up with plans to reinvigorate the franchise. The slogan for WWE 2K22 is "It Hits Different," and gamers are hoping that this will be the case when the game launches later this year. Wrestling fans have been longing to see the return of General Manager Mode, but there are some missing match types that fans would love to see make their return as well.
WWE Buried Alive Match
While the legendary Undertaker isn't an active wrestler anymore, one of his signature matches could be a lot of fun in WWE 2K22. The rules of a Buried Alive Match are simple, there are no disqualifications or count outs, and to win, the opponent must be buried in a dug-out grave. The Buried Alive Match hasn't made an appearance in a WWE game since the series was still branded as SmackDown vs. Raw except for an appearance in the showcase mode of WWE 2K16. This matchup is predisposed to interference, weapon use, and theatrical shenanigans, and it would be a perfect injection of absurd fun in WWE 2K22.
Inferno Match
Another match type that could help WWE 2K22 refresh the series is the Inferno Match. A true Inferno Match hasn't taken place in WWE since 2006, where Kane and MVP faced off. In this contest, the ring is surrounded by fire, and to win, a wrestler must throw their opponent into the flames. WWE has shied away from using this match since the company adopted a PG approach to its programming. There have been watered-down versions of the match in recent years, such as the Ring of Fire, but a lot of fans of Attitude Era WWE would be happy to see this match return in WWE 2K22.
Special Referee Match
The Special Referee Match is one of WWE 2K22's most requested features. The Special Referee Match allows a wrestler to step into the role of the referee in a given match type, and it's their discretion how they want to officiate a contest. Past games have allowed players to do things by the book or allow a certain degree of rule-bending and breaking. This could be ideal for multiplayer, where the player-controlled referee could cause chaos or allow the match to proceed as it should. It's no surprise that fans want to see this match return, as it was considered enjoyable in older WWE titles.
Casket Match
Fans have been calling on WWE 2K22 to look into the series' past to pave the way forward, and one such match that could help is the Casket Match. The Casket Match was never a series staple, and it has been used sporadically throughout WWE game history. The match has always been associated with The Undertaker, but it could be a lot of fun with any combination of superstars. To win, a wrestler must throw their opponent into a casket placed at ringside and close its lid. While this may sound simple, it can be achieved by any means necessary, as there are no disqualifications or count outs. Like many of WWE's gimmick matches, the Casket Match is perfect for weapon use and outside interference.
Visual Concepts has started showing off WWE 2K22 a bit more through behind-the-scenes videos, but there haven't been further gameplay details confirmed yet. With the game due to launch later in 2021, players can expect to learn some more details about WWE 2K22 in the coming months. Fans are hoping that as a part of the franchise being revitalized, there will be a variety of match types added. With gimmicks like the Casket Match and the Inferno Match, WWE 2K22 could stand to have a greater diversity of match types than the series has seen in years.
WWE 2K22 is set for release in 2021.