WWE 2K22 is a unique entry in the pro wrestling series in that it's had more development time than any game in the franchise has had for decades. Following WWE 2K20's disastrous launch, the decision was made to cancel plans for WWE 2K21 so the developers could focus on making WWE 2K22 the best that it could be, with the game currently slated to launch March 2022, right around WrestleMania season.
WWE 2K22 finds itself in an unique spot for other reasons as well. Namely, WWE has been on a talent releasing spree, letting go some of its most recognizable superstars like former world champions Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman. This has undoubtedly had an impact on the WWE 2K22 roster, and it seems that these releases have messed with the game's post-launch DLC plans as well.
This report comes from Sports Gamers Online, who claim that the first DLC for WWE 2K22 was supposed to be based on NXT wrestler Bronson Reed, with other NXT wrestlers planned for DLC as well. According to SGO, "a minimum of four" of the NXT wrestlers released this past August were meant to be DLC for WWE 2K22, so the releases have thrown the game's DLC plans into uncertainty.
Some of SGO's sources believe that WWE 2K22 may ditch the franchise's typical DLC model in favor of roster updates, and that these updates may even be free. Whether or not there's any truth to these claims remains to be seen, but it's an interesting prospect, to say the least.
WWE talent releases have caused problems for WWE 2K22, but wrestlers leaving on their own volition couldn't have been helpful either. One of WWE's top stars was Daniel Bryan, who is now wrestling under his real name in AEW as Bryan Danielson. Reports indicate that Danielson was planned for the WWE 2K22 roster, but his jump to AEW has obviously made that impossible.
While this report about WWE 2K22's scrapped DLC plans may worry some fans, there have been many positive behind the scenes reports about the game's progress. Reports have praised the game's new engine and have hyped it up as a return to form for the pro wrestling franchise. And with WWE 2K22 bringing back General Manager mode and seemingly making a number of other fan favorite decisions, it seems like it could very well redeem the franchise in the eyes of WWE fans.
WWE 2K22 is in development.
Source: Sports Gamers Online