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Among the high-impact moves from wrestlers like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, technical-style performers like Bret Hart work on body parts, wear down their opponents, get a submission victory, and, more importantly, make the product seem real. This is reflected in WWE 2K23, and even though most players will be going arcade style with flashy moves, going for submissions can secure an easy win on and offline.

RELATED: WWE 2K23: How To Create A First Blood MatchPlayer can get a submission victory without finishers if they focus on WWE 2K23's regular submissions holds, making matches against Roman Reigns with 99 overall more achievable in Legend difficulty. However, knowing when and how to use them is vital because the opponent will break out of them too quickly.

When To Use Submissions

WWE 2K23 Orton cranking the neck

Going for submissions too early in a match will prove costly. The opponent will break out of the hold fast and automatically counter the player's wrestler. It's a good idea to wear them down first and break down their body parts in the orange and red zones.

Damaging Body Parts

The body will get damaged after performing various moves in WWE 2K23, and for submissions to be effective, players need to target specific parts of WWE 2K23 superstars to get the win. For example, if players are going for a Figure Four Leglock submission, they should work on their opponent's legs or arms and head to work toward a Crossface finisher.

WWE 2K23 body part damage

How To Apply Submissions In A Match

WWE 2K23 Gunther with a submission move on Butch

With the body sufficiently worn down, it's time to start going for the submission moves, which will make the difference in WWE 2K23's Universe and other play modes. Use the following steps to apply the submission attacks.

Standing Submission

  • With the wrestler standing, the player can apply a submission from any position by pressing RT/R2 and B/Circle.
WWE 2K23 Nakamura with the standing submission into the armbar on Goldberg
  • Some moves can take submission from the feet to the ground, like Shinsuke Nakamura and his armbar takedowns.
WWE 2K23 Nakamura with the armbar on Goldberg

Grounded Submissions

  • Press RT/R2 and B/Circle by a grounded wrestler's feet to perform a lower body submission hold.
WWE 2K23 Nakamura with the arm and leg triangle on Goldberg
  • Press RT/R2 and B/Circle near the grounded wrestler's head to perform an upper-body submission.
WWE 2K23 Nakamura with the triangle on Goldberg
  • Press RT/R2 and B/Circle near the side of the grounded wrestler's body to perform a side submission.

Foot Catch Submissions

The foot catch reversal into submission is the most complicated, but it's an excellent opportunity to get a win or wear down an opponent. It's practical against WWE superstars like Rob Van Dam, who specializes in kicks.

WWE 2K23 Goldberg catching the leg
  • When an opponent kicks the player's wrestler, they must catch the foot using a reversal. Press the Y/Triangle button in time to grab and hold the leg after the kick.
WWE 2K23 Goldberg tripping after catching the leg
  • Players will have a short window to apply the submission to the leg by pressing RT/R2 and B/Circle.
WWE 2K23 Goldberg with the leg submission

That's all the regular submissions covered for victory. Players who want to focus on submissions-based moves can usually pick technical wrestlers. However, strikers and powerhouses like Shinsuke Nakamura and Brock Lesnar have good technical abilities in WWE 2K23, thanks to their legitimate MMA backgrounds.

WWE 2K23 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X.

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