The WWE has garnered a lot of controversy over the years due to the way it has treated wrestlers and how quickly the company can let go of major characters in the industry. In WWE 2K22’s roster, there were a few high-profile names that were left out since these wrestlers were no longer at the company, even though they had quite a large fan base. With WWE 2K22 missing wrestlers such as Big Show, Bray Wyatt, and Alicia Fox, who were all big names in the industry, leading fans to wonder what wrestlers will not make it in the next installment of the WWE 2K franchise.

Following the success of WWE 2K22, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of WWE 2K23, and many are hoping that their favorite wrestlers will make the cut for the roster. While there are ways for players to get missing wrestlers, mainly through character creation or downloadable characters, not including certain wrestlers means that fans will not be able to fully experience playing with their favorite superstars. This year, many high-profile superstars have left the WWE which likely means that they will not feature in WWE 2K23 or any future DLC content released for the game.

RELATED: How WWE 2K22's Roster Compares With Other Installments

Why Do Superstars Not Feature In WWE Games

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There are many reasons why a superstar may not feature in a WWE 2K game, the main one being that they have moved away from the company, so WWE no longer holds the rights to feature them as an official superstar. However, there are a few superstars who could have joined the WWE after the release of the roster list, or superstars, especially legends, that have had a presence in other shows. These superstars are also not included in the roster of the games which can lead to major concerns from fans who were hoping to try out newcomers and legends in a WWE 2K game. While the list of superstars that will not feature in WWE 2K23 continues to grow, however, fans can remain assured that they will still have the ability to create their favorite departed wrestlers, and even get to try out some new talent.

Wrestlers Who May Not Feature in WWE 2K23

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The ever-growing list of lost talent for the WWE has plagued the company as many of these wrestlers have moved to other companies while retaining much of their fanbase. While there is a possibility that very popular wrestlers like Jeff Hardy and Shane McMahon may return to the company in the future, it is more than likely that they will not feature in the upcoming WWE 2K game. This practice has always disappointed fans who have been waiting for the chance to play with their favorite wrestlers after they have departed from the WWE and relive all their favorite moments.

The WWE superstars and legends that will likely not feature in WWE 2K23 are:

  • Alexander Wolfe
  • Ariya Daivari
  • Billie Kay
  • Braun Strowman
  • Cesaro
  • Danny Burch
  • Ember Moon
  • Fandago
  • Gran Metalik
  • Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
  • Jeff Hardy
  • John Morrison
  • Kalisto
  • Karrion Kross
  • Keith Lee
  • Kushida
  • Kyle O’Reilly
  • Lana
  • Lince Dorado
  • Mia Yim
  • Nia Jax
  • Oney Lorcan
  • Peyton Royce
  • Reckoning
  • Samoa Joe
  • Shane McMahon
  • Slapjack
  • The Brian Kendrick
  • Timothy Thatcher
  • Toni Storm
  • Tyler Breeze
  • William Regal

While the definitive list may be different from this, fans will have to wait for the official release of the roster to find out if their favorite superstar or legend will make it into WWE 2K23. The major concerns over wrestlers’ safety and job security have always been something fans have criticized the WWE over, but the company continues to rotate its live roster, adding new emerging talent, but firing established, aging, or small superstars. Thankfully, the WWE 2K games have always had a great community and a packed character creation suite that can help fans bring in their favorite wrestlers if they do not make the list.

WWE 2K23 is currently in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

MORE: WWE 2K23 Wish List